ragpicker

[ rag-pik-er ]

noun

a person who picks up rags and other waste material from the streets, refuse heaps, etc., for a livelihood.

Origin of ragpicker

First recorded in 1855–60; rag¹ + picker

The Paris ragpicker is seldom seen in the streets by day: his most profitable season is the night.
Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science, Vol. 15, No. 87, March, 1875 | Various
The scavenger and the ragpicker, being the lowest grade of blousards, do not always rise to the dignity even of a blouse.
Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science, Vol. 15, No. 87, March, 1875 | Various
What if the ragpicker's daughters are hastening over the ocean to teach your children in the public schools?
The Promised Land | Mary Antin
"That part being settled, my young fellow, you must now settle scores with us," proceeded the ragpicker.
The Galley Slave's Ring | Eugne Sue
The group of armed men, the ragpicker excepted, who stood around the thief, consulted for a moment in a low voice.
The Galley Slave's Ring | Eugne Sue

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