revenuer

American  

[rev-uhn-yoo-er, -uh-noo-] / ˈrɛv ənˌyu ər, -əˌnu- /

noun

Informal.

1. an agent of the U.S. Treasury Department, especially one whose responsibility is to enforce laws against illegal distilling or bootlegging of alcoholic liquor.

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revenuer British  

/ ˈrɛvɪˌnjuːə /

noun

1. slang a revenue officer or cutter

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Etymology

Origin of revenuer

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80; revenue + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Its hillbilly character “Grandpappy” was shown on later bottles shooting at a government revenuer running from an outhouse.

From Washington Times

State and federal lawmakers want their potential tax revenues, just as the federal “revenuers” did from homemade distilleries and washtubs filled with gin.

From Washington Times

During Prohibition the ban on the production of alcohol was initially enforced by agents of the Treasury Department — “revenuers,” they were called.

From New York Times

It is always advisable to locate such a barbecue shack way out in the woods, far from scented candles, sheriffs and revenuers.

From New York Times

In despair the revenuer ceased his beating, and his fingers, reeking with the boy's blood, found Lem's neck.

From Project Gutenberg