shaveling

American  

[sheyv-ling] / ˈʃeɪv lɪŋ /

noun

1. Older Use: Disparaging. a clergyman with a shaven or tonsured head.

2. a young fellow; youngster.

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shaveling British  

/ ˈʃeɪvlɪŋ /

noun

1. derogatory a priest or clergyman with a shaven head

2. a young fellow; youth

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Etymology

Origin of shaveling

First recorded in 1520–30; shave + -ling ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

shaveling

"You are a man of sinew yourself, monk, and methinks that you would have made a better soldier than a shaveling."

From Both Sides the Border A Tale of Hotspur and Glendower by Peacock, Ralph

What if Count Hannibal were behind, were even now mounting the stairs, prepared to force her to a marriage before this shaveling?

From Historical Romances: Under the Red Robe, Count Hannibal, A Gentleman of France by Weyman, Stanley J.

Let me endure the extremity of your anger, my lord," said Giles, "if this be not a real shaveling.

From Ivanhoe by Scott, Walter, Sir

Well, shaveling," said he, "thou hast said thy prayers, I perceive.

From The Last of the Vikings by Bowling, John

"That dull shaveling loves us not, fair Ella," said Ned Dyram.

From Agincourt The Works of G. P. R. James, Volume XX by James, G. P. R. (George Payne Rainsford)