shaveling

American  

[sheyv-ling] / ˈʃeɪv lɪŋ /

noun

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

2. a young fellow; youngster.

---

shaveling British  

/ ˈʃeɪvlɪŋ /

noun

1. derogatory a priest or clergyman with a shaven head

2. a young fellow; youth

---

Etymology

Origin of shaveling

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

Example Sentences

Quiet a moment, my masters; hear what the shaveling has to say for himself.

From Queen Mary and Harold by Tennyson, Alfred Tennyson, Baron

The Baron was fairly satisfied, and muttered that if the bairn was fit only for a shaveling, it might be all right.

From Grisly Grisell by Yonge, Charlotte Mary

"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

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

From The Last of the Vikings by Bowling, John

Mulholland, in which the first element means tonsured servant, shaveling, and the second is the name of a saint.

From The Romance of Names by Weekley, Ernest