square-toes

American  

[skwair-tohz] / ˈskwɛərˌtoʊz /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. an old-fashioned or strait-laced person.

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Etymology

Origin of square-toes

First recorded in 1765–75

Example Sentences

He paused between photo shoots and looked down at his black leather square-toes.

From New York Times • Jun. 23, 2018

"He is doubtless," thought I, "some rich old square-toes, of regular habits, and is now taking exercise after breakfast."

From Bracebridge Hall, or The Humorists by Irving, Washington

But I should think Nan knows better than to marry a square-toes.

From Dangerous Ages by Macaulay, Rose, Dame

Come, ould square-toes, take a thimbleful of it, and maybe it'll lead you to a better understanding.

From Jack Hinton The Guardsman by Lever, Charles James

"I don't say as Gran'dad is a saint, Josie, but he ain't crooked, like Ned—ye kin bank on that—'cause he's a Cragg, an' the Craggs is square-toes even when they're chill'ins."

From Mary Louise in the Country by St. John, James Allen