swagman

American  

[swag-muhn] / ˈswæg mən /

noun

Australian.

plural

swagmen

1. a tramp, hobo, or vagabond.

2. anyone who carries a swag while traveling, as a camper or prospector.

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swagman British  

/ ˈswæɡˌmæn, -mən /

noun

1. Also called: swagger.   swaggie.  informal a labourer who carries his personal possessions in a pack or swag while travelling about in search of work; vagrant worker

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Etymology

Origin of swagman

First recorded in 1875–80; swag ² + -man

Example Sentences

The Australians, to whom this enthusiasm was second nature, roared into Bardia singing: Once a jolly swagman camped by a billabong Under the shade of a coolibah tree.

From Time Magazine Archive

Up jumped the swagman and sprang into the billabong, "You'll never take me alive," said he.

From Time Magazine Archive

Macauley, at 35, was a proud and able swagman, i.e., itinerant sheep-station hand, who hated cities, where you always need "a penny for the slot and a key for the door."

From Time Magazine Archive

Down came a jumbuck to drink at the billabong, Up jumped the swagman and grabbed him with glee.

From Time Magazine Archive

A valid claim to satisfaction was thus established, and the swagman showed a disposition to enforce it.

From The Book of the Bush Containing Many Truthful Sketches Of The Early Colonial Life Of Squatters, Whalers, Convicts, Diggers, And Others Who Left Their Native Land And Never Returned by Macfarlane, J.