trencherman

[ tren-cher-muhn ]

/ ˈtrɛn tʃər mən /

Save This Word!

noun, plural trench·er·men.

a person who has a hearty appetite; a heavy eater.

Archaic. a hanger-on; parasite.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of trencherman

First recorded in 1580–90; trencher + -man

Words nearby trencherman

trench, trenchant, Trenchard, trench coat, trencher, trencherman, trenches, trench fever, trench foot, trench knife, trench mortar

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use trencherman in a sentence

Rick ate half a dozen hot dogs himself, while Scotty maintained his reputation as a good trencherman with two on top of that.
The Blue Ghost Mystery|Harold Leland Goodwin
He was a gallant trencherman, and the strange tropic viands tickled his palate.
Whirligigs|O. Henry
Now set to like a good trencherman, though, being but plain men, our fare is likewise plain.
The Winning of the Golden Spurs|Percy F. Westerman
In the dialogue that follows, the valiant soldier and the valiant trencherman appear in humorous contrast.
Is Polite Society Polite?|Julia Ward Howe

He was a valiant trencherman, and strong drink was a passion and a weakness with him.
Queen of the Black Coast|Robert E. Howard

British Dictionary definitions for trencherman

trencherman

/ (ˈtrɛntʃəmən) /

noun plural -men

a person who enjoys food; hearty eater

archaic a person who sponges on others; parasite

Word Origin for trencherman

C16: from trencher 1 + man

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012