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lead-swinger

noun \ ˈledˌswiŋə(r) \

Definition of lead-swinger

chiefly Australia
: shirker, slacker; especially : malingerer
  • the sick and the lame, the halt and the lead-swinger
  • —I. L. Idriess

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Origin and Etymology of lead-swinger

4lead + swinger (one that swings); perhaps from the belief of some sailors that the leadsman's job is an easy one

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