roper

noun

rop·​er

ˈrōpə(r)

plural -s

1

: a maker of ropes

specifically : an operator of a machine for twisting yarn into rope

2

: one that ropes cattle or horses : cowboy

3

a

: one that entices customers to a gambling establishment especially with a fixed game

b

: a detective who hides his identity and tries to make a suspect give himself away

c

: a strikebreaker who circulates among strikers in search of men tempted to return to work

4

: a jockey who checks his horse to prevent it from winning

5

: a hat blocker who forms brims

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ropere maker of ropes, from rope entry 1 + -ere -er

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Rhymes for roper

• loper
• sloper
• interloper