Search the Dictionary

Webster’s Dictionary (1828)

98,828 entries. Headwords are matched first, then definition text.

23 words match “DESMAN”

An amphibious, insectivorous mammal found in Russia (Myogale moschata). It is allied to the moles, but is called muscrat by some English writers. [Written also dæsman.]

BEADSMAN; BEDESMAN n.

A poor man, supported in a beadhouse, and required to pray for the soul of its founder; an almsman. Whereby ye shall bind me to be your poor beadsman for ever unto Almighty God. Fuller.

Same as Beadsman. [Obs.]

A male friend who attends upon a bridegroom and bride at their marriage; the "best man." Sir W. Scott.

LOADSMAN; LODESMAN n.

A pilot. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Same as Loadsman. [Obs.]

SIDESMAN n. 2 definitions

A party man; a partisan. Milton.

A customhouse officer who goes on board of a merchant ship to secure payment of the duties; a tidewaiter.

TRADESMAN n. 2 definitions

One who trades; a shopkeeper.

BOYCOTT v. 2 definitions

To combine against (a landlord, tradesman, employer, or other person), to withhold social or business relations from him, and to deter others from holding such relations; to subject to a boycott.

BRIDEMAID; BRIDEMAN n.

See Bridesmaid, Bridesman.

e of redeeming promises made, or of paying debts incurred; as, a broken bank; a broken tradesman.

A short visit; as, to make a call on a neighbor; also, the daily coming of a tradesman to solicit orders. The baker's punctual call. Cowper.

nt one's self from; as, to cut an appointment, a recitation. etc. [Colloq.] An English tradesman is always solicitous to cut the shop whenever he can do so with impunity. Thomas Hamilton. To cut a caper. See under Caper. -- To cut the cards, to divide a pack of cards into portions, in order to determine the deal or th…

One of the Myogalodæ, a family of Insectivora, including the desman, and allied species.

One who follows an employment; hence, a tradesman. [Obs.] "Merchants and occupiers." Holland. The occupiers of thy merchandise. Ezek. xxvii. 27.

A churchwarden's assistant; a sidesman. Blount. [Obs.]

A book in which a tradesman keeps his accounts. Locke.

go or come in a quiet, furtive manner; as, some errors slipped into the work. Thus one tradesman slips away, To give his partner fairer play. Prior. Thrice the flitting shadow slipped away. Dryden.