Bumboatman

/ˈbʌmboʊtmən/ noun

Definition

A man who operates a bumboat, selling provisions and goods to sailors on ships in harbor.

Etymology

From 'bumboat' plus the agent suffix '-man,' referring to the occupation of those who worked these small trading vessels.

Kelly Says

Bumboatmen had a reputation as clever traders and sometimes as smugglers—naval records show they often made more money bringing contraband aboard ship than selling legitimate supplies.

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