A street vendor who sells fruit or vegetables from a cart or stall, historically common in London and other British cities.
From 'costard' (a large apple variety) plus 'monger' (a dealer or merchant). The term emerged in medieval England and became iconic for Victorian-era London street culture.
Costermongers were so important to London life that they developed their own rhyming slang and code—'apples and pears' for stairs—and their street knowledge made them unofficial historians of working-class neighborhoods.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.