Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
rag-and-bone-man
noun
/ˈræɡ ənd boʊn mæn/
Definition
A person who collects and sells old or discarded items, especially rags and bones, often working informally.
Examples
- The rag-and-bone-man would visit our street every Saturday morning.
- In the past, the rag-and-bone-man played an important role in waste recycling.
- Children loved to watch the rag-and-bone-man as he called out to everyone to gather their unwanted items.
Meaning
Traditionally, a rag-and-bone-man was someone who would go around neighborhoods to gather used clothing, rags, and other materials that could be sold or repurposed. This term may also refer to a more general scavenger or junk dealer.
Synonyms
- scavenger
- junk dealer
- rag picker
