English Dictionary

Definition of “panhandler”

Browse the English Dictionary (A-Z)
Your search found:

Word Frequency

Word Frequency of panhandler

panhandler (ˈpænhændlə) 

Definitions

noun

  1. (US, informal) someone who accosts and begs from (passers-by), esp on the street

panhandle2 (ˈpænˌhændəl Pronunciation for panhandle2 ) 

Definitions

verb

  1. (US & Canadian, informal) to accost and beg from (passers-by), esp on the street

Derived Forms

ˈpanˌhandler noun

Word Origin

C19: probably a back formation from panhandler a person who begs with a pan

Example Sentences Including 'panhandler'

, at 1: 30 a. m. The man, who speaks only Spanish, was stabbed in the back after indicating he didn't understand the panhandler.
Toronto Sun (2003)
I'll concede that there are good days when a panhandler might make quadruple that.
Edmonton Sun (2003)
In New York there is a panhandler who works Central Park South with the cry, `Twenty dollars minimum, folks!
Lawson, Dominic (ed.) The Spectator Annual
Under some archaic bye-law aimed at beggars, buskers are essentially lumped in with your common or garden panhandler.
Sun, News of the World (2001)
`No. Scobie, Arnold is shifty and has his hand out for anything you'll put into it, he's the most up-market panhandler I've ever met.
Cleary, Jon Murder Song

Comments

Log in to comment on this word.

Spread the Word

Latest New Word Submissions

View More

Suggest a new word to add to the dictionary

Latest Published Words and Updates

Related Terms

1 results

Browse nearby words

All English words that begin with 'P'