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Navvy

//ˈnævi// noun, verb

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A laborer on a civil engineering project such as a canal or railroad. UK, historical

    "Suppose two lads, fresh from school, go out into the world to earn their living; one becomes a navvy and one a clerk. In five years' time these two young men will probably be very different in appearance from one another. The navvy will have developed his muscles; he will be broad-built, broad-chested, and strong."

  2. 2
    a laborer who is obliged to do menial work wordnet
  3. 3
    an unskilled laborer
Verb
  1. 1
    To carry out physical labor on a civil engineering project. UK, historical, intransitive

    "But by pretending to believe he's navvied before, I've given him double reason to drive himself hard."

Etymology

Etymology 1

Clipping of navigator, in reference to the navigation canals upon which these workers first toiled, + -y.

Etymology 2

Clipping of navigator, in reference to the navigation canals upon which these workers first toiled, + -y.

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