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A.Word.A.Day--bindlestiff

Pronunciation RealAudio

bindlestiff (BIN-dl-stif) noun

A hobo who carries a bundle of bedding and other possessions.

[From English bindle (bundle) + stiff (tramp). Ultimately from Indo-European root bhendh- (to bind), that is also the source of such words as bandanna, band, bond, and bundle.]

"In fact, the governor is hardly more than a duly elected bindlestiff running a train full of deadbeats." Michael Browning; Janet the Just; Palm Beach Post (Florida); Sep 22, 2002.

This week's theme: miscellaneous words.

X-Bonus

Secrecy is an instrument of conspiracy; it ought not, therefore, to be the system of a regular government. -Jeremy Bentham, jurist and philosopher (15 Feb 1748-1832)

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