hawkshaw
Definitions
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License
- noun A detective.
Examples
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In short and in fine, Mullinix no more resembled the traditional hawkshaw than Miss Mildred Smith resembled the fashionable conception of a fashionable artist.
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Donald J. Nicholson, the chief hawkshaw of the State Department, claims there are no Communists among the diplomats.
Fred Othman, 'Chief Hawkshaw,' The Pittsburgh Press, April 6, 1950
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The sharp eye of a fiery red-haired assistant in the office of Chief Probation Officer Frank A. Edwards today earned for her the title of 'Hawkshaw-the-Detectivette,' along with a pat on the back from her boss.
'Girl 'Hawkshaw' Helps In immigration Mixup,' The Miami News, October 24, 1953
Note
'Hawkshaw' comes from the name of the detective in the 19th century British play, 'The Ticket-of-Leave Man,' later a movie. Sometimes capitalized.
