Definitions
from The Century Dictionary.
- noun The sawyer who takes the upper stand in a saw-pit. Hence One who holds a higher position than another; a chief over others; a superior.
- noun A person of consequence or importance; a prominent person.
Etymologies
Sorry, no etymologies found.
Support
Help support Wordnik (and make this page ad-free) by adopting the word top-sawyer.
Examples
-
'Mend this axle, me man, 'says one on 'em -- a top-sawyer be the looks on' im -- 'mend this axle, and quick about it. '
The Broad Highway Jeffery Farnol 1915
-
"He'll be top-sawyer soon of you two, and carry all afore him," added jocular Mr. Tubber.
-
"He'll be top-sawyer soon of you two, and carry all afore him," added jocular Mr. Tubber.
The Mayor of Casterbridge Thomas Hardy 1884
-
"I won't praise the doctor's wisdom till I hear what sort of bargain he's made," said the top-sawyer.
The Woodlanders Thomas Hardy 1884
-
The despicable thing in this Hubert Eldon is that, having got money once more, and in the dirtiest way, he puts on the top-sawyer just as if there was nothing to be ashamed of.
Demos George Gissing 1880
-
'But,' said I, still more confused, '"The King is the top-sawyer," according to our proverb.
-
"I'll marry a top-sawyer," he used to say, whenever his uncle broached the question of his settlement in life.
M. or N. "Similia similibus curantur." G.J. Whyte-Melville 1849
-
"In this house, sir, for the last fifteen years I've been top-sawyer of the female gender."
An Old Man's Love Anthony Trollope 1848
-
A part of the machinery is always above this deck; where the connecting-rod, in a strong and lofty frame, is seen working away like an iron top-sawyer.
American Notes 1842
-
I have recorded the death of my foster-sister Mary; but, about this time, the top-sawyer, wishing to perpetuate the dynasty of the Brandons, began to enact _pater familias_ in a most reckless manner.
Rattlin the Reefer Edward Howard 1820
Comments
Log in or sign up to get involved in the conversation. It's quick and easy.