tramp´er

tramp «tramp», verb, noun.

–v.i.

1. to walk heavily: »

He tramped across the floor in his heavy boots.

2. to step heavily (on); trample: »

He tramped on the flowers.

3. to go on foot; walk: »

The hikers tramped through the mountains. We tramped through the streets.

4. to walk steadily; march: »

The hikers tramped mile after mile.

5. to go or wander as a tramp.

–v.t.

1. to step heavily on; trample upon.

2. to travel on or through on foot: »

to tramp the streets, to tramp the city day after day.

–n.

1. the sound of a heavy step or steps: »

The steady tramp of marching feet.

2. a long, steady walk; march; hike: »

The friends took a tramp together over the hills.

3. a person who wanders about, living by begging, doing odd jobs, or the like: »

A tramp came to the door and asked for food.

SYNONYM(S): vagabond, hobo, vagrant, beggar.

4. a freight ship without a regular route or schedule, that takes a cargo when and where it can; tramp steamer.

5. a) an iron or steel plate worn under the shoe or boot to protect it, especially in digging and climbing. b) an iron or steel plate with spikes, worn on a shoe or boot to give a firm foothold on ice.

6. Informal. a woman or girl of low morals: »

Ladies don't fight with their fists in the street like common tramps (Louise Meriwether).

╂[perhaps < Low German or Flemish trampen to stamp, tread]

–tramp´er, noun.