beachcomber

[ beech-koh-mer ]

/ ˈbitʃˌkoʊ mər /

a person who lives by gathering salable articles of jetsam, refuse, etc., from beaches.

a vagrant who lives on the seashore, especially a nonnative person living in such a way on a South Pacific island.

a long wave rolling in from the ocean onto the beach.

Origin of beachcomber

First recorded in 1830–40; beach + comber

For of such is the paradise of the beach-comber, and the hell of the clean man.

The Cruise of the Cachalot |Frank T. Bullen
Moran took this end and drew it out between the beach-comber's teeth, then pushed it back slowly.

Moran of the Lady Letty |Frank Norris
Met him five years ago in Samoa; he was more of a beach-comber than a missionary in those days.

The Bishop's Secret |Fergus Hume
The beach-comber was talking in a high-keyed sing-song, but with a lisp.

Moran of the Lady Letty |Frank Norris

"That's not his game at all," said Moran to Wilbur, in a low tone, her eyes never leaving those of the beach-comber.

Moran of the Lady Letty |Frank Norris

beachcomber

/ (ˈbiːtʃˌkəʊmə) /

a person who searches shore debris for anything of worth, esp a vagrant living on a beach

Canadian (in British Columbia) a person who is paid for salvaging loose logs and returning them to logging companies

a long high wave rolling onto a beach

beachcombing, noun