bootblack

[ boot-blak ]

/ ˈbutˌblæk /

a person who shines shoes and boots for a living.

Origin of bootblack

An Americanism dating back to 1810–20; boot¹ + black

After leaving the bootblack Ralph hardly knew what to do with himself.

The Young Bridge-Tender |Arthur M. Winfield
Is not an opinion, if correct, as good coming from a bootblack as from a Royal Academician?

The Confessions of a Caricaturist, Vol 2 (of 2) |Harry Furniss
"A bootblack is a nice playmate," said Guy, with his usual sneer.

Hector's Inheritance |Horatio Alger
"I am not ashamed of having been a bootblack," said our hero, calmly.

Tom, The Bootblack |Horatio Alger

"Good morning, Mike," said Rodney, as the bootblack was brushing off a customer.

Cast Upon the Breakers |Horatio Alger

bootblack

/ (ˈbuːtˌblæk) /

mainly US another word for shoeblack