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sandman

[ sand-man ]

/ ˈsændˌmæn /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR sandman ON THESAURUS.COM

noun, plural sand·men.

the man who, in fairy tales or folklore, puts sand in the eyes of children to make them sleepy.

Origin of sandman

First recorded in 1860–65; sand + man¹

Words nearby sandman

sandinista, sandino, sandiver, sandlot, sandlotter, sandman, sandor, sandpaper, sandpapery, sandpiper, sandpit

Example sentences from the Web for sandman

"Yes, ve'll take care on you," added the Tinker and the Sandman.

Auriol |W. Harrison Ainsworth
She was telling him that the 'Sandman, with his umbrella, knows all about the little folks in town.

Our Little Danish Cousin |Luna May Innes
"Look 'em over yourself," rejoined the Sandman, pushing the book towards him.

Auriol |W. Harrison Ainsworth
"Exactly the case with the t'other," whispered the Tinker to the Sandman.

Auriol |W. Harrison Ainsworth

Slightly altering his position, the Sandman caught sight of a figure standing upon the planks above them.

Auriol |W. Harrison Ainsworth

British Dictionary definitions for sandman

sandman

/ (ˈsændˌmæn) /

noun plural -men

(in folklore) a magical person supposed to put children to sleep by sprinkling sand in their eyes