ward heeler
noun U.S. Politics.
a minor politician who canvasses voters and does other chores for a political machine or party boss.
Origin of ward heeler
An Americanism dating back to 1885–90
Words nearby ward heeler
warbling vireo,
warburg,
warchalking,
ward,
ward eight,
ward heeler,
ward off,
warded,
warden,
wardenry,
warder
Example sentences from the Web for ward heeler
If you tried to vote some ward-heeler would challenge you and you'd like as not be hauled off to the lock-up.
Bunker Bean |Harry Leon WilsonAnd Blount knew the disappearance was real, because the ward-heeler's own henchmen were searching for him.
The Honorable Senator Sage-Brush |Francis LyndeIn the thick of it he seemed to see the ward-heeler standing at his bedside and beating furiously upon a huge Chinese gong.
The Honorable Senator Sage-Brush |Francis Lynde"They've got my number," said the ward-heeler, in a convict whisper which was little more than a facial contortion.
The Honorable Senator Sage-Brush |Francis Lynde
British Dictionary definitions for ward heeler
ward heeler
noun
US politics derogatory
a party worker who canvasses votes and performs chores for a political boss
Also called: heeler