wharf rat
noun
a large brown rat that is commonly found on wharves.
a person who lives or loiters near wharves, often existing by pilfering from ships or warehouses.
Origin of wharf rat
An Americanism dating back to 1815–25
Words nearby wharf rat
whare,
whare wananga,
wharenui,
wharepuni,
wharf,
wharf rat,
wharf shed,
wharfage,
wharfie,
wharfinger,
wharton
Example sentences from the Web for wharf rat
Jack guessed why Gray had tried to irritate him,—he saw that the well-known “wharf-rat” was to be his competitor.
The Hoosier School-boy |Edward EgglestonIt was strong enough of nicotine to drive a wharf-rat to suicide.
The Flying Bo'sun |Arthur MasonBut you see, there aint a wharf-rat left in Windover as ud trust me now!
A Singular Life |Elizabeth Stuart Phelps
British Dictionary definitions for wharf rat
wharf rat
noun
any rat, usually a brown rat, that infests wharves
informal
a person who haunts wharves, usually for dishonest purposes