The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #117136 Message #2521037
Posted By: Joe_F
20-Dec-08 - 09:23 PM
Thread Name: BS: Definition of 'Rounder'
Subject: RE: BS: Definition of 'Rounder'
My understanding (I forget from where) is that the word had at least two distinct meanings in U.S. vulgar language:
1. A railroad man -- employed, unemployed, or retired -- who frequents a roundhouse for society.
2. A dissolute loafer who makes the rounds of the bars in a town.
You will find both definitions (among many others, but without the "roundhouse" explanation) in the OED.