digger

noun

dig·​ger ˈdi-gər 

1

a

: one that digs

b

: a tool or machine for digging

2

Digger dated, offensive : an indigenous person of the western United States from a culture (such as that of the Paiute) that traditionally dug roots for food

3

or Digger chiefly Australia and New Zealand : an Australian or New Zealand soldier

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a