lead-swinger

noun

ˈledˌswiŋə(r)

chiefly Australia

: shirker, slacker

especially : malingerer

the sick and the lame, the halt and the lead-swinger

—I. L. Idriess

Word History

Etymology

lead entry 4 + swinger (one that swings); perhaps from the belief of some sailors that the leadsman's job is an easy one

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