potwalloper

noun

pot·​wal·​lop·​er

ˈpäˌtwäləpə(r)

variants or less commonly potwaller

-lə(r)

: a voter living in an English borough before the Reform Act of 1832 and qualifying for suffrage as a householder by the boiling of his own pot at his own fireplace

Word History

Etymology

potwalloper alteration (influenced by wallop) of potwaller, from pot entry 1 + obsolete English wall to boil (from Middle English wallen, from Old English weallan) + English -er

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now