I. ˈhō(ˌ)bō noun
( plural hoboes also hobos )
Etymology: perhaps alteration of ho, boy, a call used in the northwestern United States in the 1880's by railway mail handlers when delivering mail
1. : a migratory worker
2.
a. : one that is homeless and usually penniless and that leads a largely vagrant life often by choice and that occasionally works at odd jobs : tramp
b. : bum VII 1a, 1b
Synonyms: see vagabond
II. intransitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
: to live or travel in the manner of a hobo
spent two years hoboing around the country
III. noun
also hobo bag
: a large shoulder bag shaped like a pouch