HOODLUM


Meaning of HOODLUM in English

ˈhüdləm also ˈhu̇d- noun

( -s )

Etymology: origin unknown

1.

a. : thug , ruffian , mobster ; especially : a small-time criminal whose crimes include acts of violence

a gang of hoodlums had murdered four people — J.A.Michener

a hoodlum … works for gangsters, and bumps guys off after they have been put on the spot — C.R.Cooper

b. : one who behaves in an uncouth or ruffianly manner

some of the tenderest scenes … were spoiled by hoodlums in the gallery — American Guide Series: Washington

c. : a young ruffian or street loafer : a rowdy or misbehaved child or adolescent

that kid was a real hoodlum , … shot craps and everything — Lamp

2. West

a. or hoodlum wagon : a wagon used at roundup to carry bedding and miscellaneous supplies

b. : the driver of a hoodlum, usually serving also as cook's helper

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.