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