Beachcomber
a person who lives by gathering salable articles of jetsam, refuse, etc., from beaches.
a vagrant who lives on the seashore, especially a nonnative person living in such a way on a South Pacific island.
a long wave rolling in from the ocean onto the beach.
Historical Examples
“Hold hard,” cried the beachcomber, when the bottom was nearly reached.
King o’ the Beach George Manville Fenn
Some beachcomber in Honolulu had whispered to you, and you’d written to the Governor to find out.
The Night-Born Jack London
The beachcomber tugged his red moustache and laughed deprecatingly.
Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 156, April 16, 1919 Various
They followed the path, and a moment later caught a fleeting glimpse of the beachcomber.
Voice from the Cave Mildred A. Wirt
On calling the roll one dawn I found that The beachcomber was missing.
Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 156, April 16, 1919 Various
Again the beachcomber struck the stalagmites, listening raptly while the sounds died slowly away.
Voice from the Cave Mildred A. Wirt
I’ll admit he’s not exactly my style, but he’s no beachcomber.
Motor Matt’s Hard Luck Stanley R. Matthews
Old Tom was a character, and well known all over Polynesia as an inveterate old loafer and beachcomber.
The Call Of The South Louis Becke
The mate was agreeable to this, and bidding the beachcomber and his victim good-day he returned to the ship.
The Ebbing Of The Tide Louis Becke
Slouched among pillows and sheets, he resembled a beachcomber, a feudal derelict.
When the Owl Cries Paul Bartlett
noun
a person who searches shore debris for anything of worth, esp a vagrant living on a beach
(Canadian) (in British Columbia) a person who is paid for salvaging loose logs and returning them to logging companies
a long high wave rolling onto a beach
Read Also:
- Beach crab
any of various crabs that live on beaches, as the ghost crab.
- Beach drift
the drifting of sediments, especially marine sediments, in patterns parallel to the contours of a beach, due to the action of waves and currents.
- Beach face
the seaward section of a beach exposed to and shaped by the action of waves. Historical Examples The letter dropped from Roy’s grasp, and he flung himself down on the beach face foremost. His Big Opportunity Amy Le Feuvre
- Beach flea
any of various small crustaceans, found on beaches, that jump about like fleas. noun another name for the sand hopper
- Beachfront
land fronting on a beach. located on or adjacent to a beach: beachfront property. Contemporary Examples Ditto California, the state where he owns a beachfront La Jolla home complete with a $55,000 car elevator. No Home-Field Advantage for Mitt Romney John Avlon June 12, 2012 The beachfront town of Wildwood doesn’t want you shirtless, either. […]