navvy

Noun
Synonyms: drudgepeongalley slave

WordNet 3.0

Noun (1)

  1. a laborer who is obliged to do menial workSynonyms: drudgepeongalley slave
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Navvy \Nav"vy\, n.; pl. Navies. [Abbreviated fr. navigator.] Originally, a laborer on canals for internal navigation; hence, a laborer on other public works, as in building railroads, embankments, etc. [Eng.] [1913 Webster]
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