walking papers

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.

Orders to leave; a dismissal. When a person is appointed to a public office, or receives a commission, he receives papers or documents investing him with authority; so when he is discharged it is said in familiar language that 'he has received his walking papers, or his walking ticket.'


It is probable, that "walking papers" will be forwarded to a large proportion of the corps diplomatique during the session of Congress. B---- and B---- are already admonished to return, and the invitation will be pretty general.--N. Y. Herald, Letter from Washington.

We can announce with certainty that the Hon. Mr. D---- has received his walking ticket, accompanied with some correspondence with his Excellency that has given him offence.--Kingston, Canada, Whig, Dec. 1843.

Mr. Duane was ordered to remove the deposits. He answered that his duty did not require it. In a few hours he got his walking tickett that his services were no longer wanted.--Crockett, Tour down East, p. 30.

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.

← walking ticket   ×   wall →

Related Words