a cattle stealer,i.q. Cattle-duffer (q.v.).
1890. Rolf Boldrewood, `Colonial Reformer,' c. xxv. p. 352:
«What's a little money . . . if your children grow up duffersand planters?»
a claim on a mine which turns outunproductive, called also shicer (q.v.). [This is onlya special application of the slang English, duffer, anincapable person, or a failure. Old English Daffe, afool]
1861. T. McCombie, `Australian Sketches,' p. 193:
«It was a terrible duffer anyhow, every ounce of gold got fromit cost L 20 I'll swear.»
1864. J Rogers, `New Rush,' p. 55:
«Tho' duffers are so common
And golden gutters rare,
The mining sons of woman
Can much ill fortune bear.»
1873. A.Trollope, `Australia and New Zealand,' vol. i. p. 291:
«A shaft sunk without any produce from it is a duffer. . . .But of these excavations the majority were duffers. It is theduffering part of the business which makes it all so sad.Somuch work is done from which there is positively no return.»
1885. H. Finch-Hatton, `Advance Australia,' p. 266:
«The place is then declared to be a `duffer,' and abandoned,except by a few fanatics, who stick there for months andyears.»
1891. `The Australasian,' Nov. 21, p. 1014:
«Another duffer! Rank as ever was bottomed! Seventy-five feethard delving and not a colour!»
n. a man who steals cattle(usually by altering their brands). See also Duffer. 1886. `Melbourne Pu...
Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris
v. A mine is said to duffer out,when it has ceased to be productive. 1885. H. Finch-Hatton, `Advan...
Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris