government men

Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris

n.


an obsolete euphemistic namefor convicts, especially for assigned servants (q.v.).

1846. G. H. Haydon, `Five Years in Australia Felix,' p. 122:

«Three government men or convicts.»

1852. J. West, `History of Tasmania,' vol. ii. p. 127:

«Government men, as assigned servants were called.»

Related Words