Same as Swagman (q.v.).Specially used in New Zealand. The word has also the modernEnglish slang sense.
1875. Lady Barker, `Station Amusements in New Zealand,' p. 154:
«Describing the real swagger, clad in flannel shirt, moleskintrowsers, and what were once thick boots.»
1890. `The Century,' vol. xli. p. 624 (`Century'):
«Under the name of swagger or sundowner the tramp, as he movesfrom station to station in remote districts, in supposed searchfor work, is a recognized element of society.»
1893. `Otago Witness,' Dec. 21, p. 6, col. 3:
«Once a footsore swagger came along, and having gone to thehouse to ask for `tucker,' soon returned. He took his swagfrom his shoulders and leant it against the Tree; then hebusied himself gathering the small sticks and dried leaveslying about on every side.»
1896. `The Argus,' March 23, p.5, col. 1:
«The minister's house is the sure mark for every stone-brokeswagger in search of clothes or victuals.»
1896. `Southern Standard' (New Zealand), [page not given]:
«An ardent young lady cyclist of Gore, who goes very longjourneys on her machine, was asked by a lady friend if she wasnot afraid of swaggers on the road. `Afraid of them?' shesaid, `why, I take tea with them!'»
1896. `The Champion,' Jan. 4, p. 3, col. 3:
«He [Professor Morris] says that `swagger' is a variant of`swagman.' This is equally amusing and wrong.»
[Nevertheless, he now says it once again.]