blackleg:

(plural: ‘blacklegs‘; pronunciation: ‘black…leg’)

‘strike’ and ‘to strike’, in this context = the act of workers stopping working as a way to show their protest, and to stop working in order to show protest or dissatisfaction
a blackleg at cards (hiding a card in her sweater sleeve)

 

 

a person who continues to work when other workers are on strike;

in British usage: a worker who opposes (does not accept) trade unions (workers’ unions);

a strikebreaker; a scab;

a person who cheats at card games,

e.g.

When the regular workers are on strike, several factories engage blacklegs from other places.

A blackleg is also called a ‘scab’ which, apart form other meanings, is also used to refer to the hardened part on a wound or cut while it is healing.

We seldom invite Mathews to join us in our card game sessions as we all know what a blackleg he is!

“Blackleg” is also used to refer to an infectious bacterial disease in animals and plants.

Return to “fink“.

About the Author:BC Kumar

BC Kumar, an English Language Teacher, taught in numerous countries including Ethiopia, Oman and India, shares his knowledge and passion for the English Language. Disclaimer: This is a free educational website and all content has been compiled by the author. All copyrights to images and videos belong to their respective owners.

Comments are closed.