mossback

Slang

DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.

an oldtimer, often one having unprogressive, old-fashioned ideas.

Quotations

1884

The local mossback refers to the recent picking up of stones on Stephen Avenue, and the piling of the same in the middle of the avenue.

1959

Many evenings at the mission I listened to old mossbacks, prospectors, and trappers unfold the scroll of their experiences.

1963

He is not, however, a member of the mossback rump in the Liberal caucus, a group led by Yvon Dupuis, MP for Sain-Jean. . . .