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sucker
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.
1n.
one of a number of fresh-water fish of the family Catostomidae, which are bottom feeders having mouths so shaped as to give the appearance of being engaged in sucking.
Quotations
1748
At the Mouths of the Rivers . . . are Plenty of fine Salmon, Trout, and another which is a tolerable good Fish resembling a Carp, called a Sucker.
1849
At Dunvegan . . . the people had lived for some time . . . upon a species of fish called "suckers," which when dried . . . in the sun contain very little more nourishment than a pine shingle. . . .
1925
Despise not the suckers, ye who have not known What gnawing hunger is. . . .
1960
The common white sucker . . . is one of about 16 species of the sucker family found in Canada.
2a†n. — Slang
a gullible person; a fool.
Quotations
1838
It's true that pigs has their troubles like humans--constables catches 'em, dogs bites 'em, and pigs is sometimes as done-over suckers as men.
1896
In camps like Rossland, where the fever is on, and where the "sucker," with well lined purse, is standing on every corner inviting the wildcat's claws, the temptation is indeed great, even to the "reputable stock broker."
1961
Think it over carefully and have yourself scratched off the list of perennial suckers!
2b†n. — Slang
play (one) for a sucker, deceive by easy means; take advantage of (one's) gullibility.
Quotations
1890
Mr. Boodlefaker adds, "You bet I ain't going to be played for a sucker."
1958
A wife complains that her husband is "so gullible that everyone plays him for a sucker". . . .