Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Spoilsman
Spoils′man
(spoilz′man)
, Noun.
pl.
Spoilsmen
(spoilz′men)
. One who serves a cause or a party for a share of the spoils; in United States politics, one who makes or recognizes a demand for public office on the ground of partisan service; also, one who sanctions such a policy in appointments to the public service.
Definition 2024
spoilsman
spoilsman
English
Noun
spoilsman (plural spoilsmen)
- (US) A politician who serves only for a share of the spoils.
- 1988, James McPherson, Battle Cry for Freedom, Oxford 2003, p. 217:
- Cameron's notoriety as a spoilsman who had been in turn a Democrat, a Know-Nothing, and had flirted with Whiggery, militated against his candidacy among delegates concerned that the party should appear to be as pure as Caesar's wife.
- 1988, James McPherson, Battle Cry for Freedom, Oxford 2003, p. 217: