Meanings
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1
noun
a merchant who owns or manages a shop
The tradesman kept a small shop near the quay.
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2
noun
A skilled manual worker (implied male).
The tradesman kept a small shop near the quay.
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3
noun
One who works in trade (commerce); a shopkeeper.
After this memorable event, I went to the hatter's, and the bootmaker's, and the hosier's, and felt rather like Mother Hubbard's dog whose outfit required the services of so many trades. […] It was not necessary to explain everywhere that I had come into a handsome property; but whenever I said anything to that effect, it followed that the officiating tradesman ceased to have his attention diverted through the window by the High-street, and concentrated his mind upon me.
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4
noun
A manual worker (implied male) who visits private premises to perform his job.
Tradesmen should use the rear entrance.
Thesaurus
Etymology
From trade + -s- + -man.