subs. phr. (common).—1. A footman: Fr. larbin.
2. (common).—A collector of bones, rags, and other refuse from the streets and places where rubbish is placed, for the purpose of sale to marine dealers and bone crushers; a BONE-GRUBBER (q.v.).
1866. RUSKIN, Crown of Wild Olives, 25. The deceased was a BONE-PICKER. He was in the lowest stage of poverty, etc.
