A bagman, a “drummer.” Obs.
1836. [Drummers in Philadelphia] are called borers, probably from some resemblance in qualities to a worm that infests fruit trees.—Public Ledger (Phila.), Aug. 23.
1854. I should like to say a few words about these “legislative borers.”… “What is a borer?” said I. “A borer!” said [my friend], “why that is an animal that walks on two legs, has brass in his face, iron in his nerves, and railroad tickets in his pockets, and has thrown conscience to the devil long ago…. They are familiar with all the dodges of the season, understand the ropes about town, and, to members, are the most obsequious gentlemen in the crowd.”—Mr. Trout of Pa., House of Reps., May 20: Cong. Globe, p. 893/2, App.
1856. When Felicien Boutard blessed the drummers and borers of New-York.—Knickerbocker Mag., xlviii. 407 (Oct.).
