bread-winner
(ˈbrɛdwɪnə(r))
1. One who supports himself and those dependent upon him by his earnings.
| 1821 Galt Ann. Parish 162 (Jam.) What war is when it comes into our hearths, and among the bread-winners. 1863 Miss Muloch Mistr. & Maid xi. 122 Many a young fellow of his age was the stay and bread-winner of some widowed mother or sister. 1880 A. H. Huth Buckle I. iii. 198 The age at which the bread-winners marry. |
2. The tool, art, or craft with which any one earns his living.
| 1818 Scott Br. Lamm. II. 255 (Jam.) ‘I'se gang hame,—and then get my bread-winner’ [a fiddle]. 1821 Galt Ann. Par. 174 (Jam.) An aged woman, who has but the distaff for her bread-winner. 1870 Lowell Among my Bks. Ser. i. (1873) 190 That art which was..the bread-winner alike for soul and body. |
So ˈbread-winning vbl. n. and ppl. a.
| 1875 Helps Anim. & Mast. vi. 142 Of course, it has nothing to do with bread-winning pursuits. 1879 M. Pattison Milton 13 His aim is far above breadwinning. 1879 Geo. Eliot Theo. Such xvi. 290 The sort of public spirit that scamps its bread-winning work. |