Dictionary

bead-rattler en · NOUN

Etymology

A reference to rosary beads.

Meanings

1. (derogatory) A Roman Catholic.
   • A young bead-rattler it was, made the same mistake as yersel. 2012, Jeff Torrington, Swing Hammer Swing!:
   • Seeing how ye're a native son of our beloved country, and ain't a bead rattler, I'm gonna be generous and set ya a task. 2013, Stephen L. Antczak, James C. Bassett, Clockwork Fairy Tales: A Collection of Steampunk Fables:
   • He's a bead rattler, a papist. 2013, Charles Knepper, The Fleecing, page 25:
   • I recall being impressed that you were able to translate it, though probably at the cost of the unreconstructed Rangers fans on the firm marking you down as a bead-rattler. 2017, Chris Brookmyre, Siege Mentality:
   • And can't you smell that bacon? To think that a poor bead-rattler like me can't have any, on a Friday, no matter how early he's up, and that you might have all you wanted, if you'd only take the trouble to come and get it, you lazy heretics! 1951, Frances Parkinson Keyes, Joy Street, page 236:

Forms