Dictionary

month man en · NOUN

Etymology

First appearing in written records in the late 1700s, the term was primarily used in the United Kingdom and rural America.

Meanings

1. (historical) A temporary agricultural worker hired for a specific, usually short-term duration, typically exactly one month; commonly brought on during peak seasons, such as planting or harvesting and often paid higher wages than full-time or year-round farmhands.
   • If a month hand receives the same pay the year around, the owner will fee] that he is getting too much in winter ; and in harvest, when day hands are getting big wages, the month man will feel that he is working for nothing. By varying the pay, the year's total may be the same, but both farmer and laborer will be better satisfied. 1913, G.F. Warden, Farm Management, page 342:

Forms

Relateds

months-men · monthmen · months men · month men · monthsmen · month hand