Synonyms for old bat

Grammar : Noun

Spell : bag

Phonetic Transcription : bæg

Définition of old bat

Origin : c.1200, bagge, from Old Norse baggi or a similar Scandinavian source; not found in other Germanic languages, perhaps ultimately of Celtic origin. Disparaging slang for "woman" dates from 1924 (though various specialized senses of this are much older). Meaning "person's area of interest or expertise" is 1964, from Black English slang, from jazz sense of "category," probably via notion of putting something in a bag.
To be left holding the bag (and presumably nothing else), "cheated, swindled" is attested by 1793. Many figurative senses are from the notion of the game bag (late 15c.) into which the product of the hunt was placed; e.g. the verb meaning "to kill game" (1814) and its colloquial extension to "catch, seize, steal" (1818). To let the cat out of the bag "reveal the secret" is from 1760.

As in old bag : noun old woman

Example sentences :

Before he can turn round that old bat up there will have him trimmed to a finish.
Extract from : « The Trail of '98 » by Robert W. Service

My old bat has always been a trier, but of late it has been manifestly past its work.
Extract from : « Once a Week » by Alan Alexander Milne

That old bat of a Stubbard has got scent of a rat, and is hunting about the farm-houses.
Extract from : « Springhaven » by R. D. Blackmore

He ran down to the landing-stage, having given his old bat and third best fishing-rod to his brother to occupy his attention.
Extract from : « The Surprising Adventures of Sir Toady Lion With Those of General Napoleon Smith » by S. R. Crockett

"I'd rather give it to you than to that old bat," said the innkeeper, closing the stable door and pushing in the bolt.
Extract from : « Puss in Boots, Jr., and the Good Gray Horse » by David Cory

He nodded toward his wife, who stood at some distance talking earnestly with Old Bat.
Extract from : « Prairie Flowers » by James B. Hendryx

Had a room with another boy in an old bat roost over beyond the Wells Street bridge.
Extract from : « The Arrow of Fire » by Roy J. Snell

Most wanted synonyms

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019