The story
US, mid 1700s.
Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Today it means: A professional false witness hired by an unscrupulous attorney. Such a man would frequent the vicinity of a courthouse and show his intention and availability by a straw sticking from one of his shoes. Full definition →
US, mid 1700s.
Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.