steamer

plural steamers

1. A device or object that works by the operation of steam.
   1. A vessel in which articles are subjected to the action of steam, as in washing and in various processes of manufacture.
   2. cookingA cooking appliance that cooks by steaming.
   3. obsoleteA steam fire engine, that is, a steam boiler and engine driving a pump, which are all mounted on wheels.
2. A mode of transportation propelled by steam.
   1. A steam-powered road locomotive; a traction engine.
   2. nauticalA vessel propelled by steam; a steamboat or steamship.

      The company also owned a small steamer, Lake of Shadows, which operated a service from Fahan to Rathmullan, on Lough Swilly.

      1953 October, H. C. Casserley, “The Londonderry & Lough Swilly Railway”, in Railway Magazine, page 708

      2 more examples

      Her gunboat fleet alone is composed of one hundred and sixty-one small steamers, of the efficiency of which for war purports naval critics have formed a high estimate.

      1859 January 6, “English and Amer[i]can navies”, in The Olney Times (reprinted from the New York Herald), volume 3, number 27 (number 130 overall), Olney, Ill.: William F. Beck, →OCLC, page 1, column 6

      Every since the age of six Troy Belknap of New York had embarked for Europe every June on the fastest steamer of one of the most expensive lines. With his family he had descended at the dock from a large noiseless motor, had kissed his father good-bye, turned back to shake hands with the chauffeur (a particular friend), and trotted up the gang-plank behind his mother's maid, [...]

      1918, Edith Wharton, chapter I, in The Marne, New York, N.Y.: D[aniel] Appleton and Company, →OCLC, page 1

3. abbreviationclippingClipping of steamer trunk.
4. A babycino (frothy milk drink).
5. A wetsuit with long sleeves and legs.
6. The name of various animals.
   1. MaineThe soft-shell clam, sand gaper, or long-neck clam (Mya arenaria), an edible saltwater clam; specifically the clam when steamed for eating.
   2. A steamer duck: any of the four species of the duck genus Tachyeres which are all found in South America, three of which are flightless.
7. hobbiesA racehorse the odds of which are becoming shorter (that is, decreasing) because bettors are backing it.
8. UKslangAn act of fellatio.
9. UKslangcrimeA member of a youth gang who engages in steaming (robbing and escaping in a large group).
10. ScotlandUKslangA drinking session.

    Synonyms: bender, binge, carouse, piss-up

11. AustraliaobsoleteA dish made by cooking diced meat very slowly in a tightly sealed pot with a minimum of flavourings, allowing it to steam in its own juices; specifically such a dish made with kangaroo meat.First known use c. 1850 – 1900s.

    1 more example

    But of all the dishes ever brought to table, nothing equals that of the "steamer." It is made by mincing the flesh of the kangaroo, and with it some pieces of pork or bacon. The animal has not any fat, or scarcely any, in its best season; when the meat is chopped up, it is thrown into a saucepan and covered over with the lid, and left to stew or steam gently by the fire-side: it is, from this method of cooking, called "steamer." [...] the flesh soon floats in its own rich gravy: it only requires pepper and salt to render it delicious. No one can tell what a steamer is, unless it has been tasted; it indeed affords an excellent repast, and it is surprising that the steamer, preserved in tins, has not yet been exported to England.

    1851, Henry [Saxelby] Melville, chapter XII, in The Present State of Australia, including New South Wales, Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and New Zealand, with Practical Hints on Emigration; to which are Added the Land Regulations, and Description of the Aborigines and Their Habits, London: G. Willis, Great Piazza, Covent Garden, →OCLC, page 311

12. in pluralRhode IslandA steamed clam.
13. countableslangA lump of fresh feces: a fresh bowel movement.
14. slangMemphisdancingA stolen vehicle.

present singular third person steamers · participle present steamering · participle past steamered · past steamered

1. intransitiveTo travel by steamer.

plural steamers

1. A mug.
   1. UKslangA gullible or easily cheated person.
   2. UKslangA stupid or contemptible person.
2. UKslangA homosexual man with a preference for passive partners.

   Synonyms: male homosexual

3. UKslangA prostitute's client.

   Synonyms: prostitute's client

4. USslanga gambler who increases a wager after losing.