Meaning of gombeen | Babel Free

Definitions

1. Usury.
   archaic, countable, uncountable
2. A moneylender during the Great Famine.
   Ireland, countable, historical, uncountable
3. A mean, underhanded, corrupt person. Usually applied to politicians.
   Ireland, countable, slang, uncountable

Examples

“It was said by some that he had been a moneylender back in Ireland; a ‘gombeen’ in their slang: a hated figure⟳.”

“"Could you give⟳ me two ounces of butter?" "Well, I don't know⟳. We sell⟳ butter usually by the weight half pound or a pound." "Do you sell⟳ quarter pounds?" "Well, I think⟳ so." "Could you give⟳ me half a quarter pound?" "Yes." "Half a quarter pound then." Sebastian watching him. O you sly gombeen man. The backs of these stores, most sordid places in the world. You stupid, intolerable oaf.”

CEFR level