Meaning of wheel-barrow man | Babel Free

Definitions

1. A convict sentenced to hard labor in the 1800s, especially one sentenced to work maintaining the roads.
   US, historical
2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see wheel-barrow, man.; a man working with a wheel-barrow.

Examples

“At the outset of the reformatory process⟳ in Pennsylvania, it was thought that a salutary effect would result⟳ from long continued, visible, or public punishment, by degrading labour in the streets or upon the highways ; ... and many persons, now living, can distinctly remember⟳ when convicts (sometimes called “Wheel-barrow Men”) were to be seen at work⟳ in the streets of Philadelphia with a chain and clog upon the neck or leg, and other badges of degradation and guilt.”

“Are crimes more frequent in that country than in the other States ? Are there more executions ? I believe⟳ there have⟳ been as few as in any part of the Continent, and those which have⟳ token place⟳ have⟳ been generally of emigrant convicts, or fugitive •wheel-barrow men ; he would be bold to assert that in no State on the Continent is there more order⟳, sobriety, and obedience to good government; more industry and frugality; nor is there any trace of the influence⟳ of slavery on the character of her citizens.”

“Under the former system, the convicts of Philadelphia were obliged to perform⟳ labor in the public streets under degrading circumstances. These prisoners were called " the wheel-barrow men," and were often exposed to insult and ill-treatment by the mob.”

“"wheel-barrow men" — felons from the county jail who were condemned earlier by a strange law to sweep⟳ the streets "publickly and disgracefully weighted down with irons."”

“And moreover, the aforesaid Centinel, as a false traitor, &c. in order⟳ to fulfil those his most horrid and diabolical treasons, and traiterous compassings, imaginations and purposes aforesaid, and to leave⟳ nothing undone, which envy, hatred, malice, ambition and a diabolical heart could suggest⟳, did collogue with certain wheel-barrow men, convicts and criminals, now in the new gaol of the city and county of Philadelphia, ...”

“This act, passed on September 15, 1?86, hoped "to produce⟳ such strong impression upon the minds of others as to deter them from committing like⟳ offenses" by sentencing convicts to "hard labor, publicly and disgracefully imposed." Chained and clogged, these "wheel-barrow men" worked by day cleaning and repairing public roadways and buildings.”

“The roads were repaired and maintained by "wheel-barrow men," convicts sentenced for lesser crimes and assigned to work⟳ projects.”

CEFR level