boot-black

English

Noun

boot-black (plural boot-blacks)

1. Alternative spelling of bootblack.
   • 1868, Horatio Alger Jr., Ragged Dick‎:

     “Thank you,” said Frank; “now you had better brush your own shoes.”
     This had not occurred to Dick, for in general the professional boot-black considers his blacking too valuable to expend on his own shoes or boots, if he is fortunate enough to possess a pair.