Knockabout /(?)/

Knock·a·bout

Knockabout

n.
  1. A small yacht, generally from fifteen to twenty-five feet in length, having a mainsail and a jib; a sloop with a simplified rig and no bowsprit. All knockabouts have ballast and either a keel or centerboard. The original type was twenty-one feet in length. The next larger type is called a raceabout. (Naut.)
  2. A knockabout performer or performance. [Theat. Slang]
  3. A man hired on a sheep station to do odd jobs. [Colloq., Australia]

knockabout

a.
  1. Marked by knocking about or roughness.
  2. Of noisy and violent character; marked by farce, pratfalls, and horseplay; as, knockabout comedy. [Theat. Slang]
  3. Characterized by, or suitable for, knocking about, or traveling or wandering hither and thither; suitable for use in rough activity; suited for everyday use; -- used especially of clothing.
  4. That does odd jobs; -- said of a class of hands or laborers on a sheep station. [Collog., Australia]