Oof-bird
Origin
UK late 19th century–1910s.
Full definition of oof-bird
Noun
- (dated, idiomatic, British slang) Any source or supplier of money.
- 1888-12-27, It is a sad and weary time for many, for when the dustman, the man who blacks the boots, and he with the grog-blossom on his nose who does nothing but hold cab-doors open when nobody asks him to have all been paid, the oof bird takes unto itself wings and flies away.
- 1897, The Beetle Chapter The Picture, The probability is that he's a crackpot; and if he isn't, he has some little game on foot — in close association with the hunt of the oof-bird! — which he tried to work off on me, but couldn't'.
- 1937-08-28, The Oof-bird Feeds on Pennies, If you make an oof-bird and feed him properly all the time, you will grow rich.
- 2003, Burnham: King of Scouts Chapter The Call to Monomotapa, "I guess you're attracted to Africa by the lure of the Oof bird," Gifford said eagerly smearing a layer of orange marmalade on thick bread roasted over the campfire.