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Definition of nightman in US English:

nightman

noun

  • 1A man employed to empty cesspools, outdoor privies, etc., at night and to remove the waste matter. Also figurative. Now archaic and historical.

  • 2A man who works during the night or on a night shift. Also (slang): a nocturnal wrongdoer or criminal; a burglar.

Origin

Late 16th century; earliest use found in City of London Book of Fines. From night + man.

Pronunciation

nightman

/ˈnʌɪtman/