Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
noun, plural Chi·na·men.
- Older Use: Offensive. a term used to refer to a Chinese person or a person of Chinese descent.
- (often lowercase) Older Slang: Offensive. a person regarded as one’s benefactor, sponsor, or protector: to see one’s chinaman about a favor.
- (lowercase) Archaic. a person who imports or sells china.
- a Chinaman’s chance, Older Use: Offensive. the slightest chance: He hasn’t a Chinaman’s chance of getting that job.
noun plural -men
- archaic, or derogatory a native or inhabitant of China
- (often not capital) cricket a ball bowled by a left-handed bowler to a right-handed batsman that spins from off to leg
1711, “native of China,” from China + man (n.). Also in 18c., “dealer in china wares” (1728).