The Collaborative International Dictionary
beachcomber \beachcomber\ [Written also beach-comber or beach comber.] (Naut.)
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A vagrant seaman, usually of low character, who loiters about seaports, particularly on the shores and islands of the Pacific Ocean.
I was fortunate enough, however, to forgather with a Scotchman who was a beach-comber.
--F. T. Bullen. a vagrant living on a beach.
a person who searches along a beach for objects of value, such as lost objects or seashells.
Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
Usage examples of "beach-comber".
The beach-comber was aware of a lightning-quick tensing of the slumped muscles.
But the beach-comber merely staggered back, seeking instinctively to guard his battered face, and to regain his balance.
Then, as the other charged, Gavin sidestepped with perfect ease, and, when the beach-comber wheeled clumsily to face him, threw one foot forward and at the same time pushed the larger man's shoulder violently with his open palm.
And, for the second time, the beach-comber sat down on the trampled sand, with unexpected suddenness and force.
Of course the description of the Beach-comber, in the book referred to, is purely fictitious.
In his maudlin state the old beach-comber had revealed both his plans and his suspicions.
Doubtless the old beach-comber would be in a furious passion when he realised that he had been duped, and would probably denounce "Tuke" as a pirate — if he had the chance.
The beach-comber, frightened at the action, sat down on the side of the hole and, drawing a flask from his pocket, drank deeply.