Gadder

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈɡædə(ɹ)/

Definitions

1. A person who moves around without a fixed purpose or direction
2. Someone who wanders about or roams in a casual or aimless manner
3. An individual who roves or travels from place to place without a clear objective

Etymology: "Gadder" is a plain agent noun: the suffix "-er" added to "gad," a verb meaning to roam about restlessly, wander idly, or gallivant. The verb "gad" is the more interesting half. It appears to be tied to the older sense of a pointed metal tool or spike, so the idea of roaming is probably a figurative extension from something that jabs or darts about, though the exact link is uncertain. The suffix "-er" has a long pedigree. It descends from Latin "-arius," which denoted a person connected with or engaged in something, and it reached English through Old French "-ier" and Middle English "-er," with an earlier Old English form "-ere" running alongside. That is why English can attach it so freely to native verbs like "gad," "bake," or "wander" to name the one who does the action.

Synonyms: wanderer, roamer

Antonyms: settler, stayer