wild Irishman
/ˌwʌɪld ˈʌɪrɪʃmən/noun
1 Derogatory. Originally: any of the Gaelic-speaking people inhabiting the areas of Ireland not under English control. Subsequently: an Irishman regarded (especially by the English) as uncivilized, unruly, or of volatile temperament.
2 NZ. A thorny shrub, Discaria toumatou (family Rhamnaceae).
3A nickname for: an express train running between London and Holyhead on the London and North Western Railway, used as a mail train for Irish and American mail. Now historical.
Origin
Late Middle English; earliest use found in Close Roll, 2 Henry IV. From wild + Irishman, after wild Irish.
- ascertainment
- ascesis
- ascetic
- ascetically
- asceticism
- Ascham, Roger
- as chance would have it
- (as) cheap as chips
- aschelminth
- asci
- ascidian
- ASCII
- ascites
- ascitic
- (as) clean as a whistle
- (as) clean (or neat) as a new pin
- (as) clear as a bell
- (as) clear as day
- (as) clear as mud
- (as) clear (or sound) as a bell
- Asclepius
- (as) cold as ice (or stone or the grave etc.)
- as common as muck
- ascomycete
- ascon