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`Higgler`

J

jane k

master brummie
I have an ancestor who is desribed as a `higgler` in 1853 when he was living in Leicester. I understand that this term usually means a trader/small time dealer, but that in some parts of the country it also meant a labourer who worked at different farms using his own horses. Does anyone know if this would have been the case in Leicester? At other times this chap is decribed as a horse breaker and later an ostler so I think it is possible he had his own horses.
Any thoughts would be much appreciated.
Jane
 
Jane, the meaning is correct except that the term 'higgling' (or 'haggling')is only used in England by much older people now.

Jamaica-where I work seasonally for a Caribbean enterprise-is the place to be nowadays if you want to hear the word in daily use. Where I gravitate to on the docks and in the markets in Kingston, the capital of Jamaica, the term refers to a street-seller swapping seeds and leather goods for commodities of all sorts. The use there goes back to slavery days when slaves were bartered by middle-men usually for booze.
 
My trades and professions book comes up with.
Higgler; Pedlar usually with horse and cart.
 
Thanks very much everyone. I wonder if he might have been bought and sold horses - I reckon he was probably a bit of a `jack the lad` dabbling in all sorts!

Thanks for all your help

Jane
 
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