horsetrader
nounEtymology From horse + trader.
1
Literally A person who buys and sells horses, especially one who makes such transactions in a clever or skillful manner.
2
Broadly, Figuratively One who is skillful in transacting or negotiating of any kind.
- The three subordinates on whom President Roosevelt depends to win his Senate victories are Majority Leader Joseph T. Robinson of Arkansas, the bull-voiced, heavy-fisted field commander; Pat Harrison of Mississippi, the shrewd committee and cloakroom horsetrader; and James F. Byrnes of South Carolina.1937 February 22, “Judiciary: Visibility Poor”, in Time:
- Related terms
- horsedealer, horsedealing, horsetrading