navvy Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a laborer who is obliged to do menial work
    galley slave; peon; drudge.

WordNet

Nav"vy noun
Etymology
Abbreviated fr. navigator.
Wordforms
plural Navies
Definitions
  1. Originally, a laborer on canals for internal navigation; hence, a laborer on other public works, as in building railroads, embankments, etc. Eng.

Webster 1913