mutton shunter

English

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Noun

mutton shunter (plural mutton shunters)

1. (archaic, slang) Police constable.
   • 2016, George Mann -, Associates of Sherlock Holmes:

     "Vigilant?" asked the dock tramp, “and what will the mutton shunters be doing whilst we are remaining vigilant?”

   • 2016, Matthew J. Kirby, A Taste for Monsters:

     Mutton shunters won't even go in there.

   • 2018, James Moffett, An Element of Deceit: A Sherlock Holmes Case:

     “We know about the favours you asked of her and now she is dead. We are working with the police” “Mutton shunters! Gah!” he spat once again and, as if disgusted by the words themselves, threw the cigar away.

Usage notes

This term was used from the early 1880s until about 1915.