A tramp, not so formidable as a YEGG.

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1891.  The tramp’s name for himself and his fellows is Hobo, plural Hoboes.—J. Flynt, ‘The American Tramp,’ Contemporary Review, lx. p. 225 (Aug.). (N.E.D.)

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1896.  The tramp temporarily on the road from a love of adventure can scarcely be distinguished from the dyed-in-the-wool hoboe.—C. W. Noble, ‘The Border Land of Trampdom,’ Popular Science Monthly, l. p. 254 (Dec.). (N.E.D.)

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1909.  The New York Evening Post, Feb. 25, printed a paper on the ‘Glossary of the Hobo,’ from which it appears that he has learned much from his English congener.

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1910.  “Three Hoboes in India.” Title of an article by Harry A. Franck in The Century Magazine, March.

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1910.  

        In the spring the hobo’s fancy
  Strongly turns to thoughts of grub;
How to get it without working,
  That’s the question, there’s the rub!
Judge (N.Y.), April.    

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