A cheat, a swindle.
1882. “Ostensibly I went to testify as an expert in the Star-route cases, but I did not testify. You know that was another “water-haul.” It was another swin—” “Hold! what do you mean by water-haul?” asked [the reporter] innocently. “[These cases] are all smoke and no fire…. I get a good salary, and have my expenses paid beside, when I am thus called, so I have no reason to complain.”—Washington Critic, Feb. 23.
*** A conjectural explanation may be offered. The “hauling” of goods by water being cheaper than by land, contractors would employ water carriage, and charge the Government with land-carriage.
