close-fisted

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In fact, his appearance was quite the reverse of pleasing, but he was an honest, close-fisted man, I dare say.’ 

From Pictures of Canadian Life A Record of Actual Experiences by Ritchie, J. Ewing (James Ewing)

Those lacking money to appear with fitting magnificence had little aid to expect from royalty; the shower of gold did not begin to fall until later, and Louis XIV. even passed for being close-fisted.

From Louis XIV and La Grande Mademoiselle 1652-1693 by Barine, Arvede

"There never was a man as close-fisted as Mr. Enderton who hadn't money."

From The Casting Away of Mrs. Lecks and Mrs. Aleshine by Stockton, Frank Richard

He was a close-fisted, mysterious old fellow, and—well, I decided to get out.

From The Boys of the Wireless by Webster, Frank V.

Another interesting item relates to the origin of the slang term "piker," which, whatever it may have meant originally, is used to-day to designate a timid, close-fisted gambler, a "tightwad" or "short sport."

From Abroad at Home American Ramblings, Observations, and Adventures of Julian Street by Street, Julian