Definitions for knockaboutˈnɒk əˌbaʊt

knock•a•boutˈnɒk əˌbaʊt(n.)

a small fore-and-aft–rigged sailboat with a mainsail and a jib but no bowsprit.
Category: Navy
something designed or suitable for rough or casual use, as a sturdy jacket or old car.
(adj.)suitable for rough use, as a garment.
rough; boisterous.
slapstick:
knockabout comedy.
Category: Showbiz
shiftless; aimless.

1875–80

knockabout(adj)
a sloop with a simplified rig and no bowsprit
boisterous, knockabout(adj)
full of rough and exuberant animal spirits
"boisterous practical jokes"; "knockabout comedy"
knockabout(adj)
suitable for rough use
"a knockabout overcoat"; "a knockabout old car"

knockabout(Noun)
A small sailboat lacking a bowsprit, of a type found primarily in the Massachusetts area
We sailed our knockabout around Cape Cod.
knockabout(Noun)
A slapstick comedy or comedian.
knockabout(Noun)
A tumbler.
knockabout(Noun)
Clothing suitable for rough use.
knockabout(Noun)
Workers habitually engaged in casual employment.
knockabout(Noun)
People living in rough, violent conditions.
knockabout(Adjective)
Boisterous
knockabout(Adjective)
Suitable for rough use.
I have a knockabout cello for non-concert gigs.

Citation

"knockabout." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2013. Web. 23 May 2013. <http://www.definitions.net/definition/knockabout>.