词源 |
sleeper n.Middle English slepere, from Old English slæpere "one who sleeps, one who is inclined to sleep soundly or much," agent noun from sleep (v.). The meaning "dormant or inoperative thing" is from 1620s. The meaning "railway car fitted with berths in which beds can be made" is by 1875 (probably short for sleeper car, which is attested by 1839). The sense of "something whose importance proves to be greater than expected" is attested by 1892, originally in American English sports jargon, probably from earlier (1856) gambling slang sense of "unexpected winning card." The meaning "spy, enemy agent, terrorist etc. who remains undercover for a long time before attempting his purpose" is attested by 1955 in reference to communist agents in the West. The meaning "strong horizontal beam" is from c. 1600, but some suggest this might be a different word. updated on December 22, 2022 |