Definition

1. Noun:
   • A portable container for carrying building materials: A "hod" is an open-topped box or trough, typically made of wood or metal, that is attached to a long pole. It is designed to be carried over the shoulder by a laborer, such as a bricklayer or mason, to transport bricks, mortar, or coal.

Usage

• The primary use of a "hod" is in construction and masonry work. It is a tool for manually transporting heavy, loose materials in manageable loads.
• It is carried by balancing the pole on the shoulder, with the box positioned at the back.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The mason's apprentice carried a hod full of bricks up the ladder.
  • He filled the hod with fresh mortar for the bricklayers.

Advanced Usage

• "Hod carrier": A laborer whose job is to carry hods of bricks or mortar for bricklayers. This is a specific job title.
  • He worked as a hod carrier before becoming a skilled bricklayer.

Variants and Related Words

• Hodman (n): Another, now less common, term for a hod carrier.
• Coal hod (n): A specific type of hod, often more bucket-like, used for carrying coal. This is common in historical domestic contexts for supplying fireplaces.

Synonyms

• Tray: A shallow, open container, but not specifically designed for shoulder carrying.
• Trough: A long, narrow open container, similar in shape but not typically a portable tool.
• Scuttle: A bucket for carrying coal, similar to a coal hod.

Notes on Meaning

• The word "hod" is specialized and primarily used in the contexts of construction, masonry, and historical domestic heating (for coal). It is not a common word in everyday modern conversation outside these fields.

Noun

1. an open box attached to a long pole handle; bricks or mortar are carried on the shoulder