Definition of snollygoster

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snol·ly·gos·ter    (snl-gstr) KEY 

NOUN:
Slang

One, especially a politician, who is guided by personal advantage rather than by consistent, respectable principles.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Perhaps alteration of snallygaster, a mythical beast said to prey on poultry and children, perhaps from Pennsylvania Dutch schnelle geeschter : Middle High German snl, quick (from Old High German) + Middle High German geist, spirit (from Old High German)