SKINNER

muleteer, mule skinner, mule driver, skinner

(noun) a worker who drives mules

skinner

(noun) a person who prepares or deals in animal skins

Skinner, Fred Skinner, B. F. Skinner, Burrhus Frederic Skinner

(noun) United States psychologist and a leading proponent of behaviorism (1904-1990)

Skinner, Cornelia Otis Skinner

(noun) United States actress noted for her one-woman shows (1901-1979)

Skinner, Otis Skinner

(noun) United States actor (1858-1942)

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

skinner (plural skinners)

Someone who skins animals.

A hunting knife used for skinning animals.

One who deals in skins, pelts, or hides.

(prison slang, derogatory) A sex offender.

Etymology

The family surname is occupational in origin. Before becoming used as a surname the word skinner was commonly used to identify someone who treated animal skins.

The English meaning of the surname means "one who prepared skins". An alternative Danish meaning of the family name is "Keeper of Robes" or "skins then worn" which also hints at the historical connection to tradespeople who were involved with furs and hides.