wooden Indian

noun

a carved wooden statue of a standing American Indian, formerly found before many cigar stores as an advertisement.
(often lowercase) Informal. a person who appears emotionless and unresponsive; a poker face.

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80

A poor old Wooden Indian, all battered by the years, was seated on a pile of junk, and shedding briny tears.

Levake was standing near a wooden-Indian cigar-store sign, looking directly at Bucks as the latter walked toward him.

The Wooden Indian in front of the cigar store stepped down off 152 his stand.

April 24, 2024gallimaufry

[gal-uh-maw-free ]

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