charabancnoun/ˈʃæ.ɹə.bæŋ(k)/

• 1

  historicalA horse-drawn, and then later, motorized omnibus with open sides, and often, no roof.

  • A little further on, to the right, was a large garage, where the charabancs stood, half in and half out of the yard.
  • And full of colored dreams / Deep inside a rainbow / Lived Happiness Stan / In a small Victorian charabanc
• 2

  datedA bus, especially one hired by groups for pleasure outings, what was later called a coach.

  • Oh shit, there goes the charabanc! Looks like I'm gonna be stuck here the whole summer
  • Mum had worked there as a teenager and once recalled her duty of having to meet the charabancs that brought the well-heeled to the baths from Droitwich station before the war.
• 3

  informalA vehicle that is slow, overcrowded, or otherwise undesirable.

  • We return to the charabanc of a car to find a swarm of children dancing round it, clambering up the back, jumping on the step; the driver sleeps peacefully at the wheel, oblivious of their shrieks.
  • Just as I'm thinking my plan has failed an old charabanc of a vehicle slows down and starts hooting.
• 4

  An elaborate production or endeavor involving many people or things.

  • For all their lean and hungry look, and for all they wear the simplest of dhotis around their loins, they usually have clever accomplices in the crowd, and a whole charabanc full of invisible wires and concealed cabinets.
  • He comes along all dressed up in the real deal costume, all the sequins and rhinestone, the heavyweight boxing belt, the cape, the whole charabanc, you know?

charabancverb/ˈʃæ.ɹə.bæŋ(k)/

• 1

  rareTo travel or convey by charabanc.