n. 1. (Naut.) A small yacht, generally from fifteen to twenty-five feet in length, having a mainsail and a jib; a sloop with a simplified rig and no bowsprit. All knockabouts have ballast and either a keel or centerboard. The original type was twenty-one feet in length. The next larger type is called a raceabout. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. + WordNet 1.5 ]

2. A knockabout performer or performance. [ Theat. Slang ] [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

3. A man hired on a sheep station to do odd jobs. [ Colloq., Australia ] [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

a. 1. Marked by knocking about or roughness. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

2. Of noisy and violent character; marked by farce, pratfalls, and horseplay; as, knockabout comedy. [ Theat. Slang ]
Syn. -- boisterous, slapstick. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

3. Characterized by, or suitable for, knocking about, or traveling or wandering hither and thither; suitable for use in rough activity; suited for everyday use; -- used especially of clothing.
Syn. -- casual, everyday. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

4. That does odd jobs; -- said of a class of hands or laborers on a sheep station. [ Collog., Australia ] [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]