A roustabout's a labourer typically performing temporary, unskilled work. The term has traditionally been used to refer to traveling-circus workers or oil rig workers. In the American south, mid to late 19th century, roustabout was used to refer to unskilled labor working on steamboats. In reference to the Mississippi River fire and subsequent sinking of the Steamer Josie Harry: NY Times, Dec 15, 1883, "A Steam-Boat Burned": "...The fireman and greaser and two roustabouts jumped into the river.… (More on Roustabout)