handsignalman en · NOUN
Etymology
From hand + signalman.
Meanings
-
A person who gives a signal by hand, in particular on a railway.
The 12.25 train travelled without incident over the single line and the pilotman saw the Vange handsignalman's green flag from about ½ mile away.
1961 December, “Talking of Trains: Derailment near Laindon”, in Trains Illustrated, page 717:[...] 1. Handsignalmen, where needed, ought to wear a conspicuous orange/yellow cape (like many road workmen) to draw attention to them.
1964 April, “Letters: Rethinking emergency procedures”, in Modern Railways, page 274:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| handsignalmen | Number=Plur | lexicographic | |
| hand signalman | alternative | lexicographic |