brakeman

[ breyk-muhn ]

noun

, plural brake·men.

1. a railroad worker who assists the conductor in the operation of a train.
2. brake ¹( def 4 ).

brakeman

/ ˈbreɪkmən /

noun

1. a crew member of a goods or passenger train. His duties include controlling auxiliary braking power and inspecting the train
2. the person at the back of a two- or four-man bobsleigh, who operates the brake

Word History and Origins

Origin of brakeman¹

First recorded in 1825–35; brake ¹ + -man

Example Sentences

"I was sent here by a brakeman on the midnight express," put in Bert.

From Project Gutenberg

As he began to104 get his things together, the brakeman came in.

From Project Gutenberg

The brakeman sat down opposite Albert, encouraged by his smile.

From Project Gutenberg

The brakeman turned with a sharp look which speedily softened as he saw an earnest appeal in the little man's face.

From Project Gutenberg

The brakeman and the locomotive engineer and the mechanical engineer and the sailor all have the same spirit.

From Project Gutenberg