loblolly boy

noun

, Obsolete.

1. an assistant to the surgeon on board a ship.

loblolly boy

noun

1. navy (formerly) a boy or man acting as a medical orderly on board ship

Word History and Origins

Origin of loblolly boy¹

First recorded in 1740–50

Word History and Origins

Origin of loblolly boy¹

C18: from loblolly sense 2, applied to a ship's doctor's medicines

Example Sentences

None of your fresh-water and loblolly-boy terms, if you please.

From Project Gutenberg

I laid my hand on the rope, and together we drew the loblolly boy upward and out under the blue of heaven.

From Project Gutenberg

Loblolly boy, a derisive term for a surgeons mate in the navy.

From Project Gutenberg

I've been called that so often, and become so accustomed to it, and "loblolly boy," that it had no effect.

From Project Gutenberg