powder boy

American  

noun

1. powder monkey.

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Etymology

Origin of powder boy

First recorded in 1795–1805

Example Sentences

At first he was made cook's scullion but because he was well-grown and active, the chief gunner had taken him over as a powder boy.

From Blackbeard: Buccaneer by Schoonover, Frank Earle

Jack swam more strongly and showed greater endurance because he had the beef and had been better nourished all his life than the scrawny young powder boy who was more like a lath.

From Blackbeard: Buccaneer by Schoonover, Frank Earle

What does the "powder boy" think of it?

From The Underground Railroad A Record of Facts, Authentic Narratives, Letters, &c., Narrating the Hardships, Hair-Breadth Escapes and Death Struggles of the Slaves in Their Efforts for Freedom, As Related by Themselves and Others, or Witnessed by the Author. by Still, William

For all these, we feel deeply interested; $10 each would not be enough for the "powder boy."

From The Underground Railroad A Record of Facts, Authentic Narratives, Letters, &c., Narrating the Hardships, Hair-Breadth Escapes and Death Struggles of the Slaves in Their Efforts for Freedom, As Related by Themselves and Others, or Witnessed by the Author. by Still, William

As no opportunity had hitherto presented itself, whereby to prepare the "package" for shipment, from Washington, neither the "powder boy" nor Dr. T.B was prepared to attend to the removal, at this critical moment.

From The Underground Railroad A Record of Facts, Authentic Narratives, Letters, &c., Narrating the Hardships, Hair-Breadth Escapes and Death Struggles of the Slaves in Their Efforts for Freedom, As Related by Themselves and Others, or Witnessed by the Author. by Still, William