powder boy

American  

noun

1. powder monkey.

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Etymology

Origin of powder boy

First recorded in 1795–1805

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

powder boy

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

He was born a slave, was a privateer "powder boy" in the war of 1812, and was taken to Halifax as a prisoner.

From The Black Phalanx African American soldiers in the War of Independence, the War of 1812, and the Civil War by Wilson, Joseph T. (Joseph Thomas)

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

My friend would be very glad to see the powder boy here again, and if he brings coal, there are those here, who would try to help him sell.

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