powder monkey

American  

noun

1. (formerly) a boy employed on warships to carry gunpowder from the magazine to the guns.

2. powderman.

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powder monkey British  

noun

1. (formerly) a boy who carried powder from the magazine to the guns on warships

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Etymology

Origin of powder monkey

First recorded in 1675–85

Example Sentences

From a short hitch as assistant powder monkey in a Colorado gold mine.

From Time Magazine Archive

He was a powder monkey, which meant it was his job to rush heavy bags of explosive gunpowder to the men loading the cannons.

From I Survived the American Revolution, 1776 by Lauren Tarshis

I want to tell you that you’re going to be powder monkey aboard Admiral Lord Nelson’s ship.”

From The Powder Monkey by Dudley, Ambrose

The powder monkey rushed up with the fire, and then the cannon began to bark, I tell you.

From From Farm House to the White House The life of George Washington, his boyhood, youth, manhood, public and private life and services by Thayer, William M. (William Makepeace)

“There, be a good boy, and you’ll get on and be something better than a powder monkey one of these days.”

From The Powder Monkey by Dudley, Ambrose