powderman

[pou-der-man, -muh n]

noun, plural pow·der·men

[pou-der-men, -muh n] /ˈpaʊ dərˌmɛn, -mən/.

a person in charge of explosives, especially in a demolition crew.
Slang. a safe-cracker who uses explosives to open safes.

Origin of powderman

First recorded in 1660–70; powder¹ + man¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for powderman

Historical Examples of powderman

An 11-inch pivot-gun on its revolving carriage was served by 24 crewmen and a powderman.
Artillery Through the Ages
Albert Manucy
Half the men composing a gun's crew, excluding the Powderman or Boy, are to be Boarders.
Ordnance Instructions for the United States Navy.
Bureau of Ordnance, USN
To reduce from 20 men and Powderman to 16 men and Powderman, omit four next highest numbers.
Ordnance Instructions for the United States Navy.
Bureau of Ordnance, USN
If the Powderman is disabled the highest number takes his place.
Ordnance Instructions for the United States Navy.
Bureau of Ordnance, USN
To reduce from 24 men and Powderman to 20, omit four highest numbers.
Ordnance Instructions for the United States Navy.
Bureau of Ordnance, USN