powderman

[ pou-der-man, -muhn ]

noun

, plural pow·der·men [pou, -der-men, -m, uh, n].

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of powderman¹

First recorded in 1660–70; powder ¹ + man

Example Sentences

To reduce from 24 men and Powderman to 20, omit four highest numbers.

From Project Gutenberg

Powderman returns spare powder and passing-box to the magazine.

From Project Gutenberg

If the Powderman is disabled the highest number takes his place.

From Project Gutenberg

Half the men composing a gun's crew, excluding the Powderman or Boy, are to be Boarders.

From Project Gutenberg

To reduce from 20 men and Powderman to 16 men and Powderman, omit four next highest numbers.

From Project Gutenberg