trainmaster

[ treyn-mas-ter, -mah-ster ]

/ ˈtreɪnˌmæs tər, -ˌmɑ stər /

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noun

a person who has charge of operations over one portion of a railroad.

QUIZ

QUIZ YOURSELF ON "WAS" VS. "WERE"!

Were you ready for a quiz on this topic? Well, here it is! See how well you can differentiate between the uses of "was" vs. "were" in this quiz.

Question 1 of 7

“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.

Origin of trainmaster

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60; train + master

When necessary, an additional trainmaster is appointed for the previous outside duties of the assistant superintendent.
The Modern Railroad|Edward Hungerford
The sight of these women so excited our curiosity that the trainmaster called a halt until they passed us.
Life and Adventures of 'Billy' Dixon|Billy Dixon
After the war he re-entered railway work, and was trainmaster and later general superintendent.
Letters from an Old Railway Official|Charles DeLano Hine
If the flagman does not tell the official to go to h——, the trainmaster probably will.
Letters from an Old Railway Official|Charles DeLano Hine

Human nature is such that the trainmaster, stung by an implied reflection, constitutes himself attorney for the defense.
Letters from an Old Railway Official|Charles DeLano Hine