landsman

name

1. A surname.

noun

Etymology: From land + -s- + man. In meanings 3 and 4, influenced by Yiddish לאַנדסמאַן (landsman). Compare also German Landsmann, Norwegian landsmann. Doublet of lantzman.

1. A person who does not go to sea, who lacks the skills of a sailor or who is uncomfortable on ships or boats.

   “So, deprived of one leg, and the strange ship of course being altogether unsupplied with the kindly invention, Ahab now found himself abjectly reduced to a clumsy landsman again; hopelessly eyeing the uncertain changeful height he could hardly hope to attain.”

   “If the landsman should wish the gang-plank moved a foot farther forward, he would probably say: “James, or William, one of you push that plank forward, please”; but put the mate in his place, and he would roar out: “Here, now, start that gang-plank for'ard! Lively, now! What're you about!..."”

2. A person who negotiates leases, contracts and other business deals between producers and landowners.
3. A fellow Jew who comes from the same district or town, especially in Eastern Europe.
4. Someone of a similar heritage or belief system.
5. A military rank given to naval recruits.