signalman

noun

Etymology: Etymology tree English signal Proto-Indo-European *mon- Proto-Germanic *mann- Proto-West Germanic *mann Old English mann Middle English man Middle English -man English -man English signalman From signal + -man.

1. Somebody employed to operate the signals and points of a railway.

   “With extra traffic, numerous boat trains to and from Southampton Docks, and working of empty stock, his job, like that of most signalmen, is no sinecure.”

   “The length ganger saw the train passing with the van derailed and promptly telephoned the Sandbach signalman, who restored his signals to danger, but not in time to stop the train before the final derailment occurred.”

2. A member of the armed forces responsible for signalling.
3. Somebody employed to direct rigging or crane operations by providing a different point of view.