end man

noun

1. a man at one end of a row or line.
2. a man at either end of the line of performers of a minstrel troupe, who plays on the bones or tambourine and carries on humorous dialogue with the interlocutor.

Word History and Origins

Origin of end man¹

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65

Example Sentences

Even with the original players out there, because on the back end man, one play, one mess-up, that can be a touchdown.

From Washington Times

It isn't the shy and the timid who get the applause; the clown in tinsel and the end man in cork divide easy honors.

From Project Gutenberg

The end man must have been just on the edge of the beams—half his right side lay twitching on the ground.

From Project Gutenberg

To end man's suffering here would be a duty.

From Project Gutenberg

My brother was to be end man and black up for the occasion.

From Project Gutenberg