leadsman

[ ledz-muhn ]

noun

, plural leads·men.

1. a sailor who sounds with a lead line.

leadsman

/ ˈlɛdzmən /

noun

1. nautical a sailor who takes soundings with a lead line

Word History and Origins

Origin of leadsman¹

First recorded in 1500–10; lead ² + 's ¹ + -man

Example Sentences

He slowed the freighter to a snail's pace when he approached the dredged channel, and at last the leadsman found suitable bottom.

From Project Gutenberg

At a signal the leadsman had flown his pigeon again, though we were well past all reefs.

From Project Gutenberg

Then came the leadsman's long-drawn chant, once so familiar, the monotonous repeating in river parlance of the depths of water.

From Project Gutenberg

A leadsman had been stationed on each side of the forecastle, though there was no present occasion for their services.

From Project Gutenberg

The leadsman was ordered to sound, as the screw was stopped, and he reported sixteen fathoms with the deep-sea lead.

From Project Gutenberg