fugleman

fugleman

English

Etymology

From earlier flugleman, flugelman, from German Flügelmann (“a file-leader”), from Flügel (“a wing, file”) + Mann (“man”).

Noun

fugleman (plural fuglemen)

1. The member of a military group who leads the way or demonstrates drill; hence, someone who keeps the beat or timing, and/or demonstrates motions in other contexts.
   • 1876 January, “A Week among the Maoris of Lake Taupo”, in The Cornhill Magazine, volume XXXIII, number 193, London: Smith, Elder & Co., 15 Waterloo Place, OCLC 561748243, page 65:

     A "Haka" is the native dance, answering to the corroboree of the Australian aboriginals, and we were anxious to see it. […] Later in the evening, however, the complaisant Herekiekie entertained a small and select party at a "Haka" in his "whare" or house (pronounced wharry). It was exactly what I expected. The performers, all male, stood in a row, one, slightly advanced, acting as fugleman. They shouted and gesticulated with the most hideous and revolting gestures, grimaces, and yells.

2. (by extension) A political leader, or a ringleader.

Alternative forms

• fugelman

Translations

someone who keeps the beat or timing

Maori: kaihautu, kaituki

Further reading

• fugleman on Wikipedia.Wikipedia

Anagrams

• flame gun, fugelman