secondman
English
Etymology
From second (“2nd”) + -man
Noun
secondman (plural secondmen)
- (rail transport, Britain) A driver's assistant on a diesel or electric locomotive.
- 2018, Andy Gibbs, The Southern Region in the 1970s and 1980s, Amberley Publishing →ISBN, page 12, photo caption:
- The secondman looks back from 'Slim Jim' Class 33 No. 33211 as it trundles through Gravesend station with a permanent way train in 1977. The first wagon's sides are literally bulging at the seams with ballast spoil.
Alternative forms
- second man
Usage notes
The driver's assistant on a steam locomotive is the fireman.