helmsman

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a person who steers a ship or boat

   The helmsman held the ferry on course through the narrow channel.

2. 2
   noun

   figurative: a person who directs or leads an organization, movement, or undertaking

   As helmsman of the coalition, she kept its rival factions moving toward agreement.

Formed from helm + a connective -s- + man. A helm is a ship's steering apparatus or the position from which it is controlled, so the figurative sense of helmsman naturally developed for a leader who sets and maintains a course.

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