Meanings
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1
noun
a railway employee who controls signals and points to regulate the safe movement of trains
The signalman held the freight train until the express had cleared the junction.
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2
noun
a member of the armed forces responsible for transmitting and receiving signals or communications
The signalman maintained radio contact between the patrol and headquarters.
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3
noun
a person who directs a crane, vehicle, or rigging operation by giving visual or audible signals
A signalman stood where both the crane operator and the loading crew could see him.
Thesaurus
Etymology
A compound of signal + man. Signal entered English through French signal, ultimately from Late Latin signale ("a sign"), based on Latin signum ("mark, sign"). The occupational word was applied to railway, military, maritime, and lifting operations.