noun
- Plural of powderman; workers or soldiers responsible for handling, storing, or distributing gunpowder or explosives.
- Workers employed in mining or construction who prepare and detonate explosive charges.
Usage: historical; military
Usage: occupational
Examples
- The powdermen on the naval ship carefully managed the ship's ammunition stores.
- During the Civil War, powdermen were essential to maintaining the army's supply of gunpowder.
- The mining operation employed experienced powdermen to safely detonate charges in the quarry.
- Powdermen in the arsenal worked under strict safety protocols to prevent accidents.
- The fort's powdermen kept detailed records of all explosives in their care.