1. plural of raftsman; men who work on or guide rafts, especially those who transport logs down rivers
Usage: historical; logging industry

Examples

• The raftsmen guided their logs down the rushing river.
• Experienced raftsmen knew how to navigate the dangerous rapids.
• The lumber company hired skilled raftsmen for the spring drive.
• Raftsmen used long poles to steer their timber rafts.
• The old raftsmen told stories of their days on the river.
• Many raftsmen worked seasonally during the logging drives.