signalman

Noun

signalman (plural signalmen)

1. Somebody employed to operate the signals and points of a railway.
   • With extra traffic, numerous boat trains to and from Southampton Docks, and working of empty stock, his job, like that of most signalmen, is no sinecure.1954 September, 'South Western', “Shawford Junction Signalbox”, in Railway Magazine, page 604
   • The length ganger saw the train passing with the van derailed and promptly telephoned the Sandbach signalman, who restored his signals to danger, but not in time to stop the train before the final derailment occurred.1961 November, “Talking of Trains: Derailment near Holmes Chapel”, in Trains Illustrated, page 652
2. A member of the armed forces responsible for signalling.
3. Somebody employed to direct rigging or crane operations by providing a different point of view.