DCHP-1 Online
bowsman Hist. 
n. the crewman of a canoe or York boat whose position is in the bow.
See also: booseman bout(te) bowman (def. 1) foreman middleman steersman York boat
- 1776 (1951) . . . he proposes to Visit England next fall, and if he can get an Opportunity to speak to the Hudson's Bay Gentlemen will make a proposal to them for employing Canadians to be engaged by him for a term of years at Montreal to serve as Bowsmen & Helms-men and building large Canoes.
- 1833 (1932) It is the particular duty of the bowsman to attend to the canoe, to repair and pitch it when necessary, and to place it in security when the cargo is discharged. In consideration of these services he is exempt from the duty of loading and unloading, his wages are higher than those of the steersman, and he ranks after the guide.
- 1954 As the voyageurs neared shore, the bowsman sprang into the water. . . .
- 1776 (1951) . . . he proposes to Visit England next fall, and if he can get an Opportunity to speak to the Hudson's Bay Gentlemen will make a proposal to them for employing Canadians to be engaged by him for a term of years at Montreal to serve as Bowsmen & Helms-men and building large Canoes.