DCHP-1 Online
conductor [< Cdn F conducteur] Obs. 
1 n. the pilot or guide in charge of a brigade of canoes or other vessels, or of one vessel only.
See also: guide ((n.)) (def. 1)
- 1761 (1901) . . . to every three or four canoes, which constitute a brigade, there is a guide or conductor.
- 1821 The whole equipment was under the command . . . of an individual who was styled the conductor.
2 n. a person engaged in effecting the escape of slaves by way of the Underground Railway.
See also: underground railway
- 1852 I was formerly, while residing East, a conductor of a car on the Underground Railroad, I felt a desire to get the perusal of said paper, so that I might be able to keep track of the progress that is being made by a portion of mankind who were so unfortunate as to receive their birth in a land of slavery.
- 1761 (1901) . . . to every three or four canoes, which constitute a brigade, there is a guide or conductor.