DCHP-1 Online

midman Hist.

• n. in a freight canoe, York boat, or bateau, one of the crewmen who worked the paddles or oars from a middle position in the craft, a rank inferior to that of the bowsman or steersman.

  See also: middleman  

  • 1800  (1897)  . . . the other midman remained in the canoe.
  • 1921  We midmen sat upon dunnage sacks and braced our moccasined feet against the ribbing.