DCHP-1 Online
steersman Fur Trade, Hist. 
n. in the canoes and boats of the fur brigades, the foreman of a crew, usually the most skilled boatman and the highest paid.
See also: bowsman pateroon (def. 2)
- 1774 (1934) The Pataroon or Steersman of each Cannoe has 50£ pr annom, the foresman £40 and the rest of the Crew 20 and 25£ according to their goodness.
- 1821 (1900) As he had dreamt, the Canoe was lost, but the Steersman who remained with the Canoe fortunately saved himself.
- 1905 (1954) The bowman and steersman usually carry or superintend the carrying of the canoe.
- 1929 (1931) Bowmen and steersmen were crew leaders in North canoes and inland boats [respectively].
- 1963 With him were . . . his Iroquois steersman . . . Indian paddlers and interpreters.
- 1774 (1934) The Pataroon or Steersman of each Cannoe has 50£ pr annom, the foresman £40 and the rest of the Crew 20 and 25£ according to their goodness.