handsignalman

English

Etymology

From hand +‎ signalman.

Noun

handsignalman (plural handsignalmen)

1. A person who gives a signal by hand, in particular on a railway.
   • 1961 December, “Talking of Trains: Derailment near Laindon”, in Trains Illustrated, page 717:

     The 12.25 train travelled without incident over the single line and the pilotman saw the Vange handsignalman's green flag from about ½ mile away.

   • 1964 April, “Letters: Rethinking emergency procedures”, in Modern Railways, page 274:

     [...] 1. Handsignalmen, where needed, ought to wear a conspicuous orange/yellow cape (like many road workmen) to draw attention to them.

Alternative forms

• hand signalman