locoman

plural locomen

1. datedrail transportSomeone who works on a locomotive.

   The evidence which I propose to give will deal with safety and health questions concerning all grades of enginemen, boilermen, and locomen […]

   1937, H. M. Stationery off., Minutes of evidence taken before the Royal commission on safety in coal mines ..., Great Britain. Royal Commission on Safety in Coal Mines, page 753

   3 more examples

   The Lancashire Tradesmen's Association organises craftsmen, semi-skilled and unskilled workmen on the surface other than the manipulators of coal, enginemen, boilermen and locomen; it also organises skilled craftsmen underground, although some craftsmen are organised by the Lancashire Area, which seeks to organise all underground workers including craftsmen.

   1948, Report of the National Executive Committee [to The] Annual Conference, National Union of Mineworkers

   As an ex-locoman of the steam days between 1954 and 1968, I would like to set right a misconception that is prevalent in some areas of the steam locomotive preservation movement.

   2006, The Railway Magazine, volume 152, page 24

   The Crescent Road sheds had a favourite locomotive - Stanier 4MT tank engine 42626 (known by Bolton locomen as 'two half-dollars') - and the shed authorities quietly arranged for it to be put to one side for a few days, while the ardent schoolboys set to work cleaning it.

   2023 March 8, Paul Salveson, “Fond farewells to two final trains...”, in RAIL, number 978, page 55

plural locomen

1. historicalA person in Suriname thought to be a clairvoyant or a sorcerer.

   Locomen, prophets who claim clairvoyance, tossed animal bones from magical gourds, reading the scattered patterns to gain a glimpse into tomorrow.

   2005, Okeyo A. Jumal, “Baba Zumbi”, in Spiritual Shackles, Griot, page 150

   1 more example

   John Gabriel Stedman described Quacy as a locoman, diviner, and sorcerer (rather than an obeah man) who made and sold 'oias or amulets' that made their wearers 'invulnerable'.

   2015, Diana Paton, The Cultural Politics of Obeah, page 31