steersman

Fur Trade, Hist.

DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.

in the canoes and boats of the fur brigades, the foreman of a crew, usually the most skilled boatman and the highest paid.

See: bowsman,pateroon(def. 2)

Quotations

1774

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

As he had dreamt, the Canoe was lost, but the Steersman who remained with the Canoe fortunately saved himself.

1905

The bowman and steersman usually carry or superintend the carrying of the canoe.

1929

Bowmen and steersmen were crew leaders in North canoes and inland boats [respectively].

1963

With him were . . . his Iroquois steersman . . . Indian paddlers and interpreters.