fire boss


noun Mining.

a person who inspects a mine for the presence of noxious gases, dangerous roofs, and other hazards.
Also called gasman; British, fireman.
Compare mine examiner.

Origin of fire boss

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Example sentences from the Web for fire boss

  • But what if the "fire-boss" overslept himself, or happened to be drunk?

    King Coal |Upton Sinclair
  • “Hoover and Young, and everybody, and not one scratched,” responded the fire-boss.

    The Young Railroaders |Francis Lovell Coombs