flyman

[ flahy-muh n ]

/ ˈflaɪ mən /

a stagehand, especially one who operates the apparatus in the flies.

Origin of flyman

First recorded in 1835–45; fly¹ + -man

Half a minute later Hugh Ritson and the flyman had returned to the bar.

A Son of Hagar |Sir Hall Caine
The flyman pocketed his fare—the exact fare—and concluding that they were sight-seeing, drove sleepily off.

Wild Margaret |Geraldine Fleming
Driving up into the station, he was greeted by a flyman waiting for hire.

A Son of Hagar |Sir Hall Caine
Robert got out and helped her down, produced the tickets, and paid the flyman.

Old Kensington |Miss Thackeray

When driving round and about Cromer, our flyman pointed out "Poppy Land" to me.

Punch, Volume 101, September 19, 1891 |Francis Burnand

flyman

/ (ˈflaɪmən) /

theatre a stagehand who operates the scenery, curtains, etc, in the flies