pointsman

[ points-muh n ]

/ ˈpɔɪnts mən /

a railway switchman.

a police officer who directs traffic, as at an intersection.

Origin of pointsman

First recorded in 1840–50; point + -s³ + man¹

Such a withered old face was the face of the pointsman at No. 11 point!

From Sea to Sea |Rudyard Kipling
The Pointsman is likely to remain on the line of the Olympic bills for many a week to come.

Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 93, September 24, 1887 |Various
Lease was the pointsman at South Crabb Junction, and helped also in the general business there.

Johnny Ludlow. First Series |Mrs. Henry Wood
Looking at it from their side, the pointsman was detestable; only fit, as the Squire said, to be hanged.

Johnny Ludlow. First Series |Mrs. Henry Wood

At the Olympic Mr. Willard has made his mark as the Pointsman.

Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 93, September 24, 1887 |Various

pointsman

/ (ˈpɔɪntsˌmæn, -mən) /

a person who operates railway points US and Canadian equivalent: switchman

a policeman or traffic warden on point duty