switchman

[ swich-muh n ]

/ ˈswɪtʃ mən /

a person who has charge of a switch on a railroad.

a person who assists in moving cars in a railway yard or terminal.

Origin of switchman

First recorded in 1835–45; switch + -man

"If I knew where your mother was I could go into town and send her a telegram, I suppose," went on the switchman.

Bunny Brown and His Sister Sue in the Sunny South |Laura Lee Hope
The switchman recovered himself instantly, and taking off his cap laughed as he examined the hole.

Held for Orders |Frank H. Spearman
"Well, if she doesn't I have thought of a way to get word to her and the father, too," the switchman said.

Bunny Brown and His Sister Sue in the Sunny South |Laura Lee Hope
I was alone: the switchman asked no odds of me, but furled his bunting and immediately withdrew.

Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science, Vol. 15, No. 87, March, 1875 |Various

Way car jumped track at middle lead switch in Pewaukee yard and switchman Jno.

Railroad Accidents |R. C. Richards

switchman

/ (ˈswɪtʃmən) /

US and Canadian a person who operates railway points Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): pointsman