wagon boss

a man in charge of a wagon train.

Also called wagon master.

Origin of wagon boss

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75

With the gunny-sack under one arm the wagon-boss went the rounds, and when he had finished his trip the sack was full of guns.

Bat Wing Bowles |Dane Coolidge
Before he left, the old man told the wagon-boss to ferry the outfit an' horses over in the boat, but to swim the steers.

Tales from the X-bar Horse Camp |Will C. Barnes
Bud, this here's my wagon-boss, Park Holloway; one of 'em, that is.

The Lure of the Dim Trails |by (AKA B. M. Sinclair) B. M. Bower
Frosty is an independent sort and won't stand a word from anybody, and the wagon-boss is something of a bully.

The Range Dwellers |B. M. Bower

Henry Lee is gittin' old—he can't be his own wagon-boss forever, and he's lookin' round for a man.

Bat Wing Bowles |Dane Coolidge