locksman

A locksman operates the gates to allow a boat to pass through the canal.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who operates or has charge of a lock on a canal or waterway: "locksman" refers to an individual responsible for managing the gates and water levels of a canal lock, ensuring safe passage for boats or ships.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The locksman opened the gate to allow the barge through the canal. (The person in charge of the lock performed the operation.)
  • A skilled locksman is essential for maintaining the flow of traffic on busy waterways. (An expert in managing canal locks is crucial for efficient navigation.)

Advanced Usage

• "to call the locksman": to summon the person responsible for operating a lock.
  • When the boat approached, the captain called the locksman to prepare the lock. (The captain requested the operator to ready the mechanism.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lock (n): a section of a canal or river with gates at each end, used to raise or lower boats between different water levels.

  • The boat waited in the lock while the water level rose. (The enclosed section of the canal adjusted the boat's elevation.)

• Lockkeeper (n): a synonym for "locksman," referring to the person who tends a lock.

  • The lockkeeper waved as the ship passed through. (The person in charge of the lock acknowledged the vessel.)

Synonyms

• Lockkeeper: the individual who operates and maintains a canal lock.
• Gatekeeper: a person who controls the gates of a lock (less common, more general).

Phrasal Verbs

• Lock through: to pass a boat through a lock by raising or lowering the water level.
  • The crew locked through the canal in just under an hour. (They navigated the lock successfully.)

Related Idioms

• Lock, stock, and barrel: entirely, completely (not directly related to "locksman," but derived from parts of a firearm; included for lexical awareness).
  • He bought the entire business, lock, stock, and barrel. (He purchased everything without exception.)