woodsman
(ˈwʊdzmən)
Pl. woodsmen. (Chiefly U.S.)
[f. wood's gen. sing. or woods pl. of wood n.1 + man n.1; cf. backwoodsman.]
A man who inhabits, frequents, or ranges the woods, as a huntsman, sportsman, wood-cutter, etc. (cf. woodman1 1, 2, 4); one acquainted with or accustomed to the woods.
| 1688 Clayton Virginia in Phil. Trans. XVIII. 122 There are abundance of brave Red Deer, so that a good Woodsman, as they call them, will keep a House with Venison. 1699 W. Dampier Voy. II. ii. 86 The Captain..told him..that he was but a sorry Woodsman, and that he would swing him but twice round and he should not guess the way out again. 1755 R. Rogers Jrnls. (1769) 9 One company of woodsmen or rangers..to make excursions towards the enemy's forts. 1797 F. Baily Jrnl. Tour N. Amer. (1856) 358 My companion..was an excellent woodsman; and I..trusted myself to his guidance, well knowing that he would not easily mistake the track. 1817 Scott Harold ii. xiv, A woodsman thou and hast a spear, And couldst thou such an insult bear? 1825 ― Talism. xxii, The low wail of a dog,..which, as an experienced woodsman, he had no hesitation in recognising to be that of his own faithful hound. 1827 Hood Plea Mids. Fairies xlvi, A merry Woodsman, clad in green, Stept vanward from his mates. 1875 G. J. Whyte-Melville Katerfelto xvi, Rube was far too practical a woodsman to pass such a slot without inquiry. 1896 N.Y. Weekly Witness 30 Dec. 13/1 The woodsmen were going for the opposite party. 1902 S. E. White Blazed Trail vi, A veteran woodsman who had come to swamping in his old age. |