† ˈseedman Obs.
[f. seed n. or v. + man n.1]
1. = seedsman 1.
In 16–17th c. often fig. with etym. allusion to seminary.
| 1583 Exec. for Treason (1675) 5 These Seminaries, or Seedmen, and Jesuits,..have..laboured..to perswade the people. c 1615 God & the King (1663) 6 Wherewith these seed-men of sedition were no way suppressed. 1686 Goad Celest. Bodies ii. ii. 161 Just as two Seed-men in a Field, that sow more ground at convenient distance, than if they walked together in the same Furrow. |
2. = seedsman 2.
| 1652 W. Blithe Eng. Improv. Impr. xxvi. (1653) 179 Much that is sold in the Seed-mens shops in London. 1670 L. Meager Eng. Gard. 191 In the first place you are to endeavour to be furnished with such sorts of Seed as are of best account..either at the hand of Friend, Gardener, or Seed-man. 1719 London & Wise Compl. Gard. Pref. 2 At the Seed-Mens Shops. |