bargee/barge-man

(also ‘lighterman’; also with the spelling ‘bargeman’;  plural: ‘barge-men’; pronunciation: the letter ‘g’ is said with a ‘j’ sound as in “judge”)

‘barge’ = a long, large, flat-bottomed boat, usually used to carry heavy loads on canals
a bargee (in red tops) with a horse-drawn barge

 

a man who is in charge of a barge, especially on a canal;

the master or a worker on a barge,

 

a bargeman with his horse-drawn barge
e.g.

In the past, barges were pulled by draught animals walking along the narrow path on the banks of a canal, and the bargeman/bargee knew where to take a turn or when to make the animals slow down.

The present day bargeman/bargee not only manages a barge but also does the other tasks such as filling up the forms and bills, supervising loading and unloading of the goods, communicating with the crew members of other boats for transfer of goods, etc.

Note: The larva of cadelle beetle which usually infests biscuits on a ship is called a ‘bargeman’.
Note: ‘Bargeman’ is also found in the names of people, e.g. Lisa Ann Bargeman, M.T. Bargeman, etc.

About the Author:BC Kumar

BC Kumar, an English Language Teacher, taught in numerous countries including Ethiopia, Oman and India, shares his knowledge and passion for the English Language. Disclaimer: This is a free educational website and all content has been compiled by the author. All copyrights to images and videos belong to their respective owners.

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