Citations:powder monkey

English citations of powder monkey

1. Reference to sense: a boy or junior seaman employed to carry gunpowder.
   • 1864, Thomas J. Potter, Light and shade; or, The manor house of Hardinge,

     He proceeded to marshal his forces, assigning his position to each boy, that is, each old enough and strong enough for fighting purposes, whilst one or two scouts were despatched for the purpose of hunting up all the little fellows, who might be hiding themselves in out-of-the way places, as they were required to manufacture the snow-balls, and make themselves generally useful in the "powder-monkey" department.