Definition of "keelman" []

• A keeler; one who manages a coal boat. (noun)

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• "Tyne keelman exempt from impress by levy -- the men supplied being obtained by them by bounties,"
• "Between "keelish," "coblish" and "sheelish," the respective dialects of the north-country keelman, pilot and tradesman, he had at his command a source of supply unrivalled in vituperative richness, abundance and variety."
• "Thames watermen and Tyne keelmen in particular acquired an astounding proficiency in the choice and application of abusive epithets, but of the two the keelman carried off the palm."