Definition of "water-tender" [water-tender]

• Nautical, a person whose duty it is to see that the proper level of water is maintained in the boilers and to regulate the supply of feed-water for that purpose. (noun)

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

• "The history was to be presented to the emperor in the Northern Capital when the final ship of the Treasure Fleet, a humble water-tender christened Night Shining White, departed on its months 'long voyage to the red planet."
• "It makes steam more regularly, as there is no opening of doors, and no blank spaces are left on the grate bars to let cold air in, and, when properly arranged, regulates the steam pressure, leaving the man in charge nothing to do but to look after the water, and even that could be accomplished if one cared to trust to such a volatile water-tender."
• "In a little square hatch the head and shoulders of Mr. Bartholomew McGuffey, chief engineer; first, second and third assistant engineer, oiler, wiper, water-tender, and coal-passer of the _Maggie_, appeared."