[f. line’s, genitive of LINE sb.2 + MAN. Cf. LINEMAN.]
1. A soldier belonging to a regiment of the line.
1856. E. Napier (title), The Linesman, or Service in the Guards and the Line during England’s long peace.
1885. Mag. of Art, Sept., p. xlii/2. The ugly shako and the coarse red trousers of the French linesman.
2. = LINEMAN 1.
1883. Standard, 3 May, 6/5. James B—,… telegraph linesman.
1884. Manch. Exam., 11 Nov., 8/2. A number of linesmen engaged … in unloading a barge of heavy sleepers.
3. a. Lawn Tennis. An umpire posted near to one of the ‘lines,’ whose duty it is to decide whether any particular ball falls within the court or not. b. Football. In the Association game since 1891, an official whose chief duty is to mark when and where the ball crosses the touch-line or the goal-line.
1890. Heathcote, etc., Lawn Tennis (Badm. Libr.), 349. There should certainly be not less than three linesmen (for the further side-line, and the base-lines) in addition to the umpire-in-chief.
1894. Westm. Gaz., 27 March, 2/3. [Football] Any player of the opposite side—selected by the referee and linesmen.
1897. Whitaker’s Alm., 644/1. [Football] Neutral linesmen shall officiate in all games.
1898. Laws Assoc., § 13, in Football (Badm. Libr.), 326. Two linesmen shall be appointed, whose duty … shall be to decide when the ball is out of play and which side is entitled to the corner kick, goal kick or throw in, and to assist the Referee in carrying out the game in accordance with the laws.
