[f. lock’s, gen. of LOCK sb.2 + MAN sb.]
† 1. Sc. A turnkey, jailor; also = LOCKMAN a.
17[?]. in Fountainhall, Decis. (1759), I. 169 (Jam.). The Provosts and Baillies of Edinburgh … do judge Alexander Cockburn their Hangman or Locksman within three suns—for [etc.].
1820. Scott, Abbot, xxiii. To play the Locksman here in Lochleven, with no gayer amusement, than that of turning the key on two or three helpless women?
2. = lock-keeper (see LOCK sb.2).
1846. Mrs. Gore, Eng. Char. (1852), 66. Thomas Scrogss, a locksman on the Paddington canal.
1884. Manch. Exam., 19 Sept., 8/4. The locksmen of the Rideau Canal have a busy time opening and shutting the 47 huge gates.
