Hoyman
/ˈhɔɪ.mən/noun
A person who owns, operates, or works on a hoy, a small sailing vessel used for coastal or inland transport.
Did you know?The word preserves the age of sail’s occupational naming pattern: the vessel was a “hoy,” and its operator became a “hoyman.”
Etymological Timeline
Late Middle Ages
Middle Dutch
hoey / hui
“A small sailing vessel or transport boat; the ultimate source is uncertain but is generally connected with Dutch maritime vocabulary.”
Late 15th Century
English
hoy
“A small sailing vessel, especially one used for coastal or river transport.”
17th Century
English
hoyman
“A man who operates or works aboard a hoy.”
18th Century
English
hoyman
“A boatman or master of a hoy, particularly in British commercial and maritime usage.”
Modern English
English
hoyman
“A historical or occupational term for someone who works on or operates a hoy.”