second num Comb second hand [phonetics unavailable]. See also HAND.
1 One in command of a fishing or sealing vessel under the captain or 'skipper.'
1924 ENGLAND 51 Her 1922 complement ... comprised: Captain, second hand, barrel men (or spy masters), scunners. 1936 SMITH 91 I tied the log line around the second hand ... and he jumped on board the boat and began freeing her out. T 43-64 But usually the skipper and second hand, or mate—whichever you mind to call him—would sleep aft in the cabin. P 9-73 The trap is made and set, now comes the hauling of it for the first time. The haul up lines are fastened to the top and bottom, two, one on each side of the doorway. The boat comes up to the trap and the second hand (mate) stands by with the boathook. 1976 CASHIN 91 Captain Kean's son, Wesley, who was second hand with his father, was much more popular with the crew.
2 Junior officer in command of a group working ashore, as in lumbering or railway maintenance.
1861 DE BOILIEU 25-6 The cargo unloaded and stored, the crews are divided in parties of three or four men, each being titled according to the position he holds in the boat. For instance, 'skipper,' 'second hand,' 'midshipman'; last comes the 'captain,' who has the least to do—merely, indeed, to cook for the rest and to keep the boat clean. P 65-64 Although the skipper has the authority to hire whom he wishes, he usually hires only one man. This man is the 'second hand.' The second hand hires all the other men required for the year's work. The second hand is actually the personnel manager. T 100-64 The man on one side o' the old pump-trolley, an' the foreman on another side. Well, he'd watch his side an' this man'd watch his, what they used to call second hand, you know, right on the front o' the car wi' the foreman.
