leadhand

English

Etymology

From lead +‎ hand.

Noun

leadhand (plural leadhands)

1. (Canada) A supervising worker.
   • 1951, The Labour Gazette, Canada Department of Labour, page 671:

     The Conservation sub-committee of the LMPC at Canadian Car & Foundry Limited's automotive division, Fort William, Ont., is holding a series of meetings with foremen and leadhands in a campaign to reduce waste and conserve tools.

   • 1979, John P. Sanderson, The art of collective bargaining, page 116:

     To make this clear, let us assume that the leadhand premium is 25 cents per hour. The issue is whether the leadhand gets this sum for each hour worked, including each overtime hour, or whether he is to receive time and one-half the hourly wage rate for overtime increased by the 25 cents per hour premium.

   • 1996, Raymond L. Hilgert, Cases and Experiential Exercises in Human Resource Management:

     He takes up twice as much of your time as both the other leadhands, and he really does need the help.

Anagrams

• headland