Naut. [YARD sb.2] In royal yardman, upper yardman, etc., a sailor occupied on the royal yards, the upper yards, etc.
1886. Albert Victor & George, Cruise H.M.S. ‘Bacchante,’ I. 551. He was a smart royal yardman, and one of the most promising young hands in the ship, and every one feels quite sad at his loss.
1903. Sat. Rev., 27 June, 815/1. An unfortunate upper yardman made some blunder aloft.
