[f. FERRY sb. + MAN.] One who keeps or looks after a ferry.
1464. Mann. & Househ. Exp., 162. [I] payd to the ferrymanes wyffe … xij. d.
1559. Mirr. Mag., Dk. Clarence, xxxiv.
| They wer as wise as Goose the fery man: | |
| Yet in their skil the ceased not to skan. |
1615. G. Sandys, Trav., 134.
| Charon grim Ferri-man, these streames doth guard, | |
| Vglily nastie: his huge hoarie beard | |
| Knit up in elfe locks, staring-fiery-eyd: | |
| With robe on beastly shoulders hung, knot-tide. |
1753. Hanway, Trav. (1762), I. II. xii. 55. The ferry-man finding that I was a merchant, began to be insolent.
1833. Ht. Martineau, Tale of Tyne, i. 1. He was a pretty ferryman to let a passenger stand calling for his boat, for minutes together, while he gave no heed.
1878. B. Taylor, Deukalion, I. iv. 35.
| ’T is surely he, | |
| The ancient ferryman of Hades! |
attrib. 1801. M. G. Lewis, in Tales of Wond., I. No. 1. 7.
| Yet legends say, at Hallow-E’en, | |
| When Silence holds her deepest reign, | |
| That still the ferryman-fiend is seen | |
| To waft the monk and bonny Jane. |
