Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†GATESMAN, n. One who makes passages or drift-ways in a coal-mine (Sc. 1886 J. Barrowman Mining Terms 30).Sc. 1755 R. Boyd Office J.P.s (1787) II. 942:
Colliers, gatesmen, windlassmen, and watermen are not comprehended, or meant to be included, in any of the acts of parliament regarding the highways; and, therefore, . . . are not subject or liable to give any service or attendance at the repair of the highways within the county of Ayr.