fugleman
noun
Forms fuglemen fugelman
- noun The member of a military group who leads the way or demonstrates drill; hence, someone who keeps the beat or timing, and/or demonstrates motions in other contexts.
- noun (by extension) A political leader, or a ringleader.
Etymology
From earlier flugleman, flugelman, from German Flügelmann (“a file-leader”), from Flügel (“a wing, file”) + Mann (“man”).
Webster’s 1913
- noun A soldier especially expert and well drilled, who takes his place in front of a military company, as a guide for the others in their exercises; a file leader. He originally stood in front of the right wing. [Written also flugelman.]
- noun Hence, one who leads the way. [Jocose]
Etymology [G. flügelmann file leader; flügel wing (akin to E. fly) + mann man. Cf. Flugrelman.]
Sources: Wiktionary · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “fugleman”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details