1. Plural of brakeman; workers employed on a train who operate the brakes and assist with coupling and uncoupling cars.
Usage: chiefly historical or railroad industry; now largely replaced by automated systems

Examples

• The brakemen worked on freight trains throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
• During the steam era, brakemen were essential crew members on every locomotive.
• The railroad hired experienced brakemen to manage the complex braking systems.
• Brakemen had to be alert and quick to respond to signals from the engineer.
• Many brakemen eventually advanced to become locomotive engineers.