1. An operator of a cable car or streetcar, especially one who controls the grip mechanism that engages or disengages the moving cable.
Usage: chiefly North American; historical or regional

Examples

• The gripman skillfully maneuvered the cable car up the steep San Francisco hill.
• In the early 1900s, a gripman's job required strength and precision to operate the grip lever.
• The experienced gripman knew exactly when to engage and disengage the cable.
• San Francisco's famous cable cars are still operated by gripmen today.