powder monkey

noun
1.
(formerly) a boy employed on warships to carry gunpowder from the magazine to the guns.
2.
powderman (def 1).
Origin
1675-85
British Dictionary definitions for powder monkey

powder monkey

noun
1.
(formerly) a boy who carried powder from the magazine to the guns on warships
Slang definitions & phrases for powder monkey

powder monkey

noun phrase

A person who works with explosives in mining, construction, etc

[1926+ Loggers & miners; found by 1682 designating a boy who handles gunpowder aboard a warship]