Landsman

Origin

land's + -man. In meanings 3 and 4, influenced by Yiddish לאַנדסמאַן.

Alternative forms

• landman

Full definition of landsman

Noun

1. The opposite of a seaman. A person who does not go to sea, who lacks the skills of a sailor or who is uncomfortable on ships or boats.
2. (oil and gas industry) A person who negotiates leases, contracts and other business deals between producers and landowners.
3. A fellow Jew who comes from the same district or town, especially in Eastern Europe
4. Someone of a similar heritage or belief system
5. (obsolete, nautical) A military rank given to naval recruits

Coordinate terms

• (opposite of a seaman) landlubber