I object! Sometimes the simplest explanation is the best. Why must fugleman have to be contorted to conform to a German root -- flügelmann? A more convincing etymology is from the Danish (Danish being a mother tongue of English). Fugleman would be Danish fuglemand, "birdman," or someone who flies ahead, i.e. a scout, a leader. Birds and (in ancient cultures) birdmen have always been indicators, portents, who lead the way. (Remember the marvelous old film clip of the Northwest Indians landing a canoe, led on the prow by Birdman.) Why not here? Flank man? I don't think so.

Last edited by LongBeachJack; 10/18/2007 12:44 AM.