top hand

"A top-hand once, but the trail for mine," seemed to explain the singer's somewhat erratic dinner schedule.

He was what was called a "top hand," received large wages, was married, and at that time had a home and considerable property.

So Cleg trotted briskly down the slimy black steps, from which the top hand-rail had long since vanished.

Its title was "The Lovers" and since then he has gone right on proving himself a top-hand craftsman.

For Bowles was a top hand now, whatever his enemy might say, and he had his choice of guards.