A more thorough explanation:

Definition: A loadsman is a person who directs a ship's course from a small boat traveling in front of the larger ship instead of from the ship itself. They can also be responsible for taking the ship to a berth after a pilot has brought it into port.

Example: In the past, the loadsman had a monopoly on piloting in the Cinque Ports. This means that they were the only ones allowed to direct ships in and out of those ports from their small boats.

Explanation: The example shows how the loadsman was an important figure in the history of maritime trade. They were responsible for ensuring the safe passage of ships into and out of ports, and their expertise was highly valued. The loadsman's role was especially important in areas like the Cinque Ports, where the waters were treacherous and required specialized knowledge to navigate.