manpower

Etymology

man + power

noun

  1. The total number of all available workers; the workforce.
    The closure is stated officially to be solely due to the manpower position. 1944 July and August, “Notes and News: Crystal Palace Line Closed”, in Railway Magazine, page 248
    Since manpower represents so high a proportion of railway costs, attention by management to the study of work procedures with a view to better utilisation of—"and indeed greater rewards for"—the manpower employed was of special importance, said Mr. Blee. 1959 May, “Talking of Trains: L.M. passenger plan coming”, in Trains Illustrated, page 233
  2. The power exerted by a single person (analogous to horsepower.)
    Canals dug entirely by manpower.

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