journeyman
journeyman Lexical Profile
journeyman Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A trained worker who has successfully completed an official apprenticeship in a building trade or craft and is qualified to work for another employer, though not yet a master craftsman.
"After four years as an apprentice electrician, he passed his licensing exam and began working as a journeyman."
A worker, performer, or sports player who is reliable, experienced, and competent, though not outstanding or brilliant, and who often plays for numerous different teams over a career.
"The veteran quarterback was a respected journeyman who had played for seven different franchises over twelve seasons."
Word Nuance & Usage
Although many people assume the word refers to someone who travels from place to place, the 'journey' in 'journeyman' originally meant a day's work (from French journée), referring to a craftsman paid a daily wage.
Word Origin & Etymology
Late Middle English, compounded from journey (in its archaic sense of 'a day's work', from Old French journée, ultimately from Latin diurnus 'daily') and man.