holper

Holper is a term that has been used in various contexts throughout history, but its meaning and usage have evolved over time. The term is believed to have originated from the Dutch word "holper," which means "stumbler" or "one who trips." In the context of the Dutch East India Company (VOC), a holper was a member of the company's crew who was responsible for navigating the ship and ensuring its safe passage. The holper's duties included reading the stars, using a compass, and navigating by dead reckoning, which involved calculating the ship's position based on its speed and direction.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, the term holper was also used to refer to a type of sailor who was skilled in navigating and was often responsible for teaching other sailors how to navigate. These sailors were highly valued by the VOC and were often given special privileges and rewards for their skills.

Over time, the term holper fell out of use as navigation technology improved and new methods of navigation were developed. Today, the term holper is rarely used and is not well-known to most people. However, it remains an interesting example of how language and terminology can evolve over time, reflecting changes in technology, society, and culture.