ket·tle·man \ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷mən\noun (pluralkettlemen) : an industrial worker who melts, cooks, or dyes substances in a heated container: as a.: a brewery worker who makes the wort that is the basis for beer b.: one who refines impure lead to secure a commercial grade c.: one who cooks the ingredients of paints, varnishes, or oils d.: burner man