from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Journeyman \Jour"ney*man\, n.; pl. {Journeymen}.
1. Formerly, a man hired to work by the day; now, commonly,
one who has finished an apprenticeship and is a competent
worker in a handicraft or trade, but has not received
recognition as a master; -- distinguished from
{apprentice} and from {master workman}.
[1913 Webster +PJC]
I have thought some of nature's journeymen had made
men, and not made them well. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
2. Hence: A competent and experienced worker who performs
adequately but without a high level of expertise or
imagination.
[PJC]