boatswain Hear it!

boatswain Definition

boat·swain (sən)

noun

a ship's warrant officer or petty officer in charge of the deck crew, the rigging, anchors, boats, etc.

Etymology: ME boteswayne < OE batswegen < bat, boat + *swegen, servant < or akin to ON sveinn: see swain

boatswain Usage Examples

Possessives

  • mate: An investigating officer will recommend what charges, if any, the boatswain's mate should face.
  • chair: In these circumstances, consider using properly installed personnel equipment such as rope access or boatswain's chairs.
  • pipe: They also have boatswain's pipes worn on a silver chain around their necks.

Converse of object

  • ask: Flames were coming out from #1 turret and I asked the boatswain if the magazine was flooded.
  • have: They also have boatswain 's pipes worn on a silver chain around their necks.

Adjective modifier

  • old: The old boatswain was left alone, but he had plenty to do.

Browse dictionary entries near boatswain

  1. boatnecked
  2. boatmen
  3. boatmanship
  4. boatman
  5. boatload
  6. boatlift
  7. boating
  8. boathouse
  9. boathook
  10. boater
  1. boatswain's pipe
  2. boatyard
  3. Boaz
  4. bob
  5. bob skate
  6. bobbed
  7. bobber
  8. bobberies
  9. bobbery
  10. bobbies