boatswain

[ boh-suhn ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a warrant officer on a warship, or a petty officer on a merchant vessel, in charge of rigging, anchors, cables, etc.

boatswain

/ ˈbəʊsən /

a petty officer on a merchant ship or a warrant officer on a warship who is responsible for the maintenance of the ship and its equipment

The spelling pronunciation [boht, -sweyn] is almost never used.

First recorded in 1400–50, boatswain is from the late Middle English word bote-swayn. See boat, swain

Old English bātswegen ; see boat , swain

The Swedish boatswain consoled him, and he modified his opinions as the voyage went on.

On each side of the driver of the galloping steeds stood a man, shouting like a maniac of the boatswain type.

The chief ambition of the great conqueror and legislator was to be a good boatswain and a good ship's carpenter.

The boatswain swore with wicked words,Enough to shock a saint, That though she did seem in a fit,'Twas nothing but a feint.

Rogers took him on board, and appointed him boatswain's mate.

April 17, 2024axolotl

[ak-suh-lot-l ]

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