Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Nearby Words

forecastle

 - 3 dictionary results

fore⋅cas⋅tle

  [fohk-suhl, fawr-kas-uhl, -kah-suhl, fohr-]
Use forecastle in a Sentence
–noun Nautical.
1. a superstructure at or immediately aft of the bow of a vessel, used as a shelter for stores, machinery, etc., or as quarters for sailors.
2. any sailors' quarters located in the forward part of a vessel, as a deckhouse.
3. the forward part of the weather deck of a vessel, esp. that part forward of the foremast.
Also, fo'c's'le, fo'c'sle.

Origin:
1300–50; ME forcastel. See fore-, castle
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To forecastle
fore·cas·tle   (fōk'səl, fôr'kās'əl, fōr'-)   
n.  

  1. The section of the upper deck of a ship located at the bow forward of the foremast.

  2. A superstructure at the bow of a merchant ship where the crew is housed.


[Middle English forecastel : fore-, fore- + castel, fortification; see castle.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History

forecastle 
1407, from Anglo-Fr. forechasteil, from M.E. fore "before" + castel "fortified tower," the short raised deck in the fore part of the ship used in warfare. Spelling fo'c'sle reflects sailors' pronunciation.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Search another word or see forecastle on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way