matelot

or mate·low

[ mat-loh, mat-l-oh ]

noun

, British Slang.

1. a sailor.

matelot

/ ˈmætləʊ /

noun

1. slang.
   a sailor

Word History and Origins

Origin of matelot¹

1910–15; < French ≪ Middle Dutch mattenoot sailor, equivalent to matte mat ¹ + noot companion ( Dutch genoot )

Word History and Origins

Origin of matelot¹

C20: from French

Example Sentences

And all the time the sentinels on the Saut au Matelot were eagerly watching the river for the first sign of the English invaders.

From Project Gutenberg

The Buccaneers went in pairs, every hunter having his camerade or matelot (sailor), as well as his engags.

From Project Gutenberg

The French word matelot, by the way, is derived from matelas, a mattress.

From Project Gutenberg

I prove to you I am not; but a good, sound, safe, French matelot!

From Project Gutenberg

This was at Sault-au-Matelot Street, a narrow, steep thoroughfare, barely twenty feet from side to side.

From Project Gutenberg