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boatswain

[ boh-suhn ]

noun

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


boatswain

/ ˈbəʊsən /

noun

  1. 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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Pronunciation Note

The spelling pronunciation [boht, -sweyn] is almost never used.
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Word History and Origins

Origin of boatswain1

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

Origin of boatswain1

Old English bātswegen ; see boat , swain
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Example Sentences

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.

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