forecastle

[ fohk-suhl, fawr-kas-uhl, -kah-suhl, fohr- ]

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, especially that part forward of the foremast.

forecastle

/ ˈfəʊksəl /

noun

1. the part of a vessel at the bow where the crew is quartered and stores, machines, etc, may be stowed

Word History and Origins

Origin of forecastle¹

First recorded in 1300–50, forecastle is from the Middle English word forcastel. See fore-, castle

Example Sentences

No vestige was left of her stern or forecastle, both of which were before so very conspicuous.

From Project Gutenberg

He reached the forward deck, and was already climbing the forecastle ladder, when he heard someone speaking near him.

From Project Gutenberg

The whole ship's company consisted of an immense multitude, there being in the forecastle alone 600 seamen.

From Project Gutenberg

But when one comes to look for real forecastle songs, written by a sailor, and smelling of pitch and tar, one finds very few.

From Project Gutenberg

One struck our taffrail, and another killed a man on the forecastle; but our rigging escaped.

From Project Gutenberg