messmate

[ mes-meyt ]

noun

1. a person, especially a friend, who is a member of a group regularly taking meals together, as in an army camp.

messmate

/ ˈmɛsˌmeɪt /

noun

1. a person with whom one shares meals in a mess, esp in the army
2. any of various eucalyptus trees that grow amongst other species

Word History and Origins

Origin of messmate¹

First recorded in 1720–30; mess + mate ¹

Example Sentences

Messmate o' mine on the Bedford, and afore that on the Vesuvius bomb.

From Project Gutenberg

My worthy messmate was taken prisoner and kept in France some eight or ten years or more.

From Project Gutenberg

I heard an account of the expedition from one of the seamen who had been engaged in it, as he described it to a messmate.

From Project Gutenberg

"It looks like a whale of a job, messmate," remarked Dick, as he and Matt walked away from the hotel.

From Project Gutenberg

"Messmate," answered Mr. Jope; and, opening his mouth, pointed down it with his forefinger.

From Project Gutenberg