definitions

able seaman

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noun

Also called able-bodied seaman. an experienced deck-department seaman qualified to perform routine sea duties.
(in the British Navy and on British and U.S. merchant ships) a rating between ordinary seaman and leading seaman or boatswain's mate. Abbreviation: A.B., AB

Nearby words

ablator, ablaut, ablaze, able, able rating, able seaman, able-bodied, able-bodied seaman, abled, ableism, ablepharia

Origin of able seaman

First recorded in 1695–1705
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for able seaman

  • The door was opened, and the heavy curtain pushed aside, revealing the anxious features of Able-Seaman Cassidy.

    A Sub and a Submarine|Percy F. Westerman

  • Roberts was quite willing, and the first man they encountered was the able-seaman Titely.

    Hunting the Skipper|George Manville Fenn