able seaman

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

Origin of able seaman

First recorded in 1695–1705

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for able seaman

Historical Examples of able seaman

Roberts was quite willing, and the first man they encountered was the able-seaman Titely.
Hunting the Skipper
George Manville Fenn
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