boatswain

American  

[boh-suhn] / ˈboʊ sən /

Also bo's'n,

noun

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

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boatswain British  

/ 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

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Pronunciation

The spelling pronunciation is almost never used.

Etymology

Origin of boatswain

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

Example Sentences

Mr. Potts, a 20-year-old crane operator with the rank of boatswain’s mate, had been on leave in Honolulu for two days.

From New York Times

The other 30 to 40 crew members, including chefs, officers, stewards, engineers, boatswains and deckhands, work year-round with all expenses paid, often even including offshore bar tabs.

From Seattle Times

As a former Navy boatswain’s mate, he has not.

From Washington Post

That changed with USS Gerald R. Ford last month - all the deck department sailors assigned to the boatswain’s mates bridge watch teams were women.

From Washington Times

A boatswain, who peeked from his cabin during the attack, told Reuters he saw masked men wearing black military boots identical to those worn by the troops who guarded the ship.

From Reuters