first mate

American  

noun

1. the officer of a merchant vessel next in command beneath the captain.

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first mate British  

noun

1. Also called: first officer.  an officer second in command to the captain of a merchant ship

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Example Sentences

Finally, the first mate—he’s the head sailor—knocked on the captain’s door.

From Literature

Nighthand’s first mate, Warren, came up from the cabin and peered across the wooden deck.

From Literature

She lists the many infractions the first mate committed and defies any among them to countermand her husband’s orders.

From The Wall Street Journal

The first mate’s next stop would be the fish market, to see what price could be gotten for the Acorn’s herring.

From Literature

The garishly colored creature was perched on the first mate’s shoulder.

From Literature