forecastle

[fohk-suh l, fawr-kas-uh l, -kah-suh l, fohr-]

noun Nautical.

a superstructure at or immediately aft of the bow of a vessel, used as a shelter for stores, machinery, etc., or as quarters for sailors.

any sailors' quarters located in the forward part of a vessel, as a deckhouse.

the forward part of the weather deck of a vessel, especially that part forward of the foremast.

Also fo'c's'le, fo'c'sle.

Origin of forecastle

First recorded in 1300–50, forecastle is from the Middle English word forcastel. See fore-, castle

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for forecastle

Historical Examples of forecastle

All the sailors had a kind word for him, and many were the praises which he received in the forecastle.
Brave and Bold
Horatio Alger
The mandate was obeyed, and Bates was lodged in the forecastle, securely ironed.
Brave and Bold
Horatio Alger
The Norman hath a mangonel or a trabuch upon the forecastle.
The White Company
Arthur Conan Doyle
He was now to be sent into the forecastle, and was ordered to instruct me in my duty.
Ned Myers
James Fenimore Cooper
Being captain of the forecastle, I knew where to find it, and throw it loose at a jerk.
Ned Myers
James Fenimore Cooper

British Dictionary definitions for forecastle

forecastle

fo'c's'le or fo'c'sle

noun

the part of a vessel at the bow where the crew is quartered and stores, machines, etc, may be stowed

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for forecastle

c.1400, earlier Anglo-French forechasteil (mid-14c.), from Middle English fore- "before" + Anglo-French castel "fortified tower," the short raised deck in the fore part of the ship used in warfare (see castle (n.)). Spelling fo'c'sle reflects sailors' pronunciation.