matelot

American  

[mat-loh, mat-l-oh] / ˈmæt loʊ, ˈmæt lˌoʊ /

Or matelow

noun

British Slang.

1. a sailor.

---

matelot British  

/ ˈmætləʊ /

noun

1. slang a sailor

---

Etymology

Origin of matelot

1910–15; < French ≪ Middle Dutch mattenoot sailor, equivalent to matte mat ¹ + noot companion ( Dutch genoot )

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

matelot

They were the only places you’d get French imported stuff from – the hipster trousers and matelot shirts – which we liked.

From The Guardian ● May 17, 2015

"I have been matelot to Jacques for almost three years, but I don't recall the pleasure of welcoming you before this evening."

From Caribbee by Thomas Hoover

This matelot Blenkinsop has got it very badly.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 156, Jan. 8, 1919 by Various

Also, no man has more than one matelot.

From Caribbee by Thomas Hoover

As Winston urged Katherine toward the gates, the young matelot was still lingering forlornly on the steps, gazing up at the burning "dovecote."

From Caribbee by Thomas Hoover