sea chest

American  

noun

Nautical.

1. a fitting in a hull below the water line, for admitting or discharging water.

2. a chest for the personal belongings of a sailor.

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sea chest British  

noun

1. a usually large firm chest used by a sailor for storing personal property

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Etymology

Origin of sea chest

First recorded in 1660–70

Example Sentences

A sea chest belonging to John Claypoole had been given to the museum in 2019 by another branch of the family.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 12, 2021

The crack formed on a spot where two pieces were welded together and was hidden behind a sea chest that houses a fire pump, which is part of an onboard sprinkler system.

From Washington Post • Sep. 16, 2017

A large sea chest supplies strained water to all systems, eliminating the need for dozens of through-hull fittings scattered around the yacht.

From Time Magazine Archive

Arete, too, sent maids in waiting after him, one with a laundered great cloak and a tunic, a second balancing the crammed sea chest, a third one bearing loaves and good red wine.

From "The Odyssey" by Homer

He took one of them from his sea chest in the attic.

From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes