ship's papers

plural noun

1. necessary papers presented at all legal inspections of a ship, and containing the owner's name, description of cargo, destination, etc.

ship's papers

plural noun

1. the documents that are required by law to be carried by a ship for the purpose of ascertaining details of her ownership, nationality, destination, and cargo or to prove her neutrality

Word History and Origins

Origin of ship's papers¹

First recorded in 1655–65

Example Sentences

They are merely formal documents, ships papers, clearance bills and so forth.

From Project Gutenberg

The commander of the British cruiser followed Captain Anderson to the latters cabin, where he inspected the ships papers.

From Project Gutenberg

The commander will probably come aboard to have a look at the ships papers.

From Project Gutenberg

The ships papers are made out for the West Indies and will only protect us if we sail for a port there.

From Project Gutenberg