slop chest

noun

1. a supply of clothing, boots, tobacco, and other personal goods for sale to the crew of a ship during a voyage.

2. (formerly) a chest containing this supply.

slop chest

noun

1. a stock of merchandise, such as clothing, tobacco, etc, maintained aboard merchant ships for sale to the crew Compare small stores

Word History and Origins

Origin of slop chest¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

He had no oilskins or any proper seaman's gear, except a pair of makeshift leggings from the slop chest.

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The Captain's 'slop chest'—a general store, where oilskins were 'sea priced' at a sovereign, and sea-boots could be had for thirty shillings!

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But our slop chest was under water, and the tobacco utterly useless.

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"Five will do—or three if you have a slop chest aboard."

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I wouldn't mind if I ware signed on regular like the rest, 'cause I could take it out the slop chest in work.

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