supercargo

[soo-per-kahr-goh, soo-per-kahr-]

noun

plural

supercargoes, supercargos 

1. a merchant-ship officer who is in charge of the cargo and the commercial concerns of the voyage.

supercargo

/ ˌsuːpəˈkɑːɡəʊ /

noun

1. an officer on a merchant ship who supervises commercial matters and is in charge of the cargo

Word History and Origins

Origin of supercargo¹

1690–1700; < Spanish sobrecargo, with sobre- over (< Latin super ) Latinized; replacing supracargo (with supra- for Spanish sobre- ); cargo

Word History and Origins

Origin of supercargo¹

C17: changed from Spanish sobrecargo, from sobre over (from Latin _super ) + cargo _cargo

Example Sentences

“I want you as supercargo, Nat. And—no more second mate’s duty for you—no watches to stand.”

Read more on Literature

As there is no motive for concealment, I am permitted to use them, and accordingly send you a rescript, simply omitting technical details of seamanship and supercargo.

Read more on Literature

Robert Campbell of the University of Rhode Island, one of Healey’s supercargo of scientists, outlined the details at Arctic Frontiers, a scientific conference held in Tromso, Norway, last month.

Read more on Economist

For the most part, he had worked hard; at first as Columbine's mate and supercargo, afterwards as a merchant's clerk.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

Gratified by his conduct, the owners placed him on board the brig John, as master and supercargo, and despatched him to the West Indies.

Read more on Project Gutenberg