Category:Boatswain

Boat"swain, n. Etym: [Boat + swain.]

1. (Naut.)

Defn: An officer who has charge of the boats, sails, rigging, colors, anchors, cables, cordage, etc., of a ship, and who also summons the crew, and performs other duties.

2. (Zoöl.) (a) The jager gull. (b) The tropic bird. Boatswain's mate, an assistant of the boatswain. Totten.