Dictionary
boatswain
noun boat·swain \ˈbō-sən\
: an officer on a ship whose job is to take care of the main body of the ship and all the ship's equipment
Full Definition of BOATSWAIN
1
: a petty officer on a merchant ship having charge of hull maintenance and related work
2
: a naval warrant officer in charge of the hull and all related equipment
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Variants of BOATSWAIN
boat·swain or bosun also bos'n or bo's'n or bo'sun \ˈbō-sən\
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Origin of BOATSWAIN
Middle English bootswein, from boot boat + swein boy, servant — more at swain
First Known Use: 14th century
BO'S'N Defined for Kids
boatswain
noun boat·swain \ˈbō-sən\
Definition of BOATSWAIN for Kids
: a warrant officer on a warship or a petty officer on a commercial ship who has charge of the hull, anchors, boats, and rigging
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