coxswain

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

From Middle English cokswain, equivalent to cock (a boat) + swain (boy, servant); hence, the master of a boat.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /kɑksən/
  • (US)
    (file)

Noun

coxswain (plural coxswains)

  1. In a ship's boat, the helmsman given charge of the boat's crew.
  2. (rowing) The member of a crew who steers the shell and coordinates the power and rhythm of the rowers.
  3. (archaic) The second or third mate of a vessel, in charge of the master's barge.
  4. (naval) A rank or position.
    Canadian Navy Coxswain (or Capitaine d'Armes) is the senior non-commissioned officer aboard a ship
    British Royal Navy Cadets Cadet Coxswain is the highest normal rank which may be achieved.

Translations

Verb

coxswain (third-person singular simple present coxswains, present participle coxswaining, simple past and past participle coxswained)

  1. (transitive, intransative) To act as coxswain for.
    to coxswain for a college rowing team
    to coxswain a boat

Synonyms

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