coxswain
English
/ˈkɒk.s(ə)n/, /ˈkɒkˌsweɪn/, /ˈkɑk.s(ə)n/
noun
Definitions
- In a ship's boat, the helmsman given charge of the boat's crew.
- (rowing) The member of a crew who steers the shell and coordinates the power and rhythm of the rowers.
- (archaic) The second or third mate of a vessel, in charge of the master's barge.
- (naval) A rank or position.
Etymology
Inherited from Middle English cokswain compound from English cock#Etymology_4 (a boat) + English swain (boy, servant, rural male lover).
Origin
English
swain
Gloss
boy, servant, rural male lover
Concept
Semantic Field
Kinship
Ontological Category
Person/Thing