coxswain

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): (Received Pronunciation) /ˈkɒk.s(ə)n/, (spelling pronunciation) /ˈkɒkˌsweɪn/
  • (General American) IPA(key): /ˈkɑk.s(ə)n/
  • Audio (US):(file)
  • Rhymes: -ɒksən

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.

Derived terms

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

Derived terms