plural of boatswain

The officer (or warrant officer) in charge of sails, rigging, anchors, cables etc. and all work on deck of a sailing ship. / The petty officer of a merchant ship who controls the work of other seamen.

A tropical bird, Phaethon aethereus, often found far from land, whose cry resembles the whistle of a boatswain's pipe.

(nautical) A whistle, previously used by boatswain's mates to pipe orders throughout a ship; now used for the ceremonial piping onboard of visiting dignitaries.

(nautical) A short board or other seating, secured in a bridle of ropes, used to hoist a man aloft or over the ship’s side for painting and similar work.

plural of boatswain's pipe

plural of boatswain's chair

plural of boatswain-bird

A petty officer assisting the boatswain aboard ship.