Definition

Noun: - A petty officer on a merchant ship who is in charge of the deck crew, rigging, anchors, and boats, and who supervises the work of other seamen.

Usage

• The term "bo's'n" is a nautical title and job role. It is used specifically to refer to this officer on a ship. It is a formal term within maritime contexts.
• Example: "The captain gave the order to the bo's'n to prepare the lifeboats."

Advanced Usage

• "Bo's'n's call" or "Bo's'n's whistle": A whistle used by the boatswain to issue commands to the crew. The sound patterns are specific signals.
  • The bo's'n's call signaled the crew to assemble on deck.

Variants and Related Words

• Boatswain: The standard, full spelling of the word. "Bo's'n" is a traditional contraction.
• Bosun: A common modern phonetic spelling.
• Bo'sun: Another variant spelling.

Synonyms

• Petty officer: A general term for a non-commissioned naval officer.
• Deck foreman: A less common term emphasizing supervisory duties on the ship's deck.

Related Phrases

• To pipe the side: A ceremonial duty sometimes performed by the boatswain, using the whistle to salute dignitaries boarding or leaving the ship.
  • The bo's'n piped the admiral aboard.

Noun

1. a petty officer on a merchant ship who controls the work of other seamen