Crossword clues for coxswain
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
The Collaborative International Dictionary
Coxswain \Cox"swain`\ (k?k"sw?n, Colloq. k?k"s'n), n. See Cockswain.
Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
early 14c., "officer in charge of a ship's boat and its crew," from cock "ship's boat" (from Old French coque "canoe") + swain "boy," from Old Norse sveinn "boy, servant" (see swain).
Wiktionary
n. 1 In a ship's boat, the helmsman given charge of the boat's crew. 2 In a rowing crew, the member who steers the shell and coordinates the power and rhythm of the rowers. 3 (context archaic English) The second or third mate of a vessel, in charge of the master's barge. 4 (context naval English) 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.
WordNet
n. the helmsman of a ship's boat or a racing crew [syn: cox]
Wikipedia
The coxswain is the person in charge of a boat, particularly its navigation and steering. The etymology of the word gives a literal meaning of "boat servant" since it comes from cock, a cockboat or other small vessel kept aboard a ship, and swain, an Old English term derived from the Old Norse sveinn meaning boy or servant.
In a crew, the coxswain (or simply the 'cox', or 'coxie') is the member who sits in the stern (except in bowloaders) facing the bow. The coxswain is responsible for steering the boat, and coordinating the power and rhythm of the rowers. In some capacities, the coxswain is responsible for implementing the training regimen prescribed by a team's coach during practice.
Usage examples of "coxswain".
Paynter to the coxswain, a fat sailor dressed in amazingly dirty rags, with a pure-white new hat tilted forward almost to his nose.
He roused him without bitterness, and sent the yawning coxswain across the long gray gangplank that spanned the gulf of the dry dock, to buy coffee and doughnuts.
It gave Willie a twinge to see how easily the coxswain was cowed out of even that small comfort.
Calling the coxswain on deck, he directed that if they were attacked, the cutter should be kept ready for instant use, and in case the vessel was disabled, they would attempt to finish their journey in her.
When he had found his sword, he ran out of the cabin, and saw his men drawn up behind the cotton-bales, under charge of the coxswain, who ran up to his officer and hurriedly asked for orders.
Only one of his men was to be seen, and that was the coxswain, who was holding on to the wreck, awaiting the appearance of his officer.
Here Frank again struck out, his every movement followed by the coxswain, who was close behind him, and who floated through the water like a cork.
The order was obeyed at once, and Frank and the coxswain, who now began to breathe more freely, went below and stood before the fire-doors to dry their clothing.
This letter had been written by the captain to whom Frank had delivered his dispatches, he having learned the full particulars from the coxswain, whom he had summoned into his presence while Frank was in the wardroom eating his dinner.
Frank assured him that he would be allowed to accompany them wherever they went, and the coxswain departed satisfied.
When night came, the gig was called away, and Frank, accompanied by the major, Archie, and the coxswain, was set on shore.
Paymaster, you and the coxswain station yourselves in those doors, and keep a good look-out, to prevent surprise.
Archie sprang to his feet and ran to the assistance of the coxswain, and by the time Frank and the major arrived, the rebel, who struggled most desperately, had been overpowered, and his hands bound behind his back.
In a few moments more the prisoners were all secured, and, after a horse had been caught and saddled, the guerrilla placed upon it, his hands still bound, and the coxswain was ordered to take charge of him.
Frank and the major rode in front, followed by the coxswain, who held fast to the horse which their prisoner rode, and Archie brought up the rear.