Crossword clues for sideboy
Wiktionary
n. 1 (context nautical English) One of an even-numbered group of seaman posted in two rows on the quarterdeck when a visiting dignitary boards or leaves the ship, historically to help (or even hoist) him aboard. 2 (context US colloquial English) A small dresser; a drinks cabinet.
Wikipedia
A sideboy is a member of an even-numbered group of seamen posted in two rows at the quarterdeck when a visiting dignitary boards or leaves the ship, historically to help (or even hoist) him aboard, in a ceremony known as tending the Side. Presently, Sideboys are used only for ceremonial purposes and not always aboard ships. For example, they may be used for Change of Command and Retirement ceremonies. Sideboys are instructed by the piping of the Boatswain's Mate. Despite the seemingly sex-specific name of this function, in reality the sideboy function may be performed by either male or female members of the ship's complement.
Since 1843, United States Navy regulations have stipulated the number of sideboys according to the importance of the guests, which are similarly entitled to other honors; viz., the number of ruffles and flourishes and the number of cannon fired as a salute. It is traditional to post sideboys to honor superior officers. Anywhere from two to eight sideboys can be placed; this depends on the officer's rank or paygrade. The President rates the maximum number of sideboys (8), as does the Vice President and the Chief of Naval Operations. Specific requirements for other dignitiaries and military Officers can be found in OPNAVINST 1710.7A, the Social Usage and Protocol Handbook (see ref).
REFERENCES
Category:Military life Category:Water transport
Usage examples of "sideboy".
The sideboys did the same, but Commodore Avram hardly seemed to notice.
He was received in Navy fashion with sideboys attending the side and a long flourish on boatswain's pipes as he stepped on board.
This ceremony had been rehearsed three times since dawn and it passed off perfectly well: the barge hooked on, the white-gloved sideboys ran down with baize-covered manropes to make the ascent almost foolproof, the bosun and his mates sprung their calls, the Diane's forty marines, red as lobsters and perfect to the last button, presented arms with a fine simultaneous clash as the Governor and the envoy came aboard, welcomed by Captain Aubrey and all his officers in their best uniforms.
A quick look showed him that Honey had everything in hand: midshipmen quite respectable, sideboys washed and holding their white gloves ready - rather hairy, bigboned sideboys now - Marines at hand, and the ship, which had been toing and froing, now standing gently in, just stemming the tide, to receive the barge.
The pipes of the boatswain's mates twittered wildly, the marine guard presented arms, the sideboys stood rigidly at attention.