coxswain

Alternative forms

• cockswain

Etymology

From Middle English cokswain; equivalent to cock (“a boat”) + swain; hence, the master of a boat.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /kɑksən/
• (US)

  (file)

Noun

coxswain (plural coxswains)

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. (archaic) The second or third mate of a vessel, in charge of the master's barge.
4. (naval) A rank or position.
   1. Canadian Navy Coxswain (or Capitaine d'Armes) is the senior non-commissioned officer aboard a ship
   2. British Royal Navy Cadets Cadet Coxswain is the highest normal rank which may be achieved.

Verb

coxswain (third-person singular simple present coxswains, present participle coxswaining, simple past and past participle coxswained)

1. (transitive) To act as coxswain for.

   to coxswain a college rowing team