coxswain meaning: definition, etymology

coxswain

noun

UK /ˈkɒk.s(ə)n/ · US /ˈkɑk.s(ə)n/

Etymology From Middle English cokswain, equivalent to cock (“small boat”) + swain (“boy, servant”).

In a ship's boat, the helmsman given charge of the boat's crew.

Hobbies, Lifestyle, Rowing, Sports The member of a crew who steers the shell and coordinates the power and rhythm of the rowers.

Archaic The second or third mate of a vessel, in charge of the master's barge.

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.

verb

Etymology From Middle English cokswain, equivalent to cock (“small boat”) + swain (“boy, servant”).

To act as coxswain for.