Boat"swain (?), n. [Boat + swain.]
1. Naut.
An officer who has charge of the boats, sails, rigging, colors, anchors, cables, cordage, etc., of a ship, and who also summons the crew, and performs other duties.
2. Zool. (a)
The jager gull.
(b)
The tropic bird.
Boatswain's mate, an assistant of the boatswain.
Totten.
© Webster 1913.