Emily Dickinson Lexicon

BOAT'SWAIN, n. [In seamen's language, bōsn; Sax. batswein, from bat, boat, and swein, swain, a boy or servant.]

An officer on board of ships, who has charge of the boats, sails, rigging, colors, anchors, cables and cordage. His office is also, to summon the crew to their duty, to relieve the watch, assist in the necessary business of the ship, seize and punish offenders, &c. He has a mate who has charge of the long-boat, for setting forth and weighing anchors, warping, towing, and mooring. – Mar. Dict. Encyc. Johnson.