Before the mast is a phrase that has been used for centuries to describe the position of sailors who worked on the deck of a ship. It is a term that has become synonymous with life at sea and the hardships that come with it. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of before the mast, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Before the mast is a nautical term that refers to the position of sailors who work on the deck of a ship. These sailors are responsible for the maintenance of the ship, the handling of its sails, and the navigation of the vessel. The term is used to distinguish these sailors from those who work below deck, such as cooks and stewards.
Origin
The phrase before the mast has its origins in the early days of sailing. In those days, the mast was the central structure of a ship, and the sailors who worked on the deck were said to be before the mast. The term was first recorded in the early 19th century, but it is believed to have been in use for much longer.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of before the mast is consistent across different dictionaries. It is defined as the position of sailors who work on the deck of a ship, as opposed to those who work below deck.
Associations
Before the mast is a phrase that is associated with life at sea and the hardships that come with it. It is often used to describe the difficult conditions that sailors faced in the past, such as long hours, harsh weather, and cramped living quarters.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of before the mast include:
- On deck.
- Above deck.
- Topside.
Antonyms
The antonym of before the mast is below deck.
The same root words
The phrase before the mast does not have any root words.
Example Sentences
- The sailors before the mast were responsible for hoisting the sails.
- Life before the mast was tough, but it was also an adventure.
- The captain relied on the sailors before the mast to navigate the ship through treacherous waters.
Before the mast is a phrase that has been used for centuries to describe the position of sailors who work on the deck of a ship. It is a term that is associated with life at sea and the hardships that come with it. The phrase has its origins in the early days of sailing and is still in use today.