A boatswain’s call is a traditional whistle used by sailors to communicate orders and signals aboard a ship. It has a distinct sound that can be heard over the noise of the sea, making it an essential tool for sailors. The boatswain’s call has a long history and is still used in many navies around the world. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of boatswain’s call, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, root words, and example sentences.
Definitions
A boatswain’s call is a whistle used by sailors to give orders or to signal various activities on board a ship. It is also known as a bosun’s whistle or a pipe. The boatswain’s call consists of a tube, called the gun, which is shaped like a flattened tube, and a mouthpiece, called the buoy. The gun is usually made of copper or brass, while the buoy is made of wood or plastic.
Origin
The boatswain’s call has a long history dating back to the days of sailing ships. It was originally used by the boatswain, the officer in charge of the ship’s crew and equipment. The boatswain’s call was used to give orders to the crew, such as to call them to work, to announce meal times, or to signal the start of a watch. The boatswain’s call was also used to communicate with other ships in the fleet.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a boatswain’s call is “a whistle used by a boatswain to give signals to the crew of a ship.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a whistle used by a boatswain to give orders on a ship.”
Associations
The boatswain’s call is associated with the navy and sailing ships. It is also associated with the traditions and customs of the sea. The boatswain’s call is often used in military ceremonies, such as the changing of the guard, and in naval parades.
Synonyms
The synonyms of boatswain’s call include bosun’s whistle, pipe, and whistle.
Antonyms
There are no antonyms for boatswain’s call, as it is a specific tool used for a specific purpose.
The same root words
The boatswain’s call has no root words, as it is a specific term used in the context of sailing and the navy.
Example Sentences
- The boatswain’s call signaled the start of the watch.
- The captain used the boatswain’s call to call the crew to work.
- The boatswain’s call was used to signal meal times on the ship.
The boatswain’s call is an important tool used by sailors to communicate orders and signals aboard a ship. It has a long history and is still used in many navies around the world. The boatswain’s call is associated with the traditions and customs of the sea and is an essential part of naval ceremonies and parades. Its distinct sound and unique design make it an important part of sailing culture.