A boatswain’s chair is a type of seat that is used to suspend a person from a rope or cable. It is often used in construction and maintenance work, particularly in situations where it is difficult or dangerous to access an area using traditional means. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of boatswain’s chair, its origins, and its associations.
Definitions
A boatswain’s chair is a type of seat that is suspended from a rope or cable. It is used to transport people up and down tall structures, such as buildings, towers, or ships. The chair is typically made of wood or metal, and it is attached to the rope or cable using hooks or carabiners.
Origin
The boatswain’s chair has been in use for centuries, particularly in the maritime industry. The term “boatswain” refers to a crew member on a ship who is responsible for the maintenance of the vessel. The chair was originally used by boatswains to access the rigging and other parts of the ship that were difficult to reach.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a boatswain’s chair is “a seat suspended by ropes or chains from a support aloft (as on a ship’s mast) and used especially for work on the rigging.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a suspended seat used for working at heights, especially in shipbuilding and maintenance.”
Associations
The boatswain’s chair is often associated with construction and maintenance work, particularly in the maritime industry. It is also associated with height and danger, as it is often used in situations where it is difficult or dangerous to access an area using traditional means.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for boatswain’s chair include bosun’s chair, boatswain’s seat, and boatswain’s sling.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for boatswain’s chair, but some opposite concepts could include safety, stability, and ground-level work.
The same root words
The word “boatswain” comes from the Old English word “bōtswēn,” which means “boat servant.” The word “chair” comes from the Old French word “chaiere,” which means “seat.”
Example Sentences
- The construction workers used a boatswain’s chair to access the top of the building.
- The boatswain’s chair was attached to the ship’s mast, allowing the crew member to access the rigging.
- The maintenance worker sat in the boatswain’s chair as he repaired the tower’s antenna.
In conclusion, a boatswain’s chair is a type of seat that is suspended from a rope or cable. It is used to transport people up and down tall structures, particularly in situations where it is difficult or dangerous to access an area using traditional means. The boatswain’s chair has been in use for centuries, particularly in the maritime industry, and it is often associated with construction and maintenance work.