Coxswain vs. Steersman — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Coxswain and Steersman
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Definitions
Coxswain
The coxswain ( KOK-sən) is the person in charge of a boat, particularly its navigation and steering. The etymology of the word gives a literal meaning of "boat servant" since it comes from cock, a cockboat or other small vessel kept aboard a ship, and swain, an Old English term derived from the Old Norse sveinn meaning boy or servant.
Steersman
A person who is steering a boat or ship.
Coxswain
The person who steers a ship's boat, racing boat, or other boat.
Steersman
One who steers a ship.
Coxswain
A person who usually steers a ship's boat and has charge of its crew.
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Steersman
(nautical) One who steers a ship or other vessel; the helmsman.
Coxswain
A person in a racing shell who usually directs the rest of the crew.
Steersman
One who steers; the helmsman of a vessel.
Coxswain
To act as coxswain or serve as coxswain for.
Steersman
The person who steers a ship
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Coxswain
In a ship's boat, the helmsman given charge of the boat's crew.
Coxswain
(rowing) The member of a crew who steers the shell and coordinates the power and rhythm of the rowers.
Coxswain
(archaic) The second or third mate of a vessel, in charge of the master's barge.
Coxswain
(naval) A rank or position.
Canadian Navy Coxswain (or Capitaine d'Armes) is the senior non-commissioned officer aboard a ship
British Royal Navy Cadets Cadet Coxswain is the highest normal rank which may be achieved.
Coxswain
To act as coxswain for.
To coxswain for a college rowing team
To coxswain a boat
Coxswain
See Cockswain.
Coxswain
The helmsman of a ship's boat or a racing crew
