Bootsmann

boatswain, bosun

noun BOOTS-man Rare

Usage Note

Bootsmann is a petty officer on a ship responsible for the deck crew, rigging, and anchoring equipment. In the German Navy it is a specific rank. The plural is Bootsleute. Feminine: Bootsfrau (informal) or the role is described without gender marking in official usage.

Examples

"Der Bootsmann wies die Matrosen an, die Leinen einzuholen."

Natural Translation

The boatswain instructed the sailors to haul in the ropes.

Literal Translation

The boatswain instructed the sailors to pull in the ropes.

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