noun
a warrant officer or petty officer on a merchant ship or a naval vessel responsible for the maintenance of the ship and its equipment
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The boatswain is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the ship's rigging and sails.
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The boatswain is the one who keeps the ship in tip-top shape.
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The boatswain is like the ship's handyman, fixing things up as needed.
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In a way, the boatswain is like the captain of the ship's maintenance crew.