Sailor Speak of the Week – Gear

Definition

Noun

• Any kind of ship’s/sailor’s equipment.

Origin

15th century. From Middle English word, gere, and then the Icelandic, gervi, both of the same meaning.

Comments

A fairly common term nowadays, but it generally refers to any kind of equipment aboard a ship or belonging to a sailor. It can be large or small, simple or sophisticated.

References

Rogers, J.G. (1985). Origins of Sea Terms. Mystic Seaport.