Sailor Speak of the Week – Quarters

Definition

Noun

• A general term for accommodations aboard a vessel.

Origin

16th century. Unknown origin, but possibly referencing a section of a community.

Comments

The term can also refer to battlestations, as in “general quarters.” In the Royal Navy, “to beat to quarters” would summon the men to their action stations by the beat of a drum (often “Heart of Oak”, the march of the Royal Navy).

References

King, D., Hattendorf, J.B, & Estes, J.W. (1997). A Sea of Words: A Lexicon and Companion for Patrick O’Brian’s Seafaring Tales (2nd Ed.). Owl Books.

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