Definition

Noun

  • A clerical officer on a ship in charge of documents, accounts, and payroll.

Origin

15th century. Originally from the Latin word bursariar, bursar.

Comments

In the Royal Navy, these were warrant officers appointed by the Admiralty and didn’t have to pass a professional examination. They were responsible for the government’s supplies, but also private contractors who could profit from the supplies. Pursers had a wardroom rank after 1808.

Pursers are still used on merchant ships and passenger ships as the officer in charge of supplies and accounts. The cooks and stewards would answer to them.

References

Kemp, P. (1994). The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea. Oxford University Press.

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.