Definition

Noun

  1. An old term for furling or taking in a sail.
  2. A member of a vessel’s crew.

Origin

(1st definition) Probably earlier than the 16th century. (2nd definition) 13th century. From Old English and Old Saxon, meaning an employed person.

Comments

A hand can also be a measurement (i.e. a palm or hand breadth), formerly three inches, but now four inches.

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.