Canvas awnings stretched over the deck on USCGC Eagle.

Definition

Noun

  • Shade over the deck, deck opening, or for a boat.

Origin

Probably earlier than the early 17th century. Likely from the Old French word auvan, meaning a shade over a ship’s deck.

Comments

Awnings are stretched over a rope on the centerline of a vessel and secured to stanchions on either side of the deck. Older sailing vessels had a part of the poop deck that projected over the doors of the poop cabin to create a shelter for the helm and binnacle, which was also known as an awning.

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.