n.
Variant: or bosun also bos'n or bo's'n or bo'sun
Pronunciation: ' b ō -s ə n
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English bootswein, from boot boat + swein boy, servant ― more at SWAIN
Date: 14th century
1 : a petty officer on a merchant ship having charge of hull maintenance and related work
2 : a naval warrant officer in charge of the hull and all related equipment