ˈbōs ə n sometimes ˈbōtˌswān noun
also bo·s'n or bo'·s'n or bo·sun or bo'·sun ˈbōs ə n
Etymology: Middle English bootswein, from boot boat + swein young man, servant — more at boat , swain
1.
a. : a petty officer on a merchant ship having immediate supervision of the deck force, of boat crews, and of work parties engaged in maintenance of the hull, anchors, boats, and related equipment
b. : a warrant officer in the United States Navy who under the first lieutenant is in charge of the hull and all related equipment (as anchors and boats)
2.
a. : jaeger 3
b. : tropic bird