Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
forecastle [fohk-suh l, fawr-kas-uh l, -kah-suh l, fohr-] ExamplesWord Origin noun Nautical.
- a superstructure at or immediately aft of the bow of a vessel, used as a shelter for stores, machinery, etc., or as quarters for sailors.
- any sailors’ quarters located in the forward part of a vessel, as a deckhouse.
- the forward part of the weather deck of a vessel, especially that part forward of the foremast.
Also fo’c’s’le, fo’c’sle. Origin of forecastle First recorded in 1300–50, forecastle is from the Middle English word forcastel. See fore-, castle Examples from the Web for forecastle Historical Examples of forecastle
All the sailors had a kind word for him, and many were the praises which he received in the forecastle.
Horatio Alger
The mandate was obeyed, and Bates was lodged in the forecastle, securely ironed.
Horatio Alger
The Norman hath a mangonel or a trabuch upon the forecastle.
Arthur Conan Doyle
Being captain of the forecastle, I knew where to find it, and throw it loose at a jerk.
James Fenimore Cooper
He was now to be sent into the forecastle, and was ordered to instruct me in my duty.
James Fenimore Cooper
British Dictionary definitions for forecastle forecastle fo’c’s’le or fo’c’sle noun
- the part of a vessel at the bow where the crew is quartered and stores, machines, etc, may be stowed
Word Origin and History for forecastle n.
c.1400, earlier Anglo-French forechasteil (mid-14c.), from Middle English fore- “before” + Anglo-French castel “fortified tower,” the short raised deck in the fore part of the ship used in warfare (see castle (n.)). Spelling fo’c’sle reflects sailors’ pronunciation.