Nautical Term: Fo’c’sle

Definition of Fo’c’sle

The term ‘Fo’c’sle’ represents a contemporary usage of the ancient maritime term, which originally referred to the forward part or bow section of a ship, where the crew resided during voyages.

For instance, in the log of a 17th-century merchant vessel, the entry for June 15, 1663, reads:

Fair weather. Sailed at daybreak. All hands busy on the Fo’c’sle, setting up hammocks and stowing provisions.

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