Nautical Term: Slop chest
Definition of Slop chest
A designated storage area on board merchant vessels, specifically stocked with a variety of merchandise, including but not limited to clothing, tobacco, and other essentials. This stock is intended for sale to the crew members, providing them with necessary supplies and offering a source of revenue for the vessel.
For example, during a long voyage, the crew members might run out of clothing or tobacco. In such cases, they could purchase these essentials from the ship’s slop chest, ensuring their comfort and morale during the journey.
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