coxswain

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the sailor in charge of a ship's boat and crew, usually responsible for steering it

   The coxswain ordered the boat crew to pull away from the ship.

2. 2
   noun

   the person who steers a racing shell and directs the rhythm and tactics of its rowers

   The coxswain called for a faster stroke during the final sprint.

From Middle English cokswayne, formed from cok, 'cockboat or small ship's boat,' + swain, 'servant or attendant.' The traditional shortened pronunciation is shared with boatswain.

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