seamanship

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   skill and practical knowledge in navigating, handling, operating, and maintaining a ship or boat

   The captain's seamanship kept the vessel steady through the narrow, stormy channel.

Formed from seaman + -ship, where -ship denotes a state, skill, or craft. Seaman is the compound sea + man. The word therefore names the practical craft and competence associated with handling a vessel at sea.

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