noun
chandler
A dealer in supplies for ships.
The captain visits the ship's chandler to buy rope and cleaning supplies.
Etymology
The older word names a candle dealer. The trade expanded to other supplies, and a ship chandler became a merchant supplying the varied provisions needed aboard vessels.
More examples
- A local chandler delivers provisions to the vessel.
- The chandler stocks equipment for small fishing boats.
- The harbor has several chandlers serving visiting ships.
Forms
chandler · chandlers
Similar words
- supplier
- Supplier is a broad business term; ship's chandler specializes in vessels' supplies.