noun
forecastle
FOHK-sul/ˈfəʊksl/
The forward part of a ship, traditionally used as crew quarters.
Compact crew bunks fill the ship's forecastle near the bow.
Etymology
The 'front tower' was originally a raised fighting deck at the ship's bow. Its name broadened to the forward section of the vessel, including the sailors' living quarters.
In context
A thin cold rain was falling, and the archers were crowded under the shelter of the overhanging poop and forecastle, where some spent the hours at dice, some in sleep
More examples
- Waves crash over the forecastle as the ship pitches.
- The crew's bunks fill the cramped forecastle.
- Visitors can explore the forecastle of the restored sailing ship.
Forms
forecastle · forecastles
Similar words
- bow
- The ship's front end, without specifically referring to crew quarters.
- foredeck
- The forward deck surface, rather than living quarters below it.