The Dictionary of English Nautical Language Database: Search Results
Your search returned 3 matches.
Term:
capstan chantey (pron: shan'-tee) (n)
Definition:
A rhythmic sea song with a short repetitive answering chorus, sung by the crew as they trod around the capstan pushing on the bars to raise the anchor. The rhythm helped them to act in unison, and gave them heart for the hard work.
See Also:
chantey, sea chantey
Term:
chantey (pron: shan'-tee) (n)
Definition:
A rhythmic folk song usually with a short repetitive chorus sung by sailors in time with the work they are doing. A sea chantey is a song telling a sea story in the lyrics, having a pronounced rhythm, usually led by the chanteyman and answered in the chorus by all hands. From the French "chanter" meaning to sing.
See Also:
capstan chantey
Term:
chanteyman (pron: shan'-tee-man) (n)
Definition:
A singer of sea songs, especially sea chanteys. The crewman who leads the singing of chanteys, and thereby sets the rhythm of the work being done.
