E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Boatswain.
The officer who has charge of the boats, sails, rigging, anchors, cordage, cables, and colours. Swain is the Saxon swein (a boy, servant), Swedish sven. Hence, a shepherd is a swain, and a sweetheart is a woman’s servant or swain.
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Boatswain. The name of Byron’s favourite dog, buried in Newstead Abbey garden.
