† contre-master Obs.
[a. F. contre-maistre ‘the Master's mate in a ship’ (Cotgr.), in Sp. contramaestre: see contra- 3.]
A boatswain.
| 1726 G. Shelvocke Voy. round W. 124 The Contre-Mastre, or Boatswain of her had not been aboard of us above two hours. Ibid. (1757) 341 There was none killed on board of her, but the Contre-master. c 1790 J. Willock Voy. iv. 105 Soon after, the boatswain or countermaster (as the word in their language signifies)..came up to us. |