Boatswains

Plural of boatswain; naval petty officers who supervise the deck crew and equipment on a ship.

Plural of 'boatswain', from Middle English 'botswayn', combining 'boat' and 'swain' (Old English 'swegn', meaning 'boy' or 'servant'). Originally, it meant the 'boy of the boat' but evolved into a senior position.