A sailor who works on the foremast, which is the front mast of a ship.
From 'fore-' (front) + 'mast' (the pole holding sails) + 'man'. This nautical term originated in the Age of Sail to distinguish sailors by their position on the ship.
In naval hierarchy, foremastmen were experienced sailors of the working class, distinct from officers—knowing someone's position on the mast told you their rank, skills, and even their social standing aboard ship.
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