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Webster 1913 Edition


Larboard

Lar′boardˊ

,
Noun.
[
Lar-
is of uncertain origin, possibly the same as
lower
, i. e., humbler in rank, because the starboard side is considered by mariners as higher in rank; cf. D.
laag
low, akin to E.
low
. See
Board
,
Noun.
, 8.]
(Naut.)
The left-hand side of a ship to one on board facing toward the bow; port; – opposed to
starboard
.
Larboard is a nearly obsolete term, having been superseded by
port
to avoid liability of confusion with starboard, owing to similarity of sound.

Lar′boardˊ

,
Adj.
On or pertaining to the left-hand side of a vessel; port;
as, the
larboard
quarter
.

Webster 1828 Edition


Larboard

L'ARBOARD

,
Noun.
[Board, bord, is a side; but I know the meaning of lar. The Dutch use bakboard, and the Germans backbord.]
The left hand side of a ship, when a person stands with his face to the head; opposed to starboard.

L'ARBOARD

,
Adj.
Pertaining to the left hand side of a ship; as the larboard quarter.

Definition 2024


larboard

larboard

English

Noun

larboard (usually uncountable, plural larboards)

  1. (obsolete, nautical) The left side of a ship, looking from the stern forward to the bow; port side.

Usage notes

In the Royal Navy it was not until 1844 that larboard was abandoned for port in reference to that side of the ship. The term port however had always been used when referring to the helm (ie. sailing direction), in order to avoid any confusion between starboard and larboard in such an important matter. (Reference: Ray Parkin, H. M. Bark Endeavour, Miegunyah Press, second edition 2003, ISBN 0-522-85093-6, page 56.)

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