forecastle

[ fohk-suh l, fawr-kas-uh l, -kah-suh l, fohr- ]

/ ˈfoʊk səl, ˈfɔrˌkæs əl, -ˌkɑ səl, ˈfoʊr- /

a superstructure at or immediately aft of the bow of a vessel, used as a shelter for stores, machinery, etc., or as quarters for sailors.

any sailors' quarters located in the forward part of a vessel, as a deckhouse.

the forward part of the weather deck of a vessel, especially that part forward of the foremast.

Also fo'c's'le, fo'c'sle.

Origin of forecastle

First recorded in 1300–50, forecastle is from the Middle English word forcastel. See fore-, castle

To-morrow it's going forward to the sick men in the forecastle.

For Jacinta |Harold Bindloss
Doctor Luke put his elbows on the forecastle table, his chin on his hands—and thus gazed, immovable, at young Docks.

Doctor Luke of the Labrador |Norman Duncan
A quartermaster, summoned from the forecastle, hoisted a block and tackle to a derrick.

His Unknown Wife |Louis Tracy
The sounds ceased, and there was a hail from the forecastle.

The Black Bar |George Manville Fenn

Scattered about the forecastle lay the dead bodies of the crew.

The Sea Rovers |Rufus Rockwell Wilson

forecastle

/ (ˈfəʊksəl) /

the part of a vessel at the bow where the crew is quartered and stores, machines, etc, may be stowed