coxswain

Etymology

From Middle English cokswain; equivalent to cock (“a boat”) + swain (“boy, servant”); hence “the master of a boat”.

noun

1. In a ship's boat, the helmsman given charge of the boat's crew.
2. (rowing) The member of a crew who steers the shell and coordinates the power and rhythm of the rowers.
3. (archaic) The second or third mate of a vessel, in charge of the master's barge.
4. (naval) A rank or position.
   Canadian Navy Coxswain (or Capitaine d'Armes) is the senior non-commissioned officer aboard a ship
   British Royal Navy Cadets Cadet Coxswain is the highest normal rank which may be achieved.

verb

1. (transitive, intransative) To act as coxswain for.
   to coxswain for a college rowing team
   to coxswain a boat