mariner

Etymology

From Middle English mariner, maryner, borrowed from Anglo-Norman mariner, marinier, from Old French marinier, maronnier, from marin; perhaps corresponding to a post-Classical or Vulgar Latin marinarius (“sailor”), from marīnus (“marine; relating to the sea”). Eclipsed non-native Middle English marinel, marynell (“mariner, sailor”) borrowed from Old French marinel.

noun

1. A sailor.
   From the ground, Colombo’s port does not look like much. Those entering it are greeted by wire fences, walls dating back to colonial times and security posts. For mariners leaving the port after lonely nights on the high seas, the delights of the B52 Night Club and Stallion Pub lie a stumble away. 2013-06-08, “The new masters and commanders”, in The Economist, volume 407, number 8839, page 52