CAPTAIN of a Merchant-ship, he who has the direction of the ship, her crew, and lading, &c. In small ships and short voyages, he is more ordinarily called the master. In the Mediterranean, he is called the patroon.—The proprietor of the vessel appoints the captain or master; and he is to form the crew, and chuse and hire the pilots, mates, and seamen; though, when the proprietor and master reside on the same spot, they generally act in concert together.