a person who practises CARPENTRY.

CARPENTER of a Ship, an officer appointed to examine and keep in order the frame of a ship, together with her masts, yards, boats, and all other wooden machinery. It is his duty in particular to keep the ship tight; for which purpose he ought frequently to review the decks and sides, and to caulk them when it is necessary. In the time of battle, he is to examine up and down, with all possible attention, in the lower apartments of the ship, to stop any holes that may have been made by shot, with wooden plugs provided of several sizes.