Mate

(mat.) [From Du. maat, a companion.] (Naut.) On shipboard, the distinction borne by those officers immediately under the captain, and who a ist him in the performance of his duty. Large merchant-ve els have a 1st, 2d, and 3d, and, sometimes, a 4th mate. In ships of war, the master has mates selected from among the midshipmen; the boatswain, carpenter, gunner, and other warrant-officers have also their mates, to direct the execution of their orders. [s. 584]