Davis, John

an English navigator, born near Dart mouth; took early to the sea; conducted (1585-1587) three expeditions to the Arctic Seas in quest of a NW. pa age to India and China, as far N. as 73°; discovered the strait which bears his name; sailed as pilot in two South Sea expeditions, and was killed by Japanese pirates near Malacca; wrote the "Seaman's Secret" (1550-1605).