captain's mast: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical, Formal, Military
Quick answer
What does “captain's mast” mean?
A formal disciplinary hearing aboard a naval ship, convened and presided over by the commanding officer.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A formal disciplinary hearing aboard a naval ship, convened and presided over by the commanding officer.
In US Navy and US Coast Guard contexts, a non-judicial punishment proceeding where a ship's captain or commanding officer hears charges against personnel and administers punishment if needed. It is also known as 'NJP' or 'office hours' in some contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British naval tradition, the equivalent formal hearing is typically called a 'Captain's table' or simply 'Requestman & Defaulter'. 'Captain's mast' is overwhelmingly a US Navy and US Coast Guard term.
Connotations
In American usage, it carries strong connotations of military discipline and justice. In British usage, the term is not used; the equivalent concept exists but under a different name.
Frequency
The term is almost never used in general British English. In American English, it is common only within military, particularly naval, circles.
Grammar
How to Use “captain's mast” in a Sentence
The captain held a mast for the sailor.The sailor was masted for insubordination.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “captain's mast” in a Sentence
verb
American English
- The CO decided to mast the petty officer for the safety violation.
- He was masted last Tuesday and received restriction.
adjective
American English
- The mast proceedings were conducted by the book.
- He reviewed the mast package before the hearing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used. A business equivalent might be a 'disciplinary review with HR'.
Academic
Only used in academic papers or courses on military law, naval history, or organizational discipline.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Only used by former/current naval personnel or in related fiction/media.
Technical
Core context. Used in official US Navy/Coast Guard manuals, regulations (e.g., UCMJ, JAG instructions), and communications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “captain's mast”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “captain's mast”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “captain's mast”
- Using it as a metaphor in non-military contexts (e.g., 'The CEO held a captain's mast').
- Thinking it refers to an actual physical mast on a ship in modern usage.
- Using 'captain's mast' to refer to British naval practice.
- Confusing it with a 'court-martial', which is a full military trial with a panel of officers.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a non-judicial punishment (NJP) proceeding, not a trial. It is an administrative hearing held by the commanding officer to address minor offences without a formal court-martial.
No, a captain's mast cannot impose confinement in a brig or jail. It can administer punishments like extra duty, restriction, forfeiture of pay, or reduction in rank for enlisted personnel.
Primarily no. The term is specific to the sea services (US Navy, US Coast Guard). The Army and Air Force have equivalent proceedings often called 'Article 15' or 'office hours'.
It originates from the days of sail, when the crew was assembled at the ship's mast for announcements, ceremonies, and disciplinary matters. The accused might be tied to the mast for punishment, hence the association.
A formal disciplinary hearing aboard a naval ship, convened and presided over by the commanding officer.
Captain's mast is usually technical, formal, military in register.
Captain's mast: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkæp.tɪnz mɑːst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkæp.tənz mæst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He's heading for a one-way ticket to captain's mast.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the ship's CAPTAIN standing by the MAST to officially judge his crew. The place (mast) gives its name to the event.
Conceptual Metaphor
JUSTICE IS A FORMAL ASSEMBLY (The disciplinary process is conceptualized as a convened meeting in a specific, authoritative location).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'captain's mast' most accurately and commonly used?