The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Seaman \Sea"man\, n.; pl. Seamen.
A merman; the male of the mermaid. [R.] "Not to mention
mermaids or seamen." --Locke.
[1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Seaman \Sea"man\, n.; pl. Seamen. [AS. saeman.]
One whose occupation is to assist in the management of ships
at sea; a mariner; a sailor; -- applied both to officers and
common mariners, but especially to the latter. Opposed to
landman, or landsman.
[1913 Webster]
Able seaman, a sailor who is practically conversant with
all the duties of common seamanship.
Ordinary seaman. See Ordinary.
[1913 Webster]