matlow

Noun

matelot (plural matelots)

1. A sailor.
   • Nor were they long finding what they sought for; first the grub matter was hunted up, and go where you would, you was sure to meet lots of Matelo’s [matelots—sailors] wending their way to their various quarters, loaded to the bends with what they called Belly Timber.c. 1847, Joseph T. Downey, edited by Howard R. Lamar, The Cruise of Portsmouth 1845-1847, published 1958, page 216
2. A mate; a boon companion.
   • […] "Among the Brethren of the Coast—we tykes no wimmen save in passing, as it were, they being bothersome, frail and scatterbrained creatures. Instead we tykes a blood-brother, or matelot ... A matelot, 'e fights along side o' yer, nurses yer if yer falls sick. Wots 'is is yours and whats yours is...1949, Francis van Wyck Mason, Cutlass Empire, →OCLC

See all 3 meanings of matelot