- Ordinary seaman
- Ordinary Or"di*na*ry, a. [L. ordinarius, fr. ordo, ordinis,
order: cf. F. ordinaire. See {Order}.]
1. According to established order; methodical; settled;
regular. ``The ordinary forms of law.'' --Addison.
[1913 Webster]
2. Common; customary; usual. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
Method is not less requisite in ordinary conversation that in writing. --Addison. [1913 Webster]
3. Of common rank, quality, or ability; not distinguished by superior excellence or beauty; hence, not distinguished in any way; commonplace; inferior; of little merit; as, men of ordinary judgment; an ordinary book. [1913 Webster]
An ordinary lad would have acquired little or no useful knowledge in such a way. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]
{Ordinary seaman} (Naut.), one not expert or fully skilled, and hence ranking below an {able seaman}. [1913 Webster]
Syn: Normal; common; usual; customary.
Usage: See {Normal}. -- {Ordinary}, {Common}. A thing is common in which many persons share or partake; as, a common practice. A thing is ordinary when it is apt to come round in the regular common order or succession of events. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.