flotsam

views updated Jun 11 2018

flot·sam / ˈflätsəm/ • n. the wreckage of a ship or its cargo found floating on or washed up by the sea.Compare with jetsam. ∎ fig. people or things that have been rejected and are regarded as worthless: the room was cleared of boxes and other flotsam.PHRASES: flotsam and jetsam useless or discarded objects.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

flotsam

views updated Jun 08 2018

flotsam the wreckage of a ship or its cargo found floating on or washed up by the sea (as distinguished from jetsam, goods or material thrown overboard and washed ashore). Flotsam and jetsam is used generally for useless or discarded objects.

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable ELIZABETH KNOWLES

flotsam

views updated May 21 2018

flotsam floating wreckage. XVI. Early forms also flotsen, -son; — AN. floteson, f. floter FLOAT.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

Flotsam

views updated Jun 08 2018

FLOTSAM

A name for the goods that float upon the sea when cast overboard for the safety of the ship or when a ship is sunk. Distinguished from jetsam (goods deliberately thrown over to lighten ship) and ligan (goods cast into the sea attached to a buoy).

West's Encyclopedia of American Law