Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

pusser

Noun

ˈpʌsər

Definition

A term used primarily in the British Navy to refer to a ship’s purser or to the rum ration once provided to sailors.

Examples

The pusser ensured that the crew’s provisions were stocked and accounted for.
During special celebrations, a special rum from the pusser’s stock was served to the crew.
He worked as a pusser for many years, managing the daily supplies on the ship.

Meaning

Pusser originally referred to the purser, the officer responsible for managing the ship’s supplies and finances. Today, it is often associated with naval traditions, especially regarding rum rations in the British Navy.