forecastle

noun

Etymology: From Middle English forecastel, forcastel, (whence also Anglo-French forechasteil), equivalent to fore- + castle. Compare Dutch voorkasteel.

1. A raised part of the upper deck at the front of a ship; the structure of this part of the ship; the crew's quarters located within it.

   “Holonyms: watercraft, vessel, vessel”

   “My knife was at my hip. I returned to my hut for the shotgun, made sure it was loaded, and went down to the Ghost. With some difficulty, and at the expense of a wetting to the waist, I climbed aboard. The forecastle scuttle was open. I paused to listen for the breathing of the men, but there was no breathing.”