What does "tindal" mean?
A petty officer among lascars; a boatswain's mate; a cockswain.
Tindal
name, noun
name, noun ·2 syllables ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A petty officer among lascars; a boatswain's mate; a cockswain.
- Grammar: tindal is listed as name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: baton, mass unit, measurement unit, scepter.
- Usage evidence: One thing that continued unchanged was the division of the crew into two watches, each led by a tindal.
How to use "tindal"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "tindal" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "tindal" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "tindal" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "tindal" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "tindal" is acting as name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "baton" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "tindal", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A petty officer among lascars; a boatswain's mate; a cockswain. India, dated
"One thing that continued unchanged was the division of the crew into two watches, each led by a tindal."
- 2 An attendant on an army. India, dated
"The party left the island about four o clock in the afternoon, and after a pleasant passage of three hours, arrived at the Jaffna Customs, where a most untoward event took place which tended greatly to mar the pleasure of the day: the unfortunate wag of a tindal not having brought a boat-note with him, the tide-waiters at the Custom-house detained all the oysters belonging to the party, which were immediately removed to the Custom-house and kept there under lock and key, pending the decision of the acting Controller of Customs!"
Proper Noun
- 1 A surname.
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"One thing that continued unchanged was the division of the crew into two watches, each led by a tindal."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "tindal"?
Common synonyms include: baton, mass unit, measurement unit, scepter, staff, weight unit.
How do you use "tindal" in a sentence?
One thing that continued unchanged was the division of the crew into two watches, each led by a tindal.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Malayalam തണ്ടല് (taṇṭal) or Telugu తండేలు (taṇḍēlu), ultimately from Proto-Dravidian *tanḍal-.
Etymology 2
Variant of Tynedale.