Where Does the Word Midshipman Come from?

In the 17th century, a midshipman was a rating for an experienced seaman, and the word derives from the area aboard a ship, amidships, either where the original rating worked on the ship, or where he was berthed.

Why are they called midshipman?

In the 17th century, a midshipman was a rating for an experienced seaman, and the word derives from the area aboard a ship, amidships, either where the original rating worked on the ship, or where he was berthed. ... Midshipman began to mean an officer cadet at a naval college.

Is it midshipman or midshipmen?

noun, plural mid·ship·men. a student, as at the U.S. Naval Academy, in training for commission as ensign in the Navy or second lieutenant in the Marine Corps. Compare cadet (def. 2).