noun Nautical. a superstructure at or immediately aft of the bow of a vessel, used as a shelter for stores, machinery, etc., or as quarters for sailors.

Why is it called forecastle?

The fo'c's'le or forecastle is the forward deck of the ship. It derives its name from sailing ship days when the raised forward deck was known as the forecastle. This was typically a raised, castle like structure where archers first could engage enemy ships.

What is ship forecastle?

fo'c'sle), the space beneath the short raised deck forward, known in sailing ships as the topgallant forecastle, to be seen usually in smaller ships. ... In this connection, it was also the name given to the deckhouse on the upper deck of large sailing ships in which seamen had their living quarters.