Captain Bligh

1 8.9

A British naval officer who survived after his crew set him adrift from the Bounty

proper noun

: Capitán Bligh

After being set adrift by his crew, Captain Bligh navigated thousands of miles to safety.

Examples

The story of Captain Bligh and the Bounty mutiny has fascinated people for generations.
The strict discipline of Captain Bligh was blamed by some for the famous mutiny.
The infamous Captain Bligh was known for his harsh leadership style.
Did Captain Bligh really endure such a difficult journey after the mutiny?
After being set adrift by his crew, Captain Bligh navigated thousands of miles to safety.
The story of Captain Bligh and the Bounty mutiny has fascinated people for generations.
The strict discipline of Captain Bligh was blamed by some for the famous mutiny.

Synonyms

Bligh

vsCaptain Bligh

2 9.1

A British navy captain who led the ship Bounty during a famous mutiny

emphasizes the later open boat voyage to safety after being set adrift

William Bligh

vsCaptain Bligh

1 7.7

A British naval officer who was captain of the ship Bounty during a crew revolt in 1789

notes also a remarkable survival voyage after being set adrift

Surface Forms

Captain Bligh main

Morphology

captain + Bligh

This is a straightforward title + surname combination: a B1 learner who knows 'captain' and recognises 'Bligh' as a proper name will correctly infer it refers to a captain called Bligh. Specific historical facts about that person (the mutiny, his leadership style) are not derivable from the words, but the basic referential meaning is fully compositional.

Etymology

Captain Bligh was the captain of the H.M.S. Bounty who, after his crew rebelled and set him adrift in a tiny boat, navigated thousands of miles to safety. That's why his name is remembered for a famous 'mutiny' and for 'surviving' against great odds.