matchtub

Updated: June 30, 2026

Sometimes, with his mess-cloth a square of painted canvas set out on deck between the guns, garnished with pots, and pans, and kids, you see the mess-cook seated on a matchtub at its head, his trowser legs rolled up and arms bared, presiding over the convivial party. "Now, men, you can't have any butter to-day. I'm saving it up for to-morrow. You don't know the value of butter, men.

Herman Melville - White Jacket: or, the World on a Man-of-War