General Order of the day in 1846
 

GENERAL ORDER

UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT,

Washington, February 18, 1846

It having been represented to the Department, that confusion arises
from the use of the words "Larboard" and "Starboard," in consequence
of the similiarity of sound, the word "Port" is hereafter to be
substituted for "Larboard."

GEORGE BANCROFT.


What is a Larboard? Beside the port side of yer boat.

Capt. American

General Order of the day in 1846
 

Capt.American wrote:
What is a Larboard? Beside the port side of yer boat.

Contraction or corruption of "lading board" or "laden board" the place
on the boat which is loaded to (or from). In other words the side of the
boat that is pulled up to the pier. In the days of steering oars & side
rudders, it is naturally the opposite of "steer board."

It could also be the place where lard-asses are ordered to sit in order
to save room in the rest of the boat.

DSK