Definition of "sea-chest" [sea-chest]

• In ship-building, a short open pipe extending from the outside plating to the interior just inside the inner bottom, the inner end of which is closed by a sea-valve placed in a position accessible from the interior of the vessel. (noun)

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

• "He came back, dragging a heavy sea-chest, which he deposited on top of the trap."
• "Every sea-chest broke open, every sea-bag turned out, and whiskey bottles, knuckle-dusters, sling-shots, bowie-knives, an 'guns chucked overside by the armful."
• "Placing it in the custody of a sailor, he returned below and was helped up with his sea-chest by the steward."