Just as you might think, this means a tight space, or a space with too many people in it. Sailing ships were limited on space so most enlisted people had to spend their time jammed into too small of an area.

The areas for the officers were divided by partitions. Cargo holds could also be divided depending on the cargo or passenger requirements. This was done by a series of movable partitions.

In combat the partitions could be set up creating a maze below decks. This was very effective against boarding attacks mounted by the enemy.