shiny metal trimmings or fittings on ships, cars, etc
2.
varnished or plain woodwork on a vessel
brightwork in American English
(ˈbraɪtˌwɜrk)
noun
unpainted metal trim or fittings, as on ships, kept bright by polishing
brightwork in American English
(ˈbraitˌwɜːrk)
noun
1.
polished metal parts, as on a ship or automobile
2. Nautical
all plain or varnished woodwork that is kept scoured on a vessel
Word origin
[1835–45, Amer.; bright + work]This word is first recorded in the period 1835–45. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: catch-up, ecumenical, faceplate, protein, serial