Definition

Verb

  • To board a vessel, particularly at the onset of a voyage or cruise.

Origin

16th century. From French, embarquer, and back to Latin, imbarcare, meaning to put in a ship.

Comments

Apart from being a nautical term, this also applies to international air travel. Having been to and from Japan many times myself, you’re given a card to fill out before going through customs in Japan. One of the questions is where your port of embarkation was at (i.e. where did you get on the plane?)

References

Rogers, J.G. (1985). Origins of Sea Terms. Mystic Seaport Museum.

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