Definition

Noun

  • A generic term for any large waterborne craft.

Origin

13th century. From Old French, vaissel, also vaisseau, for a ship or a large craft. Also further back to Latin, but nautical associations become murky.

Comments

Self-explanatory. It has other meanings, of course, but is mostly a broad term for a boat or ship in the nautical sense.

References

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

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