BRIGANTINE Meaning and
Definition
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A brigantine refers to a type of sailing vessel that originated in the 17th century. It is a two-masted ship, with square-rigged sails on the forward mast and fore-and-aft sails on the aft mast. The main distinguishing feature of a brigantine is its combination of both square and fore-and-aft rigged sails, which allows for enhanced maneuverability and versatility.
Typically smaller than a full-sized ship, a brigantine is usually between 100 to 200 feet in length. It is commonly seen as a war or merchant vessel due to its balanced design, which enables it to exhibit impressive speed and adaptability. The square-rigged sails maximize power when sailing with the wind, called running, while the fore-and-aft sails come in handy when sailing against the wind, known as tacking.
Historically, brigantines were frequently employed by pirates and privateers due to their agile nature and ability to navigate shallow waters. They played a significant role in naval warfare, often being used for smuggling, patrolling, and raiding coastal areas. Over time, the exact specifications and designs of brigantines have varied, leading to different sub-categories such as the hermaphrodite brigantine.
In the modern era, brigantines are mainly used as training vessels, museum ships, or for recreational purposes. These vessels serve as important means to preserve and showcase maritime history, offering enthusiasts and tourists a unique experience of sailing in a piece of the past. The brigantine's fusion of square and fore-and-aft rigging continues to fascinate and captivate maritime enthusiasts worldwide.
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A light swift vessel formerly used by pirates.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for BRIGANTINE *
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Other Common Misspellings for BRIGANTINE
Etymology of BRIGANTINE
The word "brigantine" has its origins in the late 16th century, derived from the Italian word "brigantino". The Italian term comes from the noun "brigante", which means "brigand" or "pirate". Brigands were notorious for operating small, fast vessels that were often used for piracy or smuggling. Over time, "brigantino" referred specifically to a ship type characterized by two masts, square-rigged on the foremast, and fore-and-aft rigged on the mainmast. This type of ship proved to be versatile and capable of both speed and maneuverability, thereby becoming quite popular in naval and merchant fleets during the 16th and 17th centuries. Eventually, the term "brigantine" entered English usage to describe this particular type of ship.
Similar spelling words for BRIGANTINE
- brisance,
- Brigance,
- Barkentine,
- bragantino,
- brokendown,
- brigandine,
- brigman,
- bregman,
- brisant,
- Barquantine,
- bruggeman,
- Burgundian,
- Barkantine,
- pyraconitin,
- Brugnoli,
- bregmatic,
- barquentine,
- briganti,
- brugman,
- brigand.
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