frigate etymology

Etymology:

• Old French: fregute
• Medieval Latin: fregata
• Portuguese: fragata
• Spanish: fragata

Meaning:

• A fast, maneuverable warship with three or more masts
• (figuratively) Any ship or spacecraft of light construction and high speed

Origin:

The word "frigate" has a complex etymological history:

• Old French "fregute": May have originated from the Italian "fregata," meaning a light galley.
• Medieval Latin "fregata": Adopted from Old French and used in maritime texts.
• Portuguese "fragata": Borrowed from Medieval Latin and used to describe small, fast warships.
• Spanish "fragata": Derived from Portuguese and used in similar contexts.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, "frigate" became established in English as a term for a small, fast, three-masted warship armed with cannons. This type of vessel was primarily used for reconnaissance, scouting, and commerce raiding. Over time, "frigate" evolved to describe a wider range of warships, including modern guided-missile frigates.

In modern usage, "frigate" can also refer to:

• Any ship or spacecraft characterized by high speed and maneuverability
• A type of sailing yacht with a long, slender hull and a single mast

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