Xebec

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Xebec \Xe"bec\ (z[=e]"b[e^]k), n. [Sp. jabegue, formerly spelt
     xabeque, or Pg. xabeco; both from Turk. sumbeki a kind of
     Asiatic ship; cf. Per. sumbuk, Ar. sumb[=u]k a small ship.]
     (Naut.)
     A small three-masted vessel, with projecting bow and stern
     and convex decks, used in the Mediterranean for transporting


     merchandise, etc. It carries large square sails, or lateen
     sails, or both. Xebecs were formerly armed and used by
     corsairs.
     [1913 Webster]