Frigate
/ˈfrɪɡ.ət/noun
A fast, lightly armed warship, or a type of small sailing vessel.
Did you know?English frigate comes through French and Italian from a late medieval Mediterranean ship-name, ultimately tied to a Latinized form used for a light, swift vessel rather than any occult or mystical root.
Etymological Timeline
Late Middle Ages
Italian
fregata
“A light, fast vessel”
14th-15th Century
Old French
fregate
“A small, swift ship”
16th Century
English
frigat
“A light sailing vessel or small warship”
17th Century
English
frigate
“A fast warship with a single continuous gun deck”
Modern English
English
frigate
“A naval warship used for escort and patrol duties”