Ghurab
/ɡʊˈrɑːb/noun
A type of Arab sailing vessel, especially a warship or large boat used in the Indian Ocean and surrounding waters.
Did you know?The vessel’s name comes from Arabic ghurāb, “raven,” possibly reflecting the birdlike appearance or ominous symbolism associated with the ship.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Arabic
Arabic
غُرَاب (ghurāb)
“Raven or crow; the bird-name that became the vessel’s designation.”
Medieval Arabic
Arabic
غُرَاب (ghurāb)
“A large sailing vessel or warship, as well as a raven.”
16th–17th Century
Portuguese
grão/grab
“A form referring to an Arab or Indian sailing vessel, borrowed through maritime contact.”
17th–18th Century
English
grab
“A fast, narrow Indian sailing vessel; an English nautical form related to ghurab.”
Modern English
English
ghurab
“A scholarly or historical spelling for an Arab sailing vessel, especially a warship.”