noun
a sailing or steam warship having cannons on only one deck
• Hypernyms: ↑warship, ↑war vessel, ↑combat ship
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1. : a vessel rigged as a ship or as a brig or as a schooner and mounting from 10 to 32 guns
2. : a warship larger than a gunboat and carrying guns on one deck only
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(formerly) a sailing or steam naval vessel having cannons on only one deck.
[1695-1705]
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sloop of war,
(formerly) a small warship having guns on the upper deck only.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.