Q-ship

[ kyoo-ship ]

noun

1. an armed combat ship disguised as a merchant vessel to attract submarines within attack range.

Q-ship

noun

1. a merchant ship with concealed guns, used to decoy enemy ships into the range of its weapons

Word History and Origins

Origin of Q-ship¹

First recorded in 1915–20; Q, being a naval classification

Word History and Origins

Origin of Q-ship¹

named from q ( uery )

Example Sentences

A certain submarine, commanded by one of the most experienced U-boat captains, attacked her by gun fire from a safe distance and, after her panic party had left, shelled her until she was in a sinking condition; many of her crew had been killed and wounded, when, confident that she could not be a Q-ship, the enemy came within less than 100 yards.

From Project Gutenberg

In 1942, Hemingway turned the Pilar into just such an impromptu Q-ship.

From Time Magazine Archive

Knowing that Germans often stopped native fishermen for their catch and any fresh provisions and water they had on board their boats, Hemingway's plan was to use Pilar as a Q-ship and meekly allow the U-Boat to come alongside, then suddenly spray the enemy deck crew with Tommy guns, while trying to toss grenades and satchel charges down the sub's open hatch.

From Time Magazine Archive

Often he is of the 'Q-ship' branch, and can enliven his lectures with incidents that show us a side of the sea-contest with which not many are familiar.

From Project Gutenberg