flyboat

[ flahy-boht ]

noun

1. a small, fast boat.

flyboat

/ ˈflaɪˌbəʊt /

noun

1. any small swift boat

Word History and Origins

Origin of flyboat¹

1570–80; < Dutch vlieboot, equivalent to Vlie (name of a channel along the North Sea island of Vlieland) + boot boat; vlie later altered by association with fly ²

Example Sentences

It has been erroneously traced to the Dutch word flyboat; but the Jesuit traveller, Charlevoix, asserts that, in fact, this species of craft derived its title from being first used by the Flibustiers, and not from its swiftness.

From Project Gutenberg

Some authors have given a derivation to the name Flibustier from the word Flyboat, because, say they, the French hunters in Hispaniola bought vessels of the Dutch, called Flyboats, to cruise upon the Spaniards.

From Project Gutenberg

First, the word flyboat, is only an English translation of the Dutch word fluyt, which is the proper denomination of the vessel intended by it.

From Project Gutenberg

Later in the voyage Sydney's flyboat foundered; but he and all his soldiers were rescued.

From Project Gutenberg

The first the Gouernour shipped himselfe in a ship called the Monkie, which at that time was ready to put to sea from Dingen for England, leauing the Flyboat and all his companie in Ireland.

From Project Gutenberg