sloop of war

noun

1. (formerly) a sailing or steam naval vessel having cannons on only one deck.

sloop of war

noun

1. (formerly) a small fast sailing warship mounting some 10 to 30 small calibre guns on one deck

Word History and Origins

Origin of sloop of war¹

First recorded in 1695–1705

Example Sentences

Wright had also written to Admiral Thomas Graves, Gage’s naval commander, asking for “immediate assistance” and “a sloop of war of some sort.”

From Literature

Mayo spent the next three weeks helping to prepare the Wasp, a sloop of war armed with 18 guns, for coastal patrol, to guard against British seizure of American cargo and impressment of American seamen.

From New York Times

Mr. Shubrick being sent on board to take possession, reported that the vessel was the sloop of war, Peacock, and that she had six feet water in the hold.

From Project Gutenberg

She at length arrived, but not alone—the Cherub, a sloop of war bearing her company.

From Project Gutenberg

Jones was on board the Alfred in this expedition, but subsequently received the command of the sloop of war Providence.

From Project Gutenberg