Galley

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈɡæli/

Definitions

1. A long, low ship propelled primarily by oars, historically used in ancient and medieval warfare and trade
2. A type of vessel that relies mainly on rowing for movement and was prominent in historical naval warfare and commerce
3. A flat-bottomed ship primarily navigated by oars, notably utilized in ancient trading and military contexts

Etymology: Few ships have a name that began as a fish. The ancient Greek "galeós" meant a dogfish or small shark, and the related "galéē" was a smaller fish. Medieval Greek then used "gálea" for a type of warship, probably because of some resemblance in shape or style, though the exact link is not documented. The Latin "galea" carried the same ship sense, and it passed through Old French "galee" into Middle English as "galeie" before settling into the modern spelling. The name stuck to a vessel that was built for speed rather than cargo. Galleys were propelled mainly by rows of oars, which let them move even when there was no wind, and they dominated Mediterranean naval warfare for centuries. The word is therefore a fish name carried across languages and centuries onto one of the most powerful ships of its era.

Synonyms: kitchen, ship