Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Caravel
Car′a-vel
(kăr′ȧ-vĕl)
, Noun.
[F.
caravelle
(cf. It. caravella
, Sp. carabela
), fr. Sp. caraba
a kind of vessel, fr. L. carabus
a kind of light boat, fr. Gr. κάραβοσ
a kind of light ship, NGr. καράβι
ship, vessel.] [written also
carvel
and caravelle
.] (Naut.)
A name given to several kinds of vessels.
(a)
The caravel of the 16th century was a small vessel with broad bows, high, narrow poop, four masts, and lateen sails.
Columbus commanded three
. caravels
on his great voyage(b)
A Portuguese vessel of 100 or 150 tons burden.
(c)
A small fishing boat used on the French coast.
(d)
A Turkish man-of-war.