Emily Dickinson Lexicon
Definition for SLOOP
SLOOP, n. [D. sloep, sloepschip; G. schaluppe; Dan. sluppe; Fr. chaloupe. It is written also Shallop.]
A vessel with one mast, the main-sail of which is attached by a graff above, to a boom below, and to the mast on its foremost edge. It differs from a cutter by having a fixed steeving bowsprit, and a jib-stay. Sloops are of various sizes, from the size of a boat to that of more than 100 tons burthen. Mar. Dict. Sloop of war, a vessel of war rigged either as a ship, brig or schooner, and usually carrying from 10 to 18 guns. Mar. Dict.
Return to page 165 of the letter “S”.