frigate
n. countablen. a fast, medium-sized ship used by the navy. It is usually smaller than a battleship but larger than a patrol boat.
n. a high-speed, medium-sized naval vessel designed for escort duties and anti-submarine warfare. Historically, it referred to a fast, square-rigged sailing ship with a single deck of guns.
The navy sent a frigate to protect the cargo ships.
The modern frigate is equipped with advanced radar systems and guided missiles to defend the fleet from air attacks.
During the Napoleonic Wars, the frigate served as the eyes of the fleet, operating independently to scout enemy movements and harass merchant shipping across the Atlantic.
From French frégate, from Italian fregata, of uncertain origin.
Often used with the definite article when referring to a specific vessel in a fleet.