Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large merchant ship, especially one with a rich cargo: Historically, an "argosy" refers to a large merchant vessel, often from Venice or Ragusa (modern Dubrovnik), that carried valuable goods.
   • A fleet of such merchant ships: By extension, "argosy" can also refer to a fleet or convoy of these large, richly-laden ships.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The wealthy merchant owned an argosy laden with silks and spices from the East.
  • A mighty argosy sailed into the harbor, its holds full of treasure.

Advanced Usage

• Poetic/Literary Use: The word is now primarily used in poetic or literary contexts to evoke imagery of grand, historic sea voyages and commerce.
  • He dreamed of adventures upon a golden argosy.
• Metaphorical Use: It can be used metaphorically to describe any rich source or abundant supply.
  • The library was an argosy of ancient knowledge.

Variants and Related Words

• Galleon (n): A large, multi-decked sailing ship used primarily by European states from the 16th to 18th centuries.
• Merchantman (n): A ship used for commercial trade.
• Fluyt (n): A Dutch type of sailing vessel originally designed as a dedicated cargo vessel.

Synonyms

• Merchant ship: A ship used for transporting goods.
• Trading vessel: A ship engaged in commerce.
• Indiaman (n, historical): A large merchant ship owned by the East India Company.

Idioms and Phrases

• An argosy of [something]: A rich or abundant collection of something (a modern, metaphorical extension).
  • The attic was an argosy of forgotten memories.

Noun

1. one or more large merchant ships