Definition

Noun: 1. A sailing ship with three or more masts: Specifically, a barque is a type of sailing vessel where the foremast and mainmast are square-rigged (their sails are set square to the mast), while the mizzenmast (the mast at the rear) is fore-and-aft rigged (its sails are set along the line of the keel). Historically, barques were widely used for ocean voyages and cargo transport.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The old barque was a beautiful sight with its full set of sails.
  • In the 19th century, the barque was a common vessel for long-distance trade.
  • They are restoring a historic barque in the harbor.

Advanced Usage

• Poetic/Literary Use: In poetry and literary contexts, "barque" can be used metaphorically to refer to any boat or ship, often evoking a sense of tradition, journey, or romance.
  • He spoke of life as a journey in a fragile barque.

Variants and Related Words

• Bark: This is an alternative spelling for "barque," especially in American English. Both words refer to the same type of ship.
• Barquentine (Noun): A similar but distinct sailing ship with three or more masts, where only the foremast is square-rigged, and the remaining masts are fore-and-aft rigged.

Synonyms

• Sailing ship: A general term for any large vessel propelled primarily by sails.
• Vessel: A formal or general term for a ship or large boat.
• Tall ship: A modern term for a large, traditionally-rigged sailing vessel.

Related Idioms

• While there are no common idioms using "barque," its poetic use connects to broader nautical metaphors, such as the "ship of life" or "sailing through stormy seas," where a "barque" could be substituted for "ship" or "vessel" for a more archaic or lyrical tone.

Noun

1. a sailing ship with 3 (or more) masts