Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large merchant sailing ship historically used in trade between Britain and India: Specifically refers to a type of large, armed sailing vessel that was engaged in the British East India trade from the 17th to the 19th centuries.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The indiaman was loaded with spices, tea, and textiles for the voyage back to England.
  • Museums sometimes have models of these famous indiamen.
  • He served as a captain on an indiaman for many years.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in historical and nautical contexts to describe a specific class of ship from the era of the British East India Company.
  • The maritime history of the period is incomplete without understanding the role of the indiaman.

Variants and Related Words

• East Indiaman: A more specific term often used interchangeably with "indiaman," explicitly linking the ship to the East India trade.
  • The East Indiaman 'Earl of Abergavenny' was wrecked in 1805.

Synonyms

• Merchantman: A general term for a merchant ship.
• East Indiaman: A direct synonym specifying the trade route.

Notes on Meaning

• The word is a historical term and is not used for modern ships. It specifically denotes vessels from the period of European colonial trade with India.
• While "indiaman" primarily refers to British ships, the term can sometimes be applied to similar vessels from other European nations engaged in the India trade, though this is less common.

Noun

1. a large sailing ship that was engaged in the British trade with India