Definition

Noun: A large sailing vessel, specifically from the 16th century, designed and used primarily for transporting valuable cargo such as gold, silver, jewels, and other precious goods, often over long maritime trade routes.

Usage

The term "treasure ship" is used to refer historically to the specific ships that carried immense wealth, particularly during the Age of Exploration. It describes the ship itself, not the treasure. * Marine archaeologists hope to discover the wreck of the Spanish treasure ship. * The museum exhibit featured artifacts recovered from a 16th-century treasure ship.

Advanced Usage

• As a historical concept: The term often evokes the era of European colonial expansion and transatlantic trade, where such ships were targets for pirates and privateers.
  • The concept of the treasure ship is central to many legends of the Spanish Main.

Variants and Related Words

• Galleon: A type of large, multi-decked sailing ship used primarily by European states from the 16th to 18th centuries, often serving as treasure ships.
• Manila Galleon: A specific historical term for the Spanish treasure ships that sailed across the Pacific Ocean between Manila and Acapulco.

Synonyms

• Galleon (a specific type of ship that often served this purpose)
• Bullion ship
• Plate ship (archaic term, from Spanish "plata" for silver)

Related Phrases

• Treasure fleet: A group or convoy of treasure ships traveling together for protection.
  • The Spanish treasure fleet was a prime target for English sea captains.

Noun

1. a 16th-century ship loaded with treasure