Barkentine – Definition & Meaning

Barkentine is a term that is not commonly used in everyday conversations. However, it is a word that is often used in the maritime industry. This article will define what a barkentine is, where it originated from, and its meaning in different dictionaries. We will also look at the associations, synonyms, and antonyms of barkentine.

Definitions

A barkentine is a type of sailing vessel that has three masts. The foremast and mainmast are square-rigged, while the mizzenmast is fore-and-aft rigged. The barkentine is similar to the barque, which also has three masts, but the barque has a square-rigged foremast and fore-and-aft rigged mainmast.

Origin

The word barkentine comes from the word “barquentine,” which was first recorded in the English language in the 18th century. The word “bark” comes from the Dutch word “barken,” which means “to sail.” The suffix “-tine” is derived from the Latin word “tina,” which means “vessel.”

Meaning in different dictionaries

The meaning of barkentine in different dictionaries is consistent with its definition as a type of sailing vessel. The Oxford English Dictionary defines a barkentine as “a sailing vessel with three masts, the foremast and mainmast square-rigged and the mizzenmast fore-and-aft rigged.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a barkentine as “a sailing ship with three masts, the foremast and mainmast square-rigged, and the mizzenmast fore-and-aft rigged.”

Associations

Barkentines were popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries for their versatility and speed. They were often used for carrying cargo and passengers across the Atlantic Ocean. Barkentines were also used for fishing and whaling. Today, barkentines are mostly used for educational purposes, such as sail training programs for young people.

Synonyms

There are several synonyms for barkentine, including barquentine, three-masted schooner, and schooner-bark.

Antonyms

The antonyms of barkentine are other types of sailing vessels, such as sloops, cutters, and catamarans.

The same root words

The root words of barkentine are “bark” and “-tine.” “Bark” is also the root word for other types of sailing vessels, such as barques and brigantines. “-Tine” is a suffix that is used to describe vessels, such as brigantine and schooner-bark.

Example Sentences

1. The barkentine sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in record time.
2. The sail training program used a barkentine to teach young people about sailing.
3. The barkentine was used for both fishing and whaling in the 19th century.
4. The three-masted schooner is a type of barkentine.
5. The catamaran is an antonym of the barkentine.