Standard Lemma guide

cappabar

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

a misappropriation of government property; embezzlement or fraud carried out in the management of a ship.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: no-plural, obsolete

Topics: nautical, transport

Examples

  • Patrick O'Brian, *The Mauritius Command.* disposing of His Majesty's property was an immemorial practice among His Majesty's servants ... and in the Navy it went by the name of cappabar.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Uncertain. First attested 1818 as cap a bar. Dated or obsolete by the early 20th century.