Standard Lemma guide

gallivat

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 small armed vessel, with sails and oars, used on the Malabar coast.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: nautical, transport

Examples

  • 1812, Alexander Chalmers, The General Biographical Dictionary Volume 18, on Sir William James At one time when he had near seventy sail under his protection, he was assailed by a large fleet of Angria’s frigates and gallivats [...]

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Probably from Portuguese galeota. Compare English galiot, galley.