mosquito fleet

noun

1. a group or fleet of PT boats or other small, armed boats.

Word History and Origins

Origin of mosquito fleet¹

First recorded in 1795–1805

Example Sentences

But the smaller steamers and gunboats of the "mosquito fleet" went in, and the town was surrendered without firing a shot.

From Project Gutenberg

This was only one of many encounters that the Mosquito Fleet had with the pirates.

From Project Gutenberg

Then a mighty cheer went up from the men of the mosquito fleet, in which the passengers aboard the Glasgow joined with a will.

From Project Gutenberg

The mosquito fleet that had surrounded her, hoping for some stray pickings, had dispersed.

From Project Gutenberg

But the French "mosquito fleet," consisting of destroyers, torpedo boats and submarines, is comparatively large.

From Project Gutenberg