ship of the line

American  

noun

1. a former sailing warship armed powerfully enough to serve in the line of battle, usually having cannons ranged along two or more decks; battleship.

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ship of the line British  

noun

1. nautical (formerly) a warship large enough to fight in the first line of battle

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Etymology

Origin of ship of the line

First recorded in 1700–10

Example Sentences

Majestic as a ship of the line, Dramatic Soprano Eileen Parrel I, 47, cruised through an aria from La Gioconda as she neared the end of a concert at Atlanta's Municipal Auditorium.

From Time Magazine Archive

A few days later, Sir Horatio, flying a commodore's pendant, was beat ing up the Channel in the 900-man ship of the line Nonsuch, followed by two sloops, two bomb-ketches and a cutter.

From Time Magazine Archive

Laid down as a last-word, 86-gun ship of the line, she was held up by several stingy Congresses.

From Time Magazine Archive

"I am 'The Showboat' of my day, a full ship of the line," announces a ghostly voice, and the show is on.

From Time Magazine Archive

The river is about fifteen hundred feet wide, and deep enough to float a ship of the line.

From Dikes and Ditches Young America in Holland and Belguim by Optic, Oliver