Baltimore clipper

American  

noun

1. a small, fast American sailing vessel of the early 19th century, having a sharp hull form and two masts with a pronounced rake and carrying a brig or schooner rig.

---

Etymology

Origin of Baltimore clipper

An Americanism dating back to 1815–25

Example Sentences

The Loane Bros. started in 1815 as a maker of canvas sails on Baltimore's Bowley's Wharf for the famous Baltimore clipper ships in 1815.

From BusinessWeek • Apr. 9, 2010

At what particular time this model was introduced, it may be difficult to ascertain; but as early as the period to which I refer, the term "Baltimore clipper" was a familiar term.

From Jack in the Forecastle or, Incidents in the Early Life of Hawser Martingale by Sleeper, John Sherburne

Betsy was a craft, she was; a square-bilt, trim, well-ballasted craft, fore and aft; none of your sky-scraping, taut, Baltimore clipper, fair-weather, no-tonnage jigamarees!

From The Humors of Falconbridge A Collection of Humorous and Every Day Scenes by Falconbridge

By 1815 the name "Baltimore clipper" was taken all over the world to signify the highest type of merchant vessel that man's skill could design.

From American Merchant Ships and Sailors by Abbot, Willis J. (Willis John)

It was a vessel of two masts, slender and raking, and with a long, low hull—something of the model which a good many years later, went by the name of the Baltimore clipper.

From Dulcibel A Tale of Old Salem by Pyle, Howard