bucentaur

British  

/ bjuːˈsɛntɔː /

noun

1. the state barge of Venice from which the doge and other officials dropped a ring into the sea on Ascension Day to symbolize the ceremonial marriage of the state with the Adriatic

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Etymology

Origin of bucentaur

C17: from Italian bucentoro , of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

I saw at the arsenal to-day the model of the "Bucentaur," the state galley in which the Doge of Venice went out annually to marry him to the sea.

From Project Gutenberg

I would rather have seen the Bucentaur than all their 280 other plunder.

From Project Gutenberg

When the young captain recovered his senses in the cabin of the Bucentaur, the flag-ship of the French admiral, bound for Europe again, he did not know whether or not he had won Dorothy Venour.

From Project Gutenberg

"I was wounded and taken on board the French flag-ship Bucentaur, from which I escaped to the Victory at Trafalgar, where Nelson beat the French fleet."

From Project Gutenberg

I think this Oath may be put upon a Par with that which is taken by the Captain of the Bucentaur at Venice, when he carries that Vessel out to Sea, to bring her back into Port, be the Weather what it will.

From Project Gutenberg