fire ship

American  

noun

1. a vessel loaded with combustibles and explosives, ignited, and set adrift to destroy an enemy's ships or constructions.

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fire ship British  

noun

1. a vessel loaded with explosives and used, esp formerly, as a bomb by igniting it and directing it to drift among an enemy's warships

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Etymology

Origin of fire ship

First recorded in 1580–90

Example Sentences

It is regarded as one of the most significant naval battles in history, when the English fleet of 66 ships defeated the Armada, twice its size, by sailing fire ships into its formation off Calais.

From BBC

Somers died when the fire ship he commanded exploded in Tripoli Harbor.

From Washington Times

The Japanese launched no kamikaze fire ships, and a ninja-like sniper who targets Yi in one of the most gripping scenes is a fictional device.

From Forbes

Most of us knew too much of the art of war to need to have these new tactics explained: we were to be attacked by fire ships!

From Project Gutenberg

“Put yourself on a fire ship,” he boomed.

From Project Gutenberg