INDIAMAN Meaning and
Definition
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An indiaman refers to a type of large sailing ship originally used for trade between Europe and the Indian subcontinent during the 17th to the 19th centuries. This term specifically refers to the ships that were employed by the various European powers, such as the British, Dutch, and Portuguese, for conducting commerce, particularly the trade of valuable commodities like spices, cotton, silk, and indigo, between the Indian subcontinent and their respective homelands.
Indiamen were characterized by their large size, typically weighing several hundred tons, and their three-masted design, often equipped with square sails. These vessels were constructed to withstand long and arduous voyages across vast distances, accommodating large cargo capacities and a considerable number of crew members. They were built to be heavily armed to protect against pirates and to serve as naval vessels during times of conflict.
The indiaman played a critical role in the expanding global trade networks of the time, establishing the foundations for economic ties between Europe and the East. With the decline of the East India Companies and the advent of steamships in the 19th century, the significance of the indiaman waned, and these ships gradually disappeared from the maritime landscape.
Today, the term "indiaman" is primarily used in historical contexts, referring to those ships and their legacy in shaping the early stages of globalization and European colonialism.
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A large ship trading to India.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for INDIAMAN
- undiaman
- jndiaman
- kndiaman
- ondiaman
- 9ndiaman
- 8ndiaman
- ibdiaman
- imdiaman
- ijdiaman
- ihdiaman
- insiaman
- inxiaman
- inciaman
- infiaman
- inriaman
- ineiaman
- induaman
- indjaman
- indkaman
Etymology of INDIAMAN
The word "indiaman" originated during the colonial era and refers to a type of ship that was used for trade between Europe and the Indian subcontinent. The term is composed of two parts: "India" and "man".
The word "India" comes from the Latin word "India", which originally referred to the region in South Asia that is now present-day India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. It was derived from the ancient Greek word "Indos", which was used to designate the Indus River. Over time, the term "India" came to encompass the entire subcontinent.
The word "man" in this context simply means a person or vessel. It is derived from the Old English word "mann", which has Indo-European roots.
Therefore, when combined, "indiaman" literally means a ship used for trade between Europe and India.
Similar spelling words for INDIAMAN
- Indian Corn,
- Indian Shot,
- Indian Race,
- Indian Bean,
- Indian Pony,
- Indian Rice,
- indian,
- Indian Hemp,
- indium,
- Indian Poke,
- intimate,
- intimation,
- intimal,
- Indian Pea,
- India Ink,
- intimacy,
- Indian Pipe,
- indiana,
- indianan,
- intima,
- Indian File,
- Indian Meal,
- in demand,
- Indian Pink,
- Indian Club,
- Indian Beet,
- Indian Red.
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