SHIP OF THE LINE Meaning and
Definition
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A "ship of the line" refers to a type of warship that was widely popular and heavily employed during the Age of Sail, particularly from the 17th to the early 19th centuries. It is a large, powerful vessel characterized by its strong construction, extraordinary firepower, and capacity to engage in combat within the main battle fleet.
The ship of the line was often the largest and most heavily armed warship in a navy, designed to form the backbone and symbol of naval power. With three or more decks, it typically carried a large number of cannons arranged in long rows on each side. These cannons were utilized in a "line of battle" tactic, whereby multiple ships formed a line parallel to the enemy fleet, allowing them to concentrate their firepower on a single target.
Usually measuring anywhere between 100 and 180 feet long, and having a displacement of several thousand tons, the ship of the line possessed both speed and maneuverability, despite its considerable size. It usually had a crew of several hundred sailors and marines, and could reach speeds of up to 10 to 12 knots under full sail.
The heyday of the ship of the line came to an end with the development of ironclads and steam propulsion in the mid-19th century. Despite this, it remains an iconic and significant vessel, representing an era when naval warfare revolved around the formidable might and strategy of wooden warships engaged in close-quarter combat.
Common Misspellings for SHIP OF THE LINE
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