rate

The Sailor's Word-Book

A tariff or customs roll. Also, the six orders into which the ships of war were divided in the navy, according to their force and magnitude. Thus the first rate comprehended all ships of 110 guns and upwards, having 42-pounders on the lower deck, diminishing to 6-pounders on the quarter-deck and forecastle. They were manned with 850 to 875 men, including officers, seamen, marines, servants, &c.

♦ Second rate. Ships carrying from 90 to 100 guns.

♦ Third rate. Ships from 80 to 84 guns.

♦ Fourth rate. Ships from 60 to 74 guns; these were comprehended under the general names of frigates, and never appeared in the line of battle.

♦ Fifth rate. Mounting from 32 to 40, or even 60 guns.

And

♦ Sixth rate. Mounting from any number, or no guns, if commanded by captains; those commanded by commanders were deemed sloops. Since the late introduction of massive iron, a captain may command but one gun.

Related Words

Rate
·noun Order; arrangement. II. Rate ·noun Ratification; approval. III. Rate ·vt To <<Ratify>>. IV....

Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
First-rate
·noun A war vessel of the highest grade or the most powerful class. II. First-rate ·adj Of the high...

Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
Second-rate
·adj Of the second size, rank, quality, or value; as, a second-rate ship; second-rate cloth; a secon...

Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
Water rate
·- A rate or tax for a supply of water. ...

Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
first rate
Of the first class or order; superior; superexcellent. An expression now in very common use, applied...

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.
chronometer rate
The number of seconds or parts of seconds which it loses or gains per diem. (See rating.) ...

The Sailor's Word-Book
sea-rate
The going of a chronometer as established on board, instead of that supplied from the shore. This ma...

The Sailor's Word-Book
second-rate
Vessels of seventy-four guns (on the old scale). ...

The Sailor's Word-Book
rate a chronometer, to
To determine its daily gaining or losing rate on mean time. ...

The Sailor's Word-Book