CEFR C1

pinnace

noun

Meaning

A small, light, and fast sailing ship, typically with two masts, used historically for scouting, carrying messages, or as a tender to a larger vessel.

Examples

  • The admiral dispatched a pinnace to scout the coastline for enemy ships.
  • During the naval battle, the pinnace was used to transfer wounded sailors to the main ship.

Synonyms: skiff, dinghy, cutter, barque