gallivat

English

Etymology

Probably from Portuguese galeota. Compare English galiot, galley.

Noun

gallivat (plural gallivats)

1. (nautical) A small armed vessel, with sails and oars, used on the Malabar coast.
   • 1812, Alexander Chalmers, The General Biographical Dictionary Volume 18, on Sir William James

     At one time when he had near seventy sail under his protection, he was assailed by a large fleet of Angria's frigates and gallivats […]

Alternative forms

• galbat, galivat, gallevat, gallowet, gallouet