guarda costa

English

Etymology

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Noun

guarda costa (plural guarda costas)

1. (nautical, historical) A Spanish vessel used to protect the coast.
   • 1742, Henry Fielding, “A Dialogue between Mr. Abraham Adams and His Host, […]”, in The History of the Adventures of Joseph Andrews, and of His Friend Mr. Abraham Adams. […], volume I, London: […] A[ndrew] Millar, […], →OCLC, book II, page 301:

     […] I vvas attacked by one of thoſe curſed Guarda-Coſtas, vvho took our Ships before the Beginning of the VVar; […]

   • 1789, Olaudah Equiano, chapter 11, in The Interesting Narrative, volume I:

     While we were employed in this manner, our vessel went northward to Black River to trade. While she was there, a Spanish guarda costa met with and took her.