1580s, from Middle French frégate (1520s), from Italian fregata (Neapolitan fregate), which with many names for types of sea vessels is of unknown origin. It is common to the Mediterranean languages (Spanish, Portuguese, Catalan fragata). Originally a small, swift vessel; the word was applied to progressively larger types over the years.
[A] light nimble vessel built for speed; employed in particular for the gleaning of intelligence and the protection and assault of trade-routes. In battle the frigates took station on the disengaged side of the fleet, where they repeated signals, sped on messages, and succoured the distressed. [Sir Geoffrey Callender, "Sea Passages," 1943]
In the old sailing navy usually they carried guns on a raised quarter-deck and forecastle, hence frigate-built (1650s) of a vessel having the quarter-deck and forecastle raised above the main-deck.
双语例句
1. An enemy frigate bore down on the sloop.
一艘敌驱逐舰向这只护航舰逼过来.
来自《简明英汉词典》
2. I declare we could fight frigate.
我敢说我们简直可以和一艘战舰交战.
来自英汉文学 - 金银岛
3. The frigate is on the stocks in a British yard.
那艘护航舰现在一家英国造船厂中建造.
来自辞典例句
4. The frigate made for the open sea.
那艘巡防舰开向大海.
来自辞典例句
5. For God's sakes, order that frigate to break off!
