SLOOP, noun A vessel with one mast, the main-sail of which is attached to a gaff above, to a boom below, and to the mast on its foremost edge. It differs from a cutter by having a fixed steeving bowsprit, and a jib-stay. Sloops are of various sizes, from the size of a boat to that of more than 100 tons burthen. SLOOP OF WAR, a vessel of war rigged either as a ship, brig, or schooner, and usually carrying from 10 to 18 guns.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI