Aviso

/əˈviːsoʊ/ noun

Definition

A type of fast sailing ship or small warship used for reconnaissance and communication, especially in Spanish and Portuguese navies.

Etymology

From Spanish/Portuguese aviso (warning, notice), derived from Latin advisum. The ship was named for its role in warning of enemy approach.

Kelly Says

These small, speedy ships were the text messages of the Age of Sail—naval commanders relied on avisos to carry urgent news across vast ocean distances when nothing could go faster than wind.

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