A small trading vessel or merchant ship, especially one used in medieval times.
From Middle Dutch crayer or kraveel, related to 'caravel.' The term entered English during the medieval period when Dutch and English merchants actively traded. It may ultimately derive from Old Norse or Germanic roots relating to vessels.
A 'crare' was the medieval equivalent of a small cargo truck—sturdy, practical, nothing fancy, but essential for local and coastal trade. Medieval merchants used them for everything from herring to wool.
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