Dau

/daʊ/ noun

Definition

A traditional wooden sailing vessel used in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea, with dhow-like characteristics; also spelled 'dhow' or 'dow'.

Etymology

From Arabic 'dāw,' a type of traditional sailing boat. The word entered European languages through maritime contact with Arab and East African traders along Indian Ocean routes.

Kelly Says

Dhows and daus are still used today by fishermen in the Arabian Sea and East Africa, representing one of the oldest continuous maritime technologies, having sailed these routes for centuries!

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