gun brig

a naval brig of the 18th century having from 8 to 12 guns.

Origin of gun brig

First recorded in 1795–1805

Gun-brig “Snipe,” with 30 French prisoners on board, wrecked on the Beach.

Chronological Retrospect of the History of Yarmouth and Neighbourhood |William Finch-Crisp
It happened, however, one day that an English gun-brig had appeared off Suez, and sent her boats ashore to take in fresh water.

Eothen |A. W. Kinglake
These were started for England a day or two afterwards, in a gun-brig of ours which was fallen in with homeward bound.

As We Sweep Through The Deep |Gordon Stables
A strong framework was fitted on two gun-brig hulks, with powerful tackle for lowering and raising the cylinder.

The life of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Civil Engineer |Isambard Brunel

Boyd naturally spoke of his projects to Sterling,—of his gun-brig lying in the Irish creek, among others.

The Life of John Sterling |Thomas Carlyle