sloop of war

(formerly) a sailing or steam naval vessel having cannons on only one deck.

Origin of sloop of war

First recorded in 1695–1705

sloid, sloka, sloke, slommock, sloop, sloop of war, sloop rig, sloop-rigged, sloot, slop, slop around

Collingwood, who was then a lieutenant on board a sloop-of-war, went to the "Lowestoffe" in Nelson's place.

The Life of Nelson, Vol. I (of 2) |A. T. (Alfred Thayer) Mahan
He found out afterwards, however, that his namesake was a sloop-of-war.

Heads and Tales |Various
Manly's activity proved very harassing to the British, and the sloop-of-war "Falcon" was sent out to capture the Yankee.

The Naval History of the United States |Willis J. Abbot.
This was attacked by the sloop-of-war, but the American sharpshooters made things lively for her.

Stories of Our Naval Heroes |Various

The strange sail was getting too near, and everybody could see that it was the sloop-of-war.

Jack Tier or The Florida Reef |James Fenimore Cooper

sloop of war

(formerly) a small fast sailing warship mounting some 10 to 30 small calibre guns on one deck