ketch
UK[ketʃ]US[ketʃ]
n
a two-masted sailing vessel, typically with the mizzenmast stepped forward of the rudder post.
Etymology
the word 'ketch' entered english in the late 17th century, a period of rich nautical terminology exchange. it is believed to be an alteration of the word 'catch', which was itself used for a type of fast coastal vessel. this connection highlights the vessel's original purpose of chasing or 'catching' other ships or the wind. an alternative, though less supported, theory links it to the obsolete term 'cach', a small fishing boat. the modern, specific rigging definition became standardized in the 18th century, distinguishing it from the similar yawl.
Analysis
this word is a loanword where the spelling and form were adopted as a whole unit from another language. it is not productively formed from separable english morphemes.
Examples
the old wooden ketch was beautifully restored for the regatta.
they sailed their ketch across the atlantic over several months.
the distinctive feature of a ketch is the placement of its smaller mizzenmast.