gabbard

noun

gab·​bard

ˈgabərd

variants or gabbart

-rt

plural -s

: a small ship (as a lighter or barge) formerly much used in inland navigation in Scotland

Word History

Etymology

modification (influenced by -ard, -art) of Middle French gabarre, gabbarre ship, from Old Provençal gabarra

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!