[ship] n, often attrib [ME, fr. OE scip; akin to OHG skif ship] (bef. 12c) 1 a: a large seagoing vessel b: a sailing vessel having a bowsprit and usu. three masts each composed of a lower mast, a topmast, and a topgallant mast
2: boat; esp: one propelled by power or sail
3: a ship's crew
4: fortune 3 "when their ~ comes in they'll be able to live in better style"
5: airship, airplane, spacecraft
[2]ship vb shipped ; ship.ping vt (14c) 1 a: to place or receive on board a ship for transportation by water b: to cause to be transported "shipped him off to prep school"
2. obs: to provide with a ship
3: to put in place for use "~ the tiller"
4: to take into a ship or boat "~ the gangplank"
5: to engage for service on a ship
6: to take (as water) over the side--used of a boat or a ship ~ vi 1: to embark on a ship
2. a: to go or travel by ship--often used with out b: to proceed by ship or other means under military orders--often used with out
3: to engage to serve on shipboard -- ship.pa.ble adj