FLEET

n. 1 a a number of warships under one commander-in-chief. b (prec. by the) all the warships and merchant-ships of a nation. 2 a number of ships, aircraft, buses, lorries, taxis, etc. operating together or owned by one proprietor. øFleet Admiral see ADMIRAL. Fleet Air Arm hist. the aviation service of the Royal Navy. [OE fleot ship, shipping f. fleotan float, FLEET(5)]