I. ˈfer-ē, ˈfe-rē verb
( fer·ried ; fer·ry·ing )
Etymology: Middle English ferien, from Old English ferian to carry, convey; akin to Old English faran to go — more at fare
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb
1.
a. : to carry by boat over a body of water
b. : to cross by a ferry
2.
a. : to convey (as by aircraft or motor vehicle) from one place to another : transport
b. : to fly (an airplane) from the factory or other shipping point to a designated delivery point or from one base to another
intransitive verb
: to cross water in a boat
II. noun
( plural fer·ries )
Date: 15th century
1. : a place where persons or things are carried across a body of water (as a river) in a boat
2. : ferryboat
3. : a franchise or right to operate a ferry service across a body of water
4. : an organized service and route for flying airplanes especially across a sea or continent for delivery to the user