Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913
Corvet
Cor′vet (k?r′v?t), Cor·vette′ (k?r-v?r′), n. [F. corvette, fr. Pg. corveta or Sp. corbeta, fr. L. corbita a slow-sailing ship of burden, fr, corbis basket. Cf. Corbeil.] (Naut.) A war vessel, ranking next below a frigate, and having usually only one tier of guns; — called in the United States navy a sloop of war.