Definition of "gallivat" in English

noun

1. (nautical) A small armed vessel, with sails and oars, used on the Malabar coast.

   • 1812, Alexander Chalmers, The General Biographical Dictionary Volume 18, on Sir William James At one time when he had near seventy sail under his protection, he was assailed by a large fleet of Angria's frigates and gallivats […]