What is "patamar"

Patamar \Pat"a*mar\, n. [From the native name.] (Naut.) A vessel resembling a grab, used in the coasting trade of Bombay and Ceylon. [Written also pattemar.]

n. (context nautical English) A vessel resembling a grab, used in the coasting trade of Bombay and Ceylon.

The Patamar ( Portuguese), , is a type of Indian Dhow. It was traditionally used in the western coast of the Indian subcontinent as a cabotage vessel between Gujarat and Ceylon, usually for the transport of rice. Some can still be seen on the Malabar Coast.