What is "proas"

Usage examples of "proas".

Time out of mind the piratical proas of the Malays, lurking among the low shaded coves and islets of Sumatra, have sallied out upon the vessels sailing through the straits, fiercely demanding tribute at the point of their spears.

But fifty miles could be easily crossed, either by Malay proas or by the large Polynesian canoes.

With the aid of the glass, it was ascertained that she was a brig, and not one of those Malay proas, which are generally used by the pirates of the Pacific.

Did she scour the Pacific, competing with the Malay proas which still infest it?