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The Collaborative International Dictionary
Radeau

Radeau \Ra`deau"\ (r[.a]`d[=o]"), n. [F.] A float; a raft.

Three vessels under sail, and one at anchor, above Split Rock, and behind it the radeau Thunderer.
--W. Irving.

Wiktionary
radeau

n. A float; a raft.

Wikipedia
Radeau (ship)

A Radeau was a simply constructed vessel used for many purposes, most notably as a naval battle platform. The term 'Radeau' is derived from the French, meaning raft. Because of the versatility and wide variation of the craft, as well as the ambiguity of the term, there are many vessels that could fall under the category of radeau. However, of the ships that are 'known' radeaus, there are few survivors. It is believed that the only intact radeau rests at the bottom of Lake George, called the Land Tortoise. From this remaining ship, it is known that the vessel would have been about 50 feet in length, and was designed to be 7 sided to deflect enemy fire. Radeau type ships were known to be common in small provincial fleets, like that at Lake George because of their simple and improvisational structure. Their traditionally smaller cousin, the Bateau follows a very similar usage in American history, serving in the provincial fleets and fur trade.

Usage examples of "radeau".

In consequence of this intimation, general Amherst, who had for some time employed captain Loring to superintend the building of vessels at Ticonderoga, being resolved to have the superiority on the lake, directed the captain to build with all possible expedition a sloop of sixteen guns, and a radeau eighty-four feet in length, capable of carrying six large cannon.

On the very same day of the succeeding month they sent down a raft of fire-ships, or radeaux, which were likewise consumed without producing any effect.