Definition of the word brig

The word "brig" originated from the Dutch language during the 17th century. The Dutch word "briegge" meant a small two-masted ship with square sails on both masts, also known as a "flat-bottomed vessel." These types of ships were popular in the Dutch East India Company as they could navigate shallow waters and the rivers of Europe. The English, who were frequent traders with the Dutch, adopted the term "brig" to describe such vessels. Initially, the English used the term to refer specifically to a ship that had been captured by a Dutch privateer, but over time, it came to refer to any small, fast-sailing ship with two masts and square sails. Brigs, which had advantages like shallow draft and low cost due to their size, became popular for various purposes, including privateering, coastal trading, and as an option for military transportation. Today, the term "brig" is not commonly used, except in some nautical contexts. However, its origin in Dutch shipbuilding and trade speaks to the historical significance of west European maritime trade and the evolution of vessel design.