Frigate
originally a Mediterranean vessel propelled by sails and oars; afterward a ship of war, between a sloop or brig and a ship of the line. Such vessels generally carried from 30 to 50 guns on the main deck and on a raised quarter deck and forecastle. They were usually employed as cruisers or scouts. The name is now given to a vessel of war having an upper flush deck, and one covered gun deck. The armament is from 28 to 44 guns. The grade is below a ship of the line and above a corvette. The rating of ironclads is different, the guns being larger and fewer in number. A double-banked frigate is one carrying guns on two decks and having a flush upper deck.