A decked sailing vessel, having fore-and-aft sails (including a single headsail and often a gaff main) on a single mast. Several variants have been recognised within this generalised type of vessel, which was used for a variety of purposes. In naval service, the term was commonly applied to a vessel deemed too small to be given a formal rating; these vessels carried between 18 and 36 guns, and were rigged as Ships or Brigs, being termed Ship-sloops or Brig-sloops respectively.
