mar. law. A ship, brig, sloop or other craft used in navigation. 2. By an act of congress, approved July 29, 1850, it is provided that any person, not being an owner, who shall on the high seas, willfully, with. intent to burn or destroy, set fire to any ship or other vessel, or otherwise attempt the destruction of such ship or other vessel, being the property of any citizen or citizens of the United States, or procure the same to be done, with the intent aforesaid, and being thereof lawfully convicted, shall suffer imprisonment to hard labor, for a term not exceeding ten years, nor less than three years, according to the aggravation of the offence.
Law Dictionary – Alternative Legal Definition
A shift brig, sloop, or other craft used in navigation. The word is more comprehensive than “ship.” The word “vessel” includes every descrip-tion of watercraft or other artificial contriv-ances used, or capable of being used, as a means of transportation on water. Rev. St U. S.