Charrua is a Portuguese nautical expression of the Age of Sail, initially used to designate the use of a frigate or a ship of the line owned by the State as a transport ship, reducing armament and complement, like the French nautical expression en flûte.[1][2]
Details
The charrua had large decks and big space for accommodation, and in sail terms it was not different from the ship of the line, having three masts,[1][2][3] and also a large hold.[3] The charrua was intended for the transport of troops, food, ammunition, etc.[3] In the first half of the 19th century, the expression passed to designate any type of ship used as a passenger ship.[1][2]