Noah Webster
Frigate
FRIG'ATE, noun [Gr. signifies not fortified. Latin aphractum, an open ship or vessel.]
1. A ship of war, of a size larger than a sloop or brig, and less than a ship of the line; usually having two decks and carrying from thirty to forty four guns. But ships mounting a less number than thirty guns are sometimes called frigates; as are ships carrying a larger number.
2. Any small vessel on the water. [Not used.]