The Probert Encyclopaedia of Ships

FRIGATE

A frigate is a light-weight, fast and nimble warship. The term frigate was first used for a fully-rigged warship with a single complete gun deck during the 17th century, and these ships usually carried about 36 guns (mainly 4.5 inch calibre demi-culverins firing a 9 lb shot) and inferior to ships of the line were used for escort duties and as swift independent operators, in scouting roles. The first English frigate was the Constant Warwick, built in 1649 as a privateer for capturing merchantmen.
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