A xebec (or chebeck) is a small, sharp-built three-masted vessel usually with lateen sails that originated in the western Mediterranean during the 17th century. They were used for coasting voyages in the Mediterranean and on the ocean coasts of Spain and Portugal, and were often armed and used to raid merchantmen. It differs from the felucca in possessing both square and lateen sails, the felucca having only lateen sails. The xebec was formerly much used by Algerian pirates. Research Xebec
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Abbreviations
Research Xebec
