seaway meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

seaway

noun

Etymology From Middle English seewey, from Old English sǣweġ (“a seaway, a path through the sea”), equivalent to sea + way. Compare Saterland Frisian Seegong (“seaway, swell”), German Seegang (“seaway, swell”).

Nautical, Transport A lane or route at sea that is regularly used by ships; a sea lane or trade route.

Nautical, Transport An inland waterway used by seagoing shipping.

The coracle […] was a very safe boat for a person of my height and weight, both buoyant and clever in a seaway; but she was the most cross-grained, lop-sided craft to manage.1881–1882, Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island, London; Paris: Cassell & Company, published 14 November 1883, →OCLC:

Nautical, Transport The headway of a vessel.