third-rates

The largest are termed ships of the line, from their forming the line of battle when acting together in fleets; and are divided into first-rates, second-rates, third-rates, &c.

The Illustrated London Reading Book Various

It is mainly the repetition over and over again, by the third-rates, of worn and commonplace and juiceless forms that makes their novels such a weariness and vexation to us, I think.

What Is Man? and Other Essays Mark Twain 1872

As an encouragement for seamen to enter into the navy, a bounty was given to all who entered on board first and second-rates of six weeks 'pay, and on board of third-rates one month's pay.

How Britannia Came to Rule the Waves Updated to 1900 William Henry Giles Kingston 1847

He continues: "With regard to the building of ten great ships, none to be under third-rates; but it is impossible to do it, unless we have some money."

How Britannia Came to Rule the Waves Updated to 1900 William Henry Giles Kingston 1847

In 1675 the Parliament granted 300,000 pounds for the building of twenty large ships of war, one first-rate of 1400 tons, eight second-rates of 1100 tons, and eleven third-rates of 700 tons.

How Britannia Came to Rule the Waves Updated to 1900 William Henry Giles Kingston 1847

His fleet consisted of fifteen third-rates, seven fourth-rates, one fifth-rate, six fire-ships, two bomb-vessels, a hospital-ship, and a store-ship in company with several Dutch ships of war.

How Britannia Came to Rule the Waves Updated to 1900 William Henry Giles Kingston 1847

Spanish vessels would scarcely pass for third-rates in the present navy of England; yet were they so ill framed, or so ill governed, that they were quite unwieldy, and could not sail upon a wind, nor tack on occasion, nor be managed in stormy weather by the seamen.

The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol.I., Part D. From Elizabeth to James I. David Hume 1743

To St. James's, and there did our usual business with the Duke, all of us, among other things, discoursing about the places where to build ten great ships; the King and Council have resolved on none to be under third-rates; but it is impossible to do it, unless we have more money towards the doing it than yet we have in any view.

Diary of Samuel Pepys — Volume 44: July 1666 Samuel Pepys 1668

To St. James's, and there did our usual business with the Duke, all of us, among other things, discoursing about the places where to build ten great ships; the King and Council have resolved on none to be under third-rates; but it is impossible to do it, unless we have more money towards the doing it than yet we have in any view.

Diary of Samuel Pepys — Complete 1666 N.S. Samuel Pepys 1668

To St. James's, and there did our usual business with the Duke, all of us, among other things, discoursing about the places where to build ten great ships; the King and Council have resolved on none to be under third-rates; but it is impossible to do it, unless we have more money towards the doing it than yet we have in any view.

Diary of Samuel Pepys — Complete Samuel Pepys 1668