Definitions for "SHIP OF THE LINE"
Keywords:  warship, battle, naval, guns, manuever
in the days of sail, a naval ship that fought in the line of battle.
a warship used in the line of battle. In the early eighteen century, this meant anything from fourth-rate, fifty guns, to first-rate, one hundred or more guns. Admiral Nelson's ship, HMS Victory had three entire decks of cannon.
a warship large enough to take her place in the line of battle; in the early 18th century this ranged from 4th rate ships of 50 guns up to 1st rage ships of 100 guns.