(nautical) A number of vessels in company, especially war vessels; also, the collective naval force of a country, etc.
(nautical, British Royal Navy) Any command of vessels exceeding a squadron in size, or a rear-admiral's command, composed of five sail-of-the-line, with any number of smaller vessels.
Noun
(obsolete, dialectal) An arm of the sea; a run of water, such as an inlet or a creek.
(nautical) A location, as on a navigable river, where barges are secured.