navies

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Navvy \Nav"vy\, n.; pl. Navies. [Abbreviated fr. navigator.] Originally, a laborer on canals for internal navigation; hence, a laborer on other public works, as in building railroads, embankments, etc. [Eng.] [1913 Webster]

Navy \Na"vy\; n.; pl. Navies. [ OF. navie, fr. L. navis ship. See Nave of a church.]

1.A fleet of ships; an assemblage of merchantmen, or so many as sail in company. "The navy also of Hiram, that brought gold from Ophir." --1 kings x. 11. [1913 Webster]

2.The whole of the war vessels belonging to a nation or ruler, considered collectively; as, the navy of Italy. [1913 Webster]

3.The officers and men attached to the war vessels of a nation; as, he belongs to the navy. [1913 Webster]

4.same as navy blue. [PJC]

Navy bean. see Bean.

Navy yard, a place set apart as a shore station for the use of the navy. It often contains all the mechanical and other appliences for building and equipping war vessels and training their crews. [1913 Webster]