1. Skill in water-matters.
1566. Act 8 Eliz., c. 13 § 1. To foresee the good Encrease and Mayntenaunce of Shypps and of all kinde or Men traded and browght upp by Water Crafte moost meete for her Majesties Marine Service.
1888. Doughty, Trav. Arabia Deserta, I. 544. I saw Beduins swimming there, and wondered at this watercraft in men of the dry deserts.
1904. R. J. Farrer, Garden Asia, 255. Their tact in water-craft is our sole protection from drowning.
2. A vessel that plies on the water; such vessels collectively.
1618. J. Taylor (Water P.), Penniless Pilgr., F 2. All the Shippes, Carackes,… Barkes, and Water-craftes, that are now … in the world.
1868. B. J. Lossing, The Hudson, 203. A broad and beautiful bay, at all times animated with a variety of water-craft.
1916. R. Cullum, Men Who Wrought, iv. 52. The eyes of all three [men] were focussed intently upon the object lying upon the table, which was a ten-foot model of a strange-looking water craft.
