[Cf. arch-sea, ARCH- 4.] ‘A common term among seamen for the Archipelago.’ Smyth, Sailor’s Word-bk., 1867.
1626. Sir T. Roe, Negotiations, 512. An island called Augusto near Paros, in the Arches.
1725. De Foe, Voy. round World (1840), 93. The sea of Borneo and the upper part of the Indian Arches.
1812. Sir R. Wilson, Priv. Diary, I. 69. Entering the Archipelago, or, according to the sailor phrase, the Arches.
