Obs. rare–1. [a. OF. barbote, -oute, -ouste (= It. balbotta, barbotta, med.L. barbota), considered by Jal a contraction of barca-botta, barque-botte, barrel-boat, from its appearance; Du Cange compares med.L. barbuta a kind of helmet.] A small vessel or sloop, having its deck protected by an arched covering of leather.
1579. Fenton, Guicciard., ix. (1599), 397. With the losse of two fustes, two barbots, and … fourtie smaller vessels.
