[f. TON1 + -ER1: cf. POUNDER sb.4] In comb. with prefixed numeral: A vessel of (so many) tons burden; e.g., forty-tonner, a vessel of forty tons burden: see TON1 2.
1883. Harper’s Mag., Aug., 443/1. The forty-tonners … carried off most of the prizes.
1891. E. Kinglake, Australian at H., 78. There is generally a race of some description, either for forty tonners, ten tonners, hair-deckers, or the plain open sailing boat.
1891. Lit. World, 20 Nov., 419/2. The Vancouver, one of the splendid 5.000 tonners of the White Star Line.
