Will Self

You don't need to know this - but here goes: due to some acquired infantilism, I feel compelled to fall asleep listening to the radio. On a good night, I'll push the frail barque of my psyche off into the waters of Lethe accompanied by the midnight newsreader - on a bad one, it's the shipping forecast.

English Author

Samuel de Champlain

I directed the men in our barque to approach near the savages, and hold their arms in readiness to do their duty in case they notice any movement of these people against us.

French Explorer

Barque refers to older sailing ships, so it's not commonly used for modern vessels.

Historical Usage

Used mainly in nautical contexts; may confuse if used elsewhere without clear maritime reference.

Nautical Specificity

Identify a barque by its distinctive rigging: square-rigged foremasts and a fore-and-aft rigged aftermast.