Barge (?), n. [OF. barge, F. berge, fr. LL. barca, for barica (not found), prob. fr. L. baris an Egyptian rowboat, fr. Gr. , prob. fr. Egyptian: cf. Coptic bari a boat. Cf. Bark a vessel.]
1.
A pleasure boat; a vessel or boat of state, elegantly furnished and decorated.
2.
A large, roomy boat for the conveyance of passengers or goods; as, a ship's barge; a charcoal barge.
3.
A large boat used by flag officers.
4.
A double-decked passenger or freight vessel, towed by a steamboat.
[U.S.]
5.
A large omnibus used for excursions.
[Local, U.S.]
© Webster 1913.