Sloop (?), n.[D. sloep, of uncertain origin. Cf. Shallop.] (Naut.) A
vessel having one mast and fore-and-aft rig, consisting of a
boom-and-gaff mainsail, jibs, staysail, and gaff topsail. The typical
sloop has a fixed bowsprit, topmast, and standing rigging, while those
of a cutter are capable of being readily shifted. The sloop usually
carries a centerboard, and depends for stability upon breadth of beam
rather than depth of keel. The two types have rapidly approximated
since 1880. One radical distinction is that a slop may carry a
centerboard. See Cutter, and Illustration in Appendix.
Sloop of war, formerly, a vessel of war rigged either as a ship, brig,
or schooner, and mounting from ten to thirty-two guns; now, any war
vessel larger than a gunboat, and carrying guns on one deck only.
Slop (?), n. [OE. sloppe a pool; akin to As. sloppe, slyppe, the sloppy
droppings of a cow; cf. AS. sl&?;pan to slip, and E. slip, v.i. Cf.
Cowslip.] 1. Water or other liquid carelessly spilled or thrown aboyt,
as upon a table or a floor; a puddle; a soiled spot.