Definition of "despatch-boat" [despatch-boat]

• A government vessel for the conveyance of despatches. (noun)

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

• "Eteonicus, on his side, as soon as the despatch-boat came sailing in, proceeded to offer sacrifice of thanksgiving in honour of the good news."
• "On receipt of the news, however, he sent the despatch-boat out again the way she came, with an injunction to those on board of her to sail off quickly without exchanging a word with any one."
• "As to Etenoicus, the details of the engagement ware faithfully reported to him by the express despatch-boat in attendance."