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.]
Hear it pronounced