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Webster's Dictionary (1865)

2 entries under this word

Iron-clad

Ī'ron-clăd, a.

adjective

Clad in iron; protected or covered with iron, as a vessel for naval warfare.

An ironclad warship with masts, rigging, flags, and gunports is shown at sea.
Iron-clad. New Ironsides.
An ironclad monitor warship is shown on the water, with a flag flying from its deck.
Iron-clad. Monitor.

Ī'ron-clăd, n.

noun

A vessel prepared for naval warfare by having the parts above water covered and protected by iron, usually in large plates, closely joined, and made sufficiently thick and strong to resist the heaviest shot effectually. In some vessels of this kind, the guns are carried in one or more circular turrets, made very strong, and turned by machinery, so that the shot can be discharged in any direction. The cut represents the Monitor, an American vessel, built after the plans of Captain J. Ericsson, and the first vessel ever constructed with a revolving turret for the guns.