Vessel

n. [O. Fr. vessel, veissel, vaissel, vaissiel, vassel, vascel, N. Fr. vaiss(e)au, Pr. vaissel, vaisselh, Sp. vasillo, baxillo, baxel, It. vasello, vascello, Lat. vascellum, diminutive of vasculum, diminutive of vas, a vessel.]

1Sense 1. A utensil proper for holding any thing; a hollow dish of any kind, as a tun, a pipe, a puncheon, a hogshead, a barrel, a firkin, a bottle, a kettle, a cup, a dish, or the like.

2Sense 2. Any structure made to float upon the water, for purposes of commerce or war, whether impelled by wind, steam, or oars. “Began to build a vessel of huge bulk.” Milton.

3Sense 3. (Anat.) Any tube or canal in which the blood and other fluids are contained, secreted, or circulated, as the arteries, veins, lymphatics, and the like.

4Sense 4. (Bot.) (a.) A canal or tube, of very small bore, in which the sap is contained and conveyed. (b.) An elongated tubular cell, with spiral deposits, in distinction from ducts, in which the deposits are pitted.

5Sense 5. Figuratively, something receiving or containing; hence, one into whom, or that into which, any thing is conceived as poured;—chiefly in scriptural language; as, vessels of wrath or mercy; chosen vessels.

Fit vessel; fittest imp of fraud, in whom To enter. Milton.