packet boat

Noun

packet boat (plural packet boats)

1. (historical) An ocean-going ship chartered by the government to carry the mail and official communications.
   • For every trunk, portmanteau, chest, box, bag, bundle, packet, or parcel, conveyed from any inn to the Custom-house, and from thence to or on board any boat, passage vessel, or packet boat, or landed from any boat, passage vessel or packet boat, and conveyed to the Custom-house, and from thence to...1817, J. HORN, H.'s Description of Dover, page 119
   • But the case of Rex v. Jones establishes the principle, that a packet boat employed by his Majesty to carry mails is rateable.1822, Sir James Dowling, Archer Ryland, Reports of Cases Argued and Determined in the Court of King's Bench
2. (historical) A boat that carried mail, cargo, and, in later years, some passengers along a regularly scheduled route up and down a river or canal.
   • On the night in question the plaintiff's boat had arrived at the harbour of Moyvalley, shortly before the arrival of the packet boat; and after touching at the Moyvalley side, so as to give facility to one of the persons on board to hand out oats for the purpose of feeding the horses engaged in...1849, The Irish Jurist - Volume 1, page 26
   • Whenever any boats or floats moving in opposite directions, approach a place in the Canal which is less than thirty feet wide on its surface, or which will not safely permit their passing, it shall be the duty of the master of the boat or float ascending the Canal, to stop at such distance from...2007, Historic Resource Study: Chesapeake & Ohio Canal
3. (historical) A boat specifically designed to provide transportation to passengers on a regular schedule up and down a river or canal.
   • On the canal is a packet boat with a few passengers visible on top.2003, Janey Levy, The Erie Canal, page 22
   • In the 1980s, the Apple Grove Resaurant brought back history when it offered packet boat rides on the canal.2005, Avis A. Townsend, Medina