noun
- Plural of prao; fast sailing vessels with outriggers, used in Southeast Asian waters.
Usage: nautical; historical
Examples
- The merchant fleet included several praos that could navigate shallow coastal waters.
- Praos were favored by traders in the Indonesian archipelago for their speed and maneuverability.
- The captain commanded a small squadron of praos during the expedition.
- Historical records describe praos as essential vessels for maritime commerce in the region.