Yacht

 

There can be few English words more unusual than yacht which nowadays means an expensive vessel propelled by sail or power and used for cruising or racing.
The word Yacht is of Dutch origin and therefore probably comes from Holland. Etymology experts have concluded that the word yacht is derived from the obsolete Dutch word jaght, a diminutive form of jaghtship which literally meant 'hunting ship'. The original yacht was a fast and lightweight fast sailing vessel used by the Dutch navy to pursue pirates and buccaneers who hqunted the waters around the Holland. More recently yachts have become identified as luxury vessels which only the famous and wealthy can afford.