A ship used in rescue; specifically a merchant vessel carrying blankets, medical supplies, etc., used to accompany a convoy during the Second World War (1939–45).
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Samuel Sidney (1813–1883), writer on agriculture.
Definition of rescue ship in US English:
rescue ship
noun
A ship used in rescue; specifically a merchant vessel carrying blankets, medical supplies, etc., used to accompany a convoy during the Second World War (1939–45).
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Samuel Sidney (1813–1883), writer on agriculture.