Etymology

Noun

1. A general term for all kinds of craft designed for transportation on water, such as ships or boats.
   • 1719: Daniel Defoe, Robinson Crusoe

     But my hope was, that if I stood along this coast till I came to that part where the English traded, I should find some of their vessels upon their usual design of trade, that would relieve and take us in.

2. A container of liquid, such as a glass, goblet, cup, bottle, bowl, or pitcher
3. A person as a container of qualities or feelings.
   • Dolly Parton, The Seeker lyrics:

     I am a vessel that’s empty and useless
     I am a bad seed that fell by the way
     I am a loser that wants to be a winner
     And you are my last hope
     Don’t turn me away.

4. A tube or canal that carries fluid in an animal or plant.

   blood or lymph vessels in humans, xylem or phloem vessels in plants