Convoy

Convoy (Fr. convoi) is the name given to one or more ships of war appointed to protect a fleet of merchant-vessels against the attacks of an enemy or of pirates. If a merchant-ship parts company with the convoy, or neglects to obey the convoy's instructions or signals, all claims of insurance are forfeited. The name is sometimes applied to the merchant-vessels so escorted. In the military service a convoy is a train of wagons or canal boats laden with provisions, treasure, or warlike stores, and escorted by a detachment of troops.