A small medieval or later Spanish or Portuguese sailing vessel, generally lateen-rigged with two or three masts. The word is based on caravel, which means "chariot." These ships were used for transporting people and goods across the Atlantic Ocean. The caravel was first used in Spain around 1450 and soon became popular throughout Europe. They were more stable than monohull vessels and did not suffer from rollers. Caravels also had the advantage of being able to sail close-hauled without risk of broaching over. This made them good traders as well as explorers. Although originally designed for oceanic trade, they eventually were used as military ships during wars or when customs officers were needed on inland waterways. After the 16th century, when larger, better-armed ships began to appear, caravelles fell out of use except as cargo ships or fishing vessels. But they remain popular today in re-creation societies who build them according to old plans. These boats are now usually called barques because "caravel" has come to mean a small boat in general. There are many stories about why the name "carvel" was chosen.