packet boat
IPA: pˈækʌtbˈoʊt
noun
- (historical) An ocean-going ship chartered by the government to carry the mail and official communications.
- (historical) A boat that carried mail, cargo, and, in later years, some passengers along a regularly scheduled route up and down a river or canal.
- (historical) A boat specifically designed to provide transportation to passengers on a regular schedule up and down a river or canal.