Caravel \Car"a*vel\ (k[a^]r"[.a]*v[e^]l), n. [F. caravelle (cf. It. caravella, Sp. carabela), fr. Sp. caraba a kind of vessel, fr. L. carabus a kind of light boat, fr. Gr. ka`rabos a kind of light ship, NGr. kara`bi ship, vessel.]

[written also carvel and caravelle.]

(Naut.) A name given to several kinds of vessels.
   (a) The caravel of the 16th century was a small vessel with broad bows, high, narrow poop, four masts, and lateen sails. Columbus commanded three caravels on his great voyage.
   (b) A Portuguese vessel of 100 or 150 tons burden.
   (c) A small fishing boat used on the French coast.
   (d) A Turkish man-of-war.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Carvel \Car"vel\, n. [Contr. fr. caravel.]

1. Same as Caravel.

2. A species of jellyfish; sea blubber. --Sir T. Herbert.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)