dreadnought

Meaning

Noun

• A battleship, especially of the World War I era, in which most of the firepower is concentrated in large guns that are of the same caliber.
• A type of warship heavier in armour or armament than a typical battleship.
• One that is the largest or the most powerful of its kind.
• A garment made of thick woollen cloth that can defend against storm and cold.
• The cloth itself; fearnaught.
• A person who fears nothing.
• Something that assures against fear.

Origin

• Named after HMS Dreadnought, the first battleship finished of this type, from dread + nought, i.e. fearing nothing.