flank speed

Noun (naval terminology): the highest speed commandable of a warship under normal (peacetime) conditions, succeeding the terms "normal", "regular" or "standard" speed, and (under wartime conditions) preceded sequentially in velocity by the terms "attack speed", and finally "ramming speed".

"Upon lookout sight of the enemy ships, the consul Quintus Arrius ordered his ships to come to flank speed."

38👍 7👎