Brig is a two-masted sailing vessel with square sails. These sails are attached to yards (crosspieces) that are fastened at right angles on the masts. In addition, small sails at the front and rear of the ship are attached to the main mast. During the 1700’s and 1800’s, brigs served as fighting ships because they were small and fast. They were also used to transport cargo. Schooners and steamships largely replaced brigs in the late 1800’s. Brigs are not used today. Brig is also the name given to a ship’s prison.
