large, deep-built vessel used for trading but fitted for fighting, late 14c., from Old French caraque "large, square-rigged sailing vessel," from Spanish carraca, related to Medieval Latin carraca, Italian caracca, all of uncertain origin, perhaps from Arabic qaraqir, plural of qurqur "merchant ship." The Arabic word perhaps was from Latin carricare "to load a car" (see charge (v.)) or Greek karkouros "boat, pinnacle."