A Prize Is Also a Captured Ship
A prize is a reward for winning. In naval law it means a vessel taken at sea, and prize money was once a sailor's fortune.
A prize is something awarded for winning or excelling. In naval law it means something different and very concrete: a ship captured at sea. Until the nineteenth century a captured vessel was sold and the proceeds shared among the crew as *prize money*, in fixed proportions from captain to cabin boy — a successful capture could make an officer rich for life. The verb *to prize* means to value highly, from the same Latin *pretium*, worth, that gives *price* and *praise*.
- A reward for winning. *First prize.*
- A captured ship. *Taken as a prize.*
- To value highly. *A prized possession.*
- Prize money — a captured ship's proceeds. *Prize money.*
- Latin — *pretium*, worth. *The source.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | prize | A prize. |
| Plural | prizes | Prizes. |
| Verb | prize | Prize it. |
| Adjective | prized | A prized item. |
| Related | price | Price. |
- She won first prize.Award.
- The frigate was taken as a prize.Naval.
- He prizes his grandfather's watch.Verb.
How prize money worked
- A captured ship was condemned in a prize court
- The vessel and cargo were then sold
- Proceeds were divided by fixed shares across the crew
- Captains took the largest share, ordinary seamen the smallest
- Britain abolished the system in stages during the twentieth century
Old French *pris*, from Latin *pretium*, price or worth. The naval sense comes through French *prise*, a taking.
Why is a captured ship called a prize?
From French prise, a taking. Captured ships were sold and the money shared among the crew as prize money.
Are prize and price related?
Yes. Both come from Latin pretium, worth, along with praise.