Definition of Q-ship in English:
Q-ship
noun
historicalA merchant ship with concealed weapons, used by the British in World War I and World War II in an attempt to destroy submarines.
‘U-boats were attacked by aircraft, airships, Q-ships, mines, drifters, Naval vessels (including submarines) and merchant ships.’- ‘The Eastern Sea Frontier, which operated the few Q-ships the US Navy used during the war, was the parent organization.’
Pronunciation
Origin
First World War from Q as a non-explicit symbol of the type of vessel + ship.
Are You Learning English? Here Are Our Top English Tips