Charrua is a Portuguese nautical expression of the Age of Sail, initially used to designate the use of a frigate or a ship of the line owned by the State as a transport ship, reducing armament and complement, like the French nautical expression en flûte.^[1][2]

The charrua had large decks and big space for accommodation, and in sail terms it was not different from the ship of the line, having three masts,^[1][2][3] and also a large hold.^[3] The charrua was intended for the transport of troops, food, ammunition, etc.^[3] In the first half of the 19th century, the expression passed to designate any type of ship used as a passenger ship.^[1][2]

• Glossary of nautical terms (A–L)
• En flûte
• En aventurier