Yacht (yŏt), n. [D. jagt, jacht; perhaps properly, a chase, hunting, from. jagen to chase, hunt, akin to G. jagen, OHG. jagōn, of uncertain origin; or perhaps akin to OHG. gāhi quick, sudden (cf. Gay).] (Naut.) A light and elegantly furnished vessel, used either for private parties of pleasure, or as a vessel of state to convey distinguished persons from one place to another; a seagoing vessel used only for pleasure trips, racing, etc.
Yacht measurement. See the Note under Tonnage, 4.