This study represents an exhaustive review of the French vocabulary used in connection with the galleys. The centerpiece is an alphabetical listing of 3911 entries providing abundant study material and containing detailed source references, precise semantic, chronological and historical information and a brief article on the etymology of the term in question. The introduction looks at this essentially Mediterranean vocabulary from two points of view: a) origins and geographical provenance and b) utilization by five categories of authors not generally to be regarded as specialists in this field. Various objects referred to by the vocabulary are illustrated by drawings and plates. Finally, an onomasiological survey divides the terms listed into 112 conceptual fields.