cargo

Cargo, n.; pl. Cargoes.

Etymology: [Sp. cargo, carga, burden, load, from cargar to load, from cargar to load, charge, See Charge.]

The lading or freight of a ship or other vessel; the goods, merchandise, or whatever is conveyed in a vessel or boat; load; freight. Cargoes of food or clothing. E. Everett.

Note: The term cargo, in law, is usually applied to goods only, and not to live animals or persons. Burill.

Shades of meaning

Fernald has no entry of its own for cargo; he lists it under load.

Where he writes about it:

A ship's load is called distinctively a cargo, or it may be known as freight or lading. — from load

Synonyms

load burden charge clog encumbrance freight incubus lading pack weight

Antonyms

none given

etymology Webster’s online