Final answer:
During the 18th century, battleships were commonly known as Man-of-War, which included the formidable ships of the line, characterized by heavy armament and a major role in naval battles.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the 18th century, battleships were often referred to as Man-of-War. These ships were considered the dominant warships of their time and were characterized by their size, armament, and role in naval warfare. The term Man-of-War encompassed various types of armed ships.
The ships of the line, which were a type of Man-of-War, were large, powerful warships that served as the centerpiece of a country's naval fleet. With multiple gun decks carrying sixty-four, seventy-two, or more cannons, they could provide overwhelming firepower in battle. These naval behemoths were strategically important in naval conflicts, including those against the Americans and other naval powers. Britain's Royal Navy, known for its superiority at sea, had such impressive warships in its arsenal during the age of sail, capable of engaging targets on both land and sea. In comparison, other sailing warships of the era, such as frigates and schooners, tended to be smaller and less heavily armed, serving different roles such as scouting, escort, or commerce raiding.