kind of small, strong, two-masted sailing vessel, 1650s, earlier catch (mid-15c.), cache (late 14c.), probably from Middle English cacchen "to capture, ensnare, chase" (see catch (v.)). Compare the sense development in yacht.
kersey
kerygma
*kes-
kestrel
ketamine
ketch
ketchup
ketone
ketosis
kettle
kettledrum