weather ship

plural weather ships

1. A ship, usually permanently on station, tasked with reporting meteorological data.

   Synonyms: ocean station vessel

2. Age of SailA ship to the windward of another; considered an advantage in naval warfare.

   If the weather ship be of inferior force, it enables her to keep out of action much longer, and, though a poorer sailer, she may do so until the intervention of night increases the chances of escape.

   1832, Francis Lieber, editor, A Popular Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, Literature, History, Politics and Biography, volume 9, Philadelphia: Carey and Lea, page 178