Argosies are large cargo ships used for transporting goods across long distances. The word argosy derives from the medieval Italian word "argozio" which means a large ship with a variety of goods. Some synonyms for argosies include merchant vessels, trade ships, cargo carriers, freighters, and transports. These large vessels were often used during the glory days of European exploration and colonization, transporting valuable goods such as spices, silk, and precious metals from far-off lands back to their home countries. Today, argosies still play an important role in global commerce, transporting everything from consumer goods to raw materials to fuel around the world.