Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Yacht \Yacht\ (y[o^]t), n. [D. jagt, jacht; perhaps properly, a
   chase, hunting, from. jagen to chase, hunt, akin to G. jagen,
   OHG. jag[=o]n, of uncertain origin; or perhaps akin to OHG.
   g[=a]hi quick, sudden (cf. {Gay}).] (Naut.)
   A light and elegantly furnished vessel, used either for
   private parties of pleasure, or as a vessel of state to
   convey distinguished persons from one place to another; a
   seagoing vessel used only for pleasure trips, racing, etc.

   {Yacht measurement}. See the Note under {Tonnage}, 4.