What designation did navies use for ships designed primarily for resistence against the enemy?

The designation "ships of the line" refers to heavily armed naval vessels that were built to engage in fleet actions and stand in the line of battle during the age of sail. These ships were integral to naval warfare strategies, designed specifically to withstand and deliver significant firepower during engagements. Their size, number of cannons, and structural integrity allowed them to endure the rigors of battle while effectively resisting enemy attacks.

"Ships of the line" operated as the backbone of the fleet and were central to naval tactics that often involved lines of ships firing broadside at one another. Their primary purpose was to assert dominance over enemy naval forces, making them crucial for navies aiming to maintain control of maritime territories and routes. This historical context underscores why this designation is associated with vessels intended for direct confrontation and resistance against adversaries.