Why Is A Gravy Boat Called A Gravy Boat?

A gravy boat is so called because it is roughly shaped like a boat. It is typically an elongated, boat-shaped pitcher which is used in order to serve gravy. It is also known as a sauce boat and may sometimes be used to serve sauce. A gravy boat generally is laid on a matching plate; the purpose of which is to catch any gravy drips. At times this plate is permanently affixed to the pitcher. You will often find that there is a matching ladle that accompanies the gravy boat.

There are gravy boats freely available in the market in a variety of shapes. They range from simple basic gravy boats to the more delicate, elaborate ones.

It is not to be confused with the idiom "Gravy train", which is an expression that is used denote a lucrative endeavour.