Cruiser

A Criuser is a warship, the term has been used since the 17th century.

Age of Sail
During the Age Of Sail the term cruiser was a type of mission that required a ship that was fast and could defend itstelf easily, such ships included Frigates and Sloops.

Steam Power
Steam Power allowed for even faster Cruiser type ships towards the end of the Age Of Sail.

Ironclad Era
By the Ironclad Era, many navys made faster Ironclads. One such example is Britains HMS Shannon.