It must be established that there are different theories about the etymological origin of the term galera. Thus, there are some that indicate that it derives from Greek, specifically from “galeá”, which was used to refer to the selacian fish.
On the other hand, there are those that establish that it directly emanates from Latin, specifically from “galea”, which can be translated as “helmet”.
In the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ) there are fifteen meanings of the term galera . The first meaning mentioned refers to a boat that has sails and also oars .
The galley, therefore, can be propelled by the wind or by the power of the oarsmen. The oars, in fact, constitute its main propeller, with the sail acting as an auxiliary element.
Currently, any old sailing and rowing vessel, generally used for war , is known as a galley. These boats are characterized by their lightness and great length.
An example of a galley is La Real , used by the coalition known as the Holy League at the Battle of Lepanto ( 1571 ). Of this galley, the largest of its time, there is a replica that is exhibited in the Maritime Museum of Barcelona .
A large horse-drawn cart is also called a galley. The galleys have four wheels and can transport six to eight people.
In the same way, we cannot ignore that galera is the name given to a specific type of seafood. We are referring, specifically, to the stomatopod crustacean that responds to the scientific name “Squilla mantis”.
Although it does not have much meat, it is considered to have a very rich flavor, it has eight pairs of appendages and has a size that can reach 20 centimeters. To all this we must add that it is carnivorous, that it can be found in both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean and that its habitat is stony bottoms.
Another use of galley is linked to a top hat . Also known as the chispera , the galley stands out for its large wing and flat top, being very popular in the 19th century and at the beginning of the 20th century .
Currently the galley is used only on formal occasions, especially when the man wears a tuxedo . Its use is also preserved in the field of spectacle and entertainment: many magicians and some musicians usually wear a galley on stage. Magicians , in fact, use the galley in certain tricks, making elements appear from within it. This action is the origin of the expression “getting something out of the bag” , which is used when someone says or does something unexpected.
In addition to everything indicated, we cannot ignore that Galera is a surname. Thus, for example, in Spain the Madrid actress Elia Galera (1973) is well known, who has worked in series such as “The past is tomorrow”, “Hospital Central”, “Frágiles”, “Amar es para siempre” or “ Acacias 38”. In the field of cinema, she has been the protagonist of the film “The Ugliest Woman in the World” (1999), directed by Miguel Bardem, and has had roles in other feature films such as “The Seventh Day” (2004).