Where does the word “cruise” have its origins?

It comes from the Dutch word kruisen and is influenced by the French word croisiere, to cruise, to journey; ultimately traced to the Latin crux, cross, with the meaning related to the varying directions taken by the component parts of the cross. Originally, “to cruise” was a distinct task. A vessel would be detached from the main fleet to cruise independently in search of the enemy, reporting back if a strange vessel or flag was spotted. Such a scouting vessel was called a “cruizer” and was usually a fast frigate.