Noun
warship smaller than a destroyer; designed to escort fleets or convoys
Source: WordNetIn the USN, these vessels were called " ocean escorts " and designated "DE" or "DEG" until 1975 – a holdover from the Second World War destroyer escort or "DE". Source: Internet
Japanese destroyers were generally deficient in antisubmarine weaponry compared to their Allied counterparts, and the Japanese navy did not develop an inexpensive convoy escort like the Allies' destroyer escort frigate until it was too late. Source: Internet
Cannon-class destroyer escort, purchased from the United States. Source: Internet
Cannon-class destroyer escort purchased from the United States for training use. Source: Internet
Edsall-class destroyer escort, purchased from the United States. Source: Internet
Hence the U.S. Navy's use of "DL" for "frigate" prior to 1975, while "frigates" in other navies were smaller than destroyers and more like what the U.S. Navy termed a " destroyer escort ", " ocean escort ", or "DE". Source: Internet