I believe he was refering to "Corvette" as in the *actual* definition of corvette.
"Corvette, noun, 1. A small, fast and lightly armed warship, smaller than a destroyer. 2. Formerly a warship, smaller than a frigate, usually armed with one tier of guns. (Old French)"--Websters.
The first definition they refer to is the modern term used with modern warships, the second is actually from the day of Imperial France under Napolean during the Age of Sail.
A modern Corvette is a small patrol ship smaller than a modern Frigate and a wee bit larger than a Cutter.
Those nuts at Volition actually have it all backwards. What :V: calls a "corvette" would actually be a heavy cruiser.