THE
                          SAILOR'S WORD-BOOK:
                        AN ALPHABETICAL DIGEST
                                  OF
                            NAUTICAL TERMS,
 INCLUDING SOME MORE ESPECIALLY MILITARY AND SCIENTIFIC, BUT USEFUL TO
         SEAMEN; AS WELL AS ARCHAISMS OF EARLY VOYAGERS, ETC.


                              BY THE LATE

                         ADMIRAL W. H. SMYTH,
                          K.S.F., D.C.L., &c.


                       REVISED FOR THE PRESS BY

                     VICE-ADMIRAL SIR E. BELCHER,
                            K.C.B., &c. &c.


                               [Device]


                                LONDON:

                   BLACKIE AND SON, PATERNOSTER ROW;
                      AND GLASGOW AND EDINBURGH.
                                 1867.




 GLASGOW:
 W. G. BLACKIE AND CO., PRINTERS,
 VILLAFIELD.


Transcriber's Note:

    Dialect, variant and obsolete spellings remain as printed. Minor
    typographical errors have been corrected without note, whilst
    significant changes have been listed at the end of the text.
    Superscript characters are preceded by the ^ character. Greek text
    has been transliterated and is shown between {braces}. The oe
    ligature is shown as [oe], and [sq] represents the square-root
    symbol.




THE EDITOR'S PREFACE.


The recent loss of Admiral William Henry Smyth, noticed as it was by the
leading periodicals, will have recalled to many, not only the social
character and amiable qualities of the compiler of this Work, but also
his distinguished professional career and high reputation as an officer,
a navigator, and a seaman, which will be a guarantee for the details of
this posthumous publication.

When, in 1858, the Admiral reached the allotted term of three-score
years and ten, yet in perfect health, he executed his resolution of
resigning to younger men the posts he held in the active scientific
world, and concentrated his attention, at his quiet and literary retreat
of St. John's Lodge, near Aylesbury, on reducing for the press the vast
amount of professional as well as general information which he had
amassed during a long, active, and earnest life: the material for this
"Digest" outstanding as the last, largest, and most important part of
it. Had he survived but a few months more, a preface in his own terse
and peculiar style, containing his last ideas, would have rendered these
remarks unnecessary; but he was cut off on the 8th of September, 1865,
leaving this favourite manuscript to the affectionate care of his family
and friends. By them it has been most carefully revised; and is now
presented to the public, especially to his honoured profession, for the
benefit of which he thought and worked during the long period which
elapsed between his leaving the quarter-deck and his death; as his
Charts (constructed from his numerous surveys), his twenty years' Essays
in the _United Service Journal_, his efforts to render his astronomical
researches accessible to seamen,--all testify.

Admiral Smyth was what has been called a _commonplacer_. He had the
habit of methodically storing up, through a long series of years, all
that could profit the seaman, whether scientific or practical. A
collector of coins, and in various ways an antiquary, he knew well, not
merely that "many mickles make a muckle," but that it will sometimes
chance that the turning up of one little thing makes another little
thing into a great one. And he culled from the intelligent friends with
whom he associated many points of critical definition which cannot be
found elsewhere. Thus, in addition to naval terms, he has introduced
others relating to fortification; to ancient and modern arms and armour;
to objects of natural history occurring at sea, in travel, &c.: the
whole forming such an assemblage of interesting and instructive matter
as will prove valuable to both seaman and landsman.

This "Digest" may engage the attention of the naval officer, not merely
for the information it conveys, but for the doubts it may raise in
matters deserving further research. Independently of the variety of
subjects treated, the author's characteristic manner of handling them
will make it to his former brother officers a reminiscence of one of the
true tars of the old school--the rising generation will find here old
terms (often misunderstood by younger writers) interpreted by one who
was never content with a definition until he had confirmed it
satisfactorily by the aid of the most accomplished of his cotemporaries;
the landsman will discover the meaning or derivation of words either
obsolete or which are not elsewhere to be traced, though occurring in
general literature. To all it is the legacy of an officer highly
appreciated by men of science, who on shore as well as afloat fought his
way to eminence in every department, and always deemed it his pride that
no aim was dearer to him than the advancement of his noble profession.

LONDON, _May, 1867_.




[Illustration: CAPT^N W. H. SMYTH, R.N., K.S.F., F.R.S., F.S.A.,
F.R.A.S., 1842]




INTRODUCTION.


What's in a word? is a question which it is held clever to quote and
wise to think unanswerable: and yet there is a very good answer, and it
is--a meaning, if you know it. But there is another question, and it is,
What's a word in? There is never a poor fellow in this world but must
ask it now and then with a blank face, when aground for want of a
meaning. And the answer is--a dictionary, if you have it. Unfortunately,
there may be a dictionary, and one may have it, and yet the word may not
be there. It may be an old dictionary, and the word a new one; or a new
dictionary, and the word an old one; a grave dictionary, and the word a
slang one; a slang dictionary, and the word a grave one; and so on
through a double line of battle of antitheses. Such is assuredly matter
for serious cogitation: and voluntarily to encounter those anomalous
perplexities requires no small amount of endurance, for the task is
equally crabbed and onerous, without a ray of hope to the pioneer beyond
that of making himself humbly useful. This brings me to my story.

Many years ago, I harboured thoughts of compiling a kind of detailed
nautical _vade mecum_; but a lot of other irons already in the fire
marred the project. Still the scheme was backing and filling, when the
late Major Shadwell Clerke--opening the year 1836 in the _United
Service Journal_--fired off the following, to me, unexpected
announcement:--

"A Nautical Dictionary, or Cyclopædia of Naval Science and Nomenclature,
is still a desideratum. That of Falconer is imperfect and out of date.
We have heard that the design of such a work has been entertained, and
materials for its execution collected, by Captain W. H. Smyth, whom, we
earnestly recommend to prosecute an undertaking of such promise to the
service of which he is so experienced and distinguished a member--it
could not be in more competent hands."

This broad hint must have been signalled by the gallant Major in the way
of a stimulating fillip, and accordingly it aroused considerable
attention. Among those who were excited by the notification was my
friend Captain Basil Hall, who wrote to me from Paris a few days
afterwards--13th of January, 1836--in these words:

"I read a day or two ago, in the _United Service Journal_, that you had
some thoughts of preparing a Nautical Dictionary for publication; and
from your connection with that journal, or at least your acquaintance
with our friend the editor, I am led to fear that the report may be
true. You will understand the use of the word _fear_ when I tell you
that, for nearly three years, _my_ own thoughts have turned in the same
direction, and I have been busily preparing for a task to which I meant
to buckle to with a will, and to which I meant to devote some four or
five years of exclusive diligence. What I am anxious to know, as soon as
may be, is the fact of your having undertaken a similar work, _or not_.
For I assure you I am not so foolish, nor so insensible either to my own
peace of mind or my own reputation; nor am I so careless of your good
opinion and regard, as to enter the lists with you. I repeat, neither my
feelings nor my judgment would permit me in any way to cross your hawse,
if indeed, as I too much fear, you have got before me. There is one
other man in the service besides yourself, and only one, with whom no
consideration would induce me to enter into competition--and that is
Beaufort--but his hands, I presume, are full enough, and I had somehow
imagined yours were too. So much so, that you were one of the first men
I meant to consult on my return to England, and to beg assistance from.
I should not have minded the competition of any one else, but I am not
so vain as to suppose that I could do the thing as well as either of
you--and therefore, even if I were not restrained by motives of personal
friendship, I should never dream of risking my reputation for
professional, scientific, or literary attainments by a struggle in which
I should certainly be worsted."

To this hearty and laudatory interpellation, an immediate reply was
returned, stating that I had long held the subject in view, but that
other weighty avocations occasioned its hanging fire, and had compelled
me to suspend it _sine die_. Still I considered such a work necessary to
the current wants, as well those of seafarers as of the landsmen who
evince a taste for nautical matters; and that, from his profession and
literary prowess, I knew of no one better fitted for the task than
himself--adding that, under the emergency, my papers were at his
service, and I would occasionally give him such personal aid as might
lie in my power. This was acknowledged in a long explicatory letter, of
which the following are extracts:--

"I trust I know the value of a compliment as well as any man, and I can
say, with perfect truth, that in the whole of my career (such as it has
been), professional, scientific, or literary, no compliment--I may say
no circumstance--has occurred which has given me so much honest
gratification as your letter of the 3d. I know you are a man not to say
what you do not truly think, nor to express yourself strongly where you
have not observed carefully. I shall therefore not disclaim your
compliment, but rather seek, in a kindred spirit, to work up to the mark
which you assign me--and which I know but too well how far I am short
of.

"I do hope, indeed, that as you say, 'we may row in the same boat
without catching crabs;' but of this I am quite resolved, not to cross
your hawse, nor to interfere with your project, which you have alluded
to as having already commenced. That is to say, I shall not interfere
unless I can be of use to it and to you, and with your full concurrence,
and, as I hope, your companionship. * * * *

"What I should propose would be, that you should furnish the
professional technicalities in all the different branches, and that I
should endeavour to popularize them. Here and there--as in the matter of
Navigation--I also might intrude with some few technicalities. But
generally speaking it would be you who should provide the real solid
stuff, and I who should attempt to dress it up so as to be intelligible
_beyond_ the limits of the sea-service; and also to be intelligible to
those young persons whom it is very important to instruct in general and
even popular views, but for whom it would be needless to write a new
elementary treatise. * * * *

"This is a sketch of my plan. What think you of it? I must add one
thing, however, that you must be the senior officer on the occasion. I
shall act in all this matter, and in the most perfect good faith, as
your subordinate."

In responding to this full and frank overture, I entered into a few more
particulars respecting my progress and purpose in the projected work;
and invited him--on his return from France--to come at once to Bedford
and ransack my papers.

Accordingly, in the autumn of 1836, Captain Basil Hall and his
family--the whole of the Schloss Handfeldt party--arrived at my house,
where he was located in a quiet library, with all my materials for the
Naval Dictionary before him. Here he remained in close examination of
them during two days, when he promised to send me his ultimatum in
writing after due deliberation. He required time for this, seeing I had
fairly warned him that my onerous undertakings would necessarily throw
the heavier share of our performance upon his shoulders. On the 27th of
November I received a letter from Edinburgh, in which he made this
statement:--

"With respect to the Marine Dictionary I think we have come to a clear
understanding--namely, that for the present it is standing fast. _I_
certainly had a notion that I was an interloper, and as soon as I saw
the vast deal you had done in the way of preparation, that it became me
as a man of fair dealing, to back out. This does not, however, appear to
have been your wish, but on the contrary that we may still make a joint
work of it by-and-by, when we have leisure, both of us, to engage in it
heartily--tooth and nail. I shall therefore keep it in my thoughts, and
endeavour to shape my future plans so as to meet this view, and, should
I see occasion, I can write to you about it. My present notion is, that
if ever we do set about it, I must come to Bedford for a season, and
give myself entirely up to the work, under your direction. The work, to
be worth a straw, or at all what would be expected from you and me,
would require no small labour on our parts, for a considerable length of
time."

We consequently lay upon our oars for some time, but occasionally
pulling a stroke or two to keep to the station, and be ready for
head-way when required. While thus prepared, in 1842 my excellent and
highly accomplished friend was most unexpectedly assailed by an
afflicting malady, which at once reduced a brilliant mind to a
distressing fatuity, which--after two lingering years--closed his
valuable life, and clued up our arrangements.

Meantime our plan had oozed out, and too great an expectation was evoked
in certain quarters, the inquiries from whence were frequent reminders.
At length in 1865, most of my undertakings having been completed, and
out of the way, I made an overhaul of the bulky ribs and trucks of the
scheme in question. Both my judgment and feelings united in showing that
it is now too late in the day for me to think of setting about such a
work as was contemplated thirty years ago; yet finding myself still
capable of application, and fully knowing all the bearings of the case,
I feel assured that a comprehensive and useful "word-book" may be made
from the shakings. On the whole, therefore, the foregoing particulars
seem to be a necessary prelude to this introduction.

Doubtless a well-digested marine dictionary would be equally beneficial
to the country and to the service, for the utility of such a work in
assisting those who are engaged in carrying on practical sea duties is
so generally admitted, that it is allowable here to dilate upon its
importance, especially when it is considered how much information a
youth has to acquire, on his first going afloat, in order to qualify him
for a position so totally different from what he had hitherto been
familiar with. In this case such a volume might justly be deemed one of
the most useful of his companions, as it would at all times answer his
questions, and aid that ardour of inquiry which some of his shipmates
might not find it easy to satisfy. It would quicken the slow progress of
experience, and aid those who take a pleasure in the knowledge and
discharge of their duties. But a work of this description must
necessarily require constant additions, and revised explanations, to
enable it to keep pace with the wondrous alterations and innovations
which are now taking place in every department of the naval service. The
future of all this is utterly inscrutable!

Nor has this province been neglected, as the efforts of Captain John
Smith (of mine own clan), Maynwaring, Boteler, Blanckley, Falconer,
Young, and many others, testify; and however they may fall short of what
naval science demands, they are full of initiative training. Indeed they
may all be advantageously consulted, for honey is not the less sweet
because it is gathered from many flowers; and I have freely availed
myself of their various works, as far as they go, though I have adopted
no term without holding myself responsible for its actuality. Such a
vaunt may be considered to savour of the _parturiunt montes_ apothegm,
but the reader may confidently rest assured that whatever shortcomings
he may detect they are not the result of negligence.

It has been pronounced that such lexicography may be too diffuse; that
to describe the track of every particular rope through its different
channels, however requisite for seamen, would be useless and
unintelligible to a landsman. But surely nothing can be considered
useless which tends directly to information, nor can that be
unintelligible which is clearly defined. Moreover, such a work may be so
carried out as not only to be instructive in professional minutiæ, but
also to be a vehicle for making us acquainted with the rules which
guided the seamen of former times, thereby affording an insight into
those which are likely to direct them in their own.

From the causes already stated, my project of a full sailor's dictionary
fell to the ground; yet in course of time, and at the age of
seventy-seven, finding leisure at last on hand, I thought it feasible to
work my materials into a sort of maritime glossary. The objects of such
a digest are to afford a ready reference to young or old, professional
or non-professional, persons, who by consulting it may obtain an instant
answer to a given question. Now although many of the explanations may be
superfluous to some seamen, still they may lead others to a right
understanding of various brackish expressions and phrases, without
having to put crude queries, many of which those inquired of might be
unable to solve. Nor is it only those afloat who are to be thus
considered; all the empire is more or less connected with its navy and
its commerce, and nautical phraseology is thereby daily becoming more
habitual with all classes of the lieges than of erst. Even our
parliamentary orators, with a proper national bias, talk of swamping a
measure, danger ahead, taking the wind out of an antagonist's sails,
drifting into war, steering a bill through the shoals of opposition or
throwing it overboard, following in the wake of a leader, trimming to
the breeze, tiding a question over the session, opinions above or below
the gangway, and the like, so rife of late in St. Stephen's; even when a
member "rats" on seeing that the pumps cannot keep his party from
falling to leeward, he is but imitating the vermin that quit a
sinking-ship.

This predilection for sea idiom is assuredly proper in a maritime
people, especially as many of the phrases are at once graphic, terse,
and perspicuous. How could the whereabouts of an aching tooth be better
pointed out to an operative dentist than Jack's "'Tis the aftermost
grinder aloft, on the starboard quarter." The ship expressions preserve
many British and Anglo-Saxon words, with their quaint old preterites and
telling colloquialisms; and such may require explanation, as well for
the youthful aspirant as for the cocoa-nut-headed prelector in nautic
lore. It is indeed remarkable how largely that foundation of the English
language has been preserved by means of our sailors.

This phraseology has necessarily been added to from time to time, and
consequently bears the stamp of our successive ages of sea-life. In the
"ancient and fishlike" terms that brave Raleigh derived from his
predecessors, many epithets must have resulted from ardent recollections
of home and those at home, for in a ship we find--

 Apeak,       Cat's-paw,    Driver,      Hound,       Rabbit,      Stays,
 Apron,       Cot,          Earings,     Jewel,       Ribband,     Stirrup,
 A-stay,      Cradle,       Eyes,        Lacings,     Saddle,      Tiller,
 Bonnet,      Crib,         Fox,         Martingale,  Sheaves,     Truck,
 Braces,      Crow-foot,    Garnet,      Mouse,       Sheets,      Truss,
 Bridle,      Crow's nest,  Goose-neck,  Nettle,      Sheepshank,  Watch,
 Cap,         Crown,        Goose-wing,  Pins,        Shoe,        Whip,
 Catharpins,  Diamond,      Horse,       Puddings,    Sister,      Yard.
 Cat-heads,   Dog,          Hose,

Most of the real sea-terms are pregnant with meaning; but those who
undertake to expound them ought to be tolerably versed in the topic.
Thus perhaps there was no great harm in Dr. Johnson's being utterly
ignorant of maritime language, but it was temerariously vain in that
sturdy lexicographer to assert that _belay_ is a sea-phrase for splicing
a rope; _main sheet_, for the largest sail in a ship; and _bight_, for
the circumference of a coil of rope; and we long had him on the hip
respecting the _purser_, a personage whom he--misled by Burser--at once
pronounced to be the paymaster of a ship; as the then purser was, in
fact, more familiar with slops, tobacco, pork, dips, biscuit, and the
like, than with cash payments--for, excepting short-allowance dues, he
had very little meddling with money matters. But the Admiralty have
recently swamped the well-known and distinctive nautical title--despite
of its time-honoured claims to repute--and introduced the army
appellative, PAYMASTER, in its stead.

The pithy conciseness of the brackish tongue renders it eminently useful
on duty. In some of their sea-phrases the French, our great rivals, use
a heap of words more than we are wont to do. An instance is
given--supposing a ship of the former met with one of ours, and they
should desire to salute each other, the English commander would sing
out, "Man ship!" but the French captain would have to exclaim, "Rangez
du monde sur les vergues pour donner des cris de salut!" By the way,
there is a _ben trovato_ respecting the difficulty of doing our naval
tidings into French: a translator of note made quite a mull of a ship
being _brought up_ by her anchors, and of another which was stranded
from _borrowing_ too much; while "a man-of-war riding easily in the road
at Spithead" was rendered "Un homme de guerre se promenait à cheval à
son aise sur le chemin de Spithead." Some of the French terms, however,
are recommended by their Parisian stamp, as in calling iron bilboes "bas
de soie"--the waist-netting "Saint Aubinet"--the quarter-gallery a
"jardin d'amour:" but similar elegance was not manifested in dubbing the
open-hearted thorough-bred tar "un loup de mer."

In the work before us, the nautical import of the terms is duly
considered, and the orthography, as far as feasible, is ruled by
authority and custom, with an occasional slight glance at the probable
etymology of the words--slight, because derivation is a seductive and
frequently illusory pilot. Our language is said to have been arraigned
by foreigners for its hissing enunciation; but, regardless of the
rebuke, our pundits have, of late, unnecessarily increased the whistling
by substituting the sibilant _s_ for the vocal _z_, in all sorts of
cases. Happily this same _s_ not being yet acclimatized to the galley,
Jack will continue to give tongue to an enterpri_z_ing crui_z_e after
Portugue_z_e merchandi_z_e, and there anent.

The plan of our work may be said to comprise the treating _de omnibus
rebus nauticis_, for many branches of knowledge are demanded of the
intelligent seaman. Thus in Naval Architecture, the terms used in the
construction of ships, the plans and sections, and the mechanical means
of the builders, are undoubted requirements of a sea word-book. So also
in Astronomy, or that portion of nautical science constituting
observations which are necessary to the determinations of the navigator.
In Mathematics, especially the branch distinguished as practical, the
doctrine which teaches whatever is capable of being numbered or
measured, requires verbal elucidation, not so much for the educated
youth, as for him who labours under difficulties--who is

    "In canvass'd berth, profoundly deep in thought,
    His busy mind with sines and tangents fraught."

Many of the words in our columns are not _de facto_ sea-terms, but as
they are in rife and familiar use on ship-board, they obtained a
lodgment; whence it becomes rather a difficult matter to mark a
boundary for nautic language. Various expressions are also retained
which, though unused or all but obsolete, occur so frequently in
professional treatises and antiquated journals, that their exposition
may often be welcomed by a general reader: they are here introduced, not
as worthy of revival, yet as necessary to be understood when fallen in
with. And it should be remembered, that--especially during our last
conflict with France--so many combined enterprises occurred, that the
most general naval and military phrases pertained, in a manner, to both
arms of the service.

What may be termed mere galley-slang also demands explanation, since
even officers are sometimes ashore--I was going to say at
sea--respecting its purport; and I recollect at a court-martial holden
on a seaman for insolence to his superior, the lingo used by the shrewd
culprit was liable to be thought respectful or otherwise according to
the manner of utterance, and he was admitted to the benefit of the
doubtful meaning. Still it must be admitted that all vulgarisms, as far
as practicable, should be indignantly spurned from our noble English
language--a language unequalled for excellence in fluency, capacity, and
strength. A stern critic may also, and in truth, aver that terms are
included on our roll the which are not altogether of maritime usage.
This we have admitted, but the allegation will be greatly weakened on
scrutiny, for they are here given in the sense entertained of them in
nautic parlance. Such are generally illustrative of some of the lingual
or local peculiarities of sea-life, or borne on its literature, and
therefore are necessarily admitted as having a footing in maritime
philology. Some of our misused words and archaic phrases are, by
influence of the newspaper magnates, brought across the Atlantic, and
re-appear among us under the style and title of Americanisms: after
which fashion, in the lapse of time and the mutation of dialect,
vocables once differing in origin and meaning may become identical in
sense and sound.[A]

[A] As for example the word _alarm_, _alarum_, a bell, from the German
_lärm_; but the military _alarm_ on a drum is the Italian _all'arme_.

Finally, Natural History, a taste for which is a substantial blessing to
the sailor, is too vast a department for our professional pages.
However, a few requisite definitions of the familiar products of the
air, earth, and water are introduced. Numbers of marine birds and many
fishes--so often misnamed--are entered upon the muster; and especially
those which the blue-jackets vote to be very good eating; yet, as a
reverend author has well observed, we should, in such cases, recur to
the probable state of their appetites at the time of experiment. The
most general nautic dishes and refections are likewise cited, to the
making of which most of our sea-cooks are competent--there being no
purée, entremet, or fricandeau to trouble them. But though they are at
times libelled as being sent from the infernal regions, they are pretty
fair in their way; and though no great shakes in domestic chemistry,
they can enter the lists against any white-aproned _artiste_ at
pea-soup, beef-steak, lobscouse, pillau, curried shark, twice-laid, or
savoury sea-pie. Still, a more luxurious tendency in this department is
casting its shadow before; and there are Sybarites invading the ocean to
whom the taste of junk is all but unknown.

[Illustration: Signature of W. H. Smyth]




A DIGEST

OF

SEA TERMS AND PHRASES.




A.


A. The highest class of the excellence of merchant ships on Lloyd's
books, subdivided into A 1 and A 2, after which they descend by the
vowels: A 1 being the very best of the first class. Formerly a
river-built (Thames) ship took the first rate for 12 years, a Bristol
one for 11, and those of the northern ports 10. Some of the out-port
built ships keep their rating 6 to 8 years, and inferior ones only 4.
But improvements in ship-building, and the large introduction of iron,
are now claiming longer life.

A is an Anglo-Saxonism for _in_ or _on_; as _a_'board, _a_'going, &c.

A.B. The rating of _Able Seamen_ on the ship's books: these two letters
are often used as an epithet for the person so rated. He must be equal
to all the duties required of a seaman in a ship--not only as regards
the saying to "hand, reef, and steer," but also to strop a block,
splice, knot, turn in rigging, raise a mouse on the main-stay, and be an
example to the _ordinary seamen_ and _landsmen_.

ABAB. A Turkish sailor who plies in coasting craft.

ABACK. The situation of a ship's sails when the wind bears against their
front surfaces. They are _laid aback_, when this is purposely effected
to deaden her way by rounding in the weather-braces; and _taken aback_,
when brought to by an unexpected change of wind, or by inattention in
the helmsman.--_All aback forward_, the notice given from the
forecastle, when the head-sails are pressed aback by a sudden change in
the wind. (_See_ WORK ABACK.)--_Taken aback_, a colloquialism for being
suddenly surprised or found out.

ABACUS. A board with balls sliding on small rods, used in China, Russia,
&c., for calculating bills, &c.

ABAFT. This word, generally speaking, means behind, inferred relatively,
beginning from the stem and continuing towards the stern, that is, the
hinder part of the ship.--_Abaft the beam_ implies any direction between
a supposed transverse line amidships and the stern, whether in or out
of the ship. It is the relative situation of an object with the ship,
when that object is placed in the arc of the horizon contained between a
line at right angles with the keel and the point of the compass which is
directly opposite the ship's course. An object--as a man overboard--is
described by the look-out man at the mast-head as abeam, before, or
abaft the beam, by so many points of the compass. As a vessel seen may
be "three points before the beam," &c.

ABAKA. A fine vegetable fibre, with which the white Manila rope, so much
used on the India station, is made. This rope floats in water, and is
not subject to rot, nor does it require tarring. A frigate on the China
station in 1805 had nearly the whole of her running rigging of this
cordage.

ABANDONMENT OF A VESSEL. Deserting and abandoning her by reason of
unseaworthiness or danger of remaining in her, also when grounded and
cannot be saved. This never occurs but in imminent cases; therefore,
before the insured can demand recompense from the underwriter, they must
cede or _abandon_ to him the right of all property which may be
recovered from shipwreck, capture, or any other peril stated in the
policy. Other parties entering and bringing the vessel into port obtain
salvage. (_Vide_ DERELICT.)

ABASE, TO. An old word signifying to lower a flag or sail. _Abaisser_ is
in use in the French marine, and both may be derived from the still
older _abeigh_. _Abase_ literally means to cast down, to humble.

ABATE, TO. An old Anglo-Norman word from _abattre_, to beat down or
destroy; as, to _abate_ a castle or fort, is to beat it down; and a gale
is said to _abate_ when it decreases. The term is still used in law.

ABATEMENT. A plea by which a reduction of freight is demanded, when
unforeseen causes have delayed or hindered the performance of a
stipulated charter-party.

ABATIS. An obstruction used in temporary fortification, composed of
felled trees deprived of their smaller branches, and secured to the
ground side by side with their tops towards the enemy; applicable to the
front of posts, works, or positions, and occasionally to the bars of
rivers.

ABBEY-LUBBER. This is an old term of reproach for idleness, and is here
quoted only as bearing upon the nautical lubber. In the "_Burnynge of
Paule's Church_, 1563," it is thus explained--"An Abbey-lubber, that was
idle, well-fed, a long lewd lither loiterer, that might worke, and would
not."

ABBLAST. Cross-bow; hence,

ABBLASTER. Cross-bow man.

ABBROCHYN. The old term for beginning or broaching a barrel, cask, or
any "vesselle of drynke."

ABEAM. In a line at right angles to the vessel's length; opposite the
centre of a ship's side.

ABEAM-ARM. For this curved timber, _see_ FORK-BEAMS.

ABER. An ancient British word for the mouth of a river--as
Aber-brothick, Aber-avon, Aber-ystwith, and Aber-conway, &c. It also
means the confluence of two or more streams.

ABERRATION. An apparent change of place, or alteration of their mean
position, in the fixed stars, caused by the earth's orbital
movement.--_Aberration of a planet_ signifies its progressive geocentric
motion, or the space through which it appears to move, as seen from the
earth, during the time which light occupies in passing from the planet
to us.--_Crown of aberration_ is a spurious circle surrounding the
proper disc of the sun.--_Constant of aberration_, or amount of
displacement in the sun's longitude, arising from the progressive motion
of light, is established at 20"·45.

ABET, TO. To excite or encourage--a common word, greatly in use at
boat-racings, and other competitive acts.

ABITED. A provincial term for _mildewed_.

ABJURATION. The oath taken till lately by all officers on receiving
their commission, by which they abjured any claim of the Stuarts to the
throne, the power of the Pope, and the Romish religion.

ABLE. A term not simply expressive of strong faculties, but as
acquainted with and equal to perform the expected duty.--_Able seaman_,
a thorough or regular bred sailor. (_See_ A.B.)--_Able-bodied_, sound,
healthy, and fit for the Royal service.

ABLE-WHACKETS. A popular sea-game with cards, wherein the loser is
beaten over the palms of the hands with a handkerchief tightly twisted
like a rope. Very popular with horny-fisted salts.

ABOARD. Inside or upon a ship; the act of residing afloat; to hug the
land in approaching the shore.--_To fall aboard of_, is for one vessel
to run foul of another.--_To haul the tacks aboard_, is to bring their
weather clues down to the chess-tree, or literally, to set the
courses.--_To lay an enemy aboard_, to run into or alongside.

ABODE. Waited for; as, ship ran to the appointed place of rendezvous and
_abode_ there for her consort.

ABORD. An Anglo-Saxon term, meaning across, from shore to shore, of a
port or river.

ABOUT. Circularly; the situation of a ship after she has gone round, and
trimmed sails on the opposite tack.--_Ready about!_ and _About-ship!_
are orders to the ship's company to prepare for tacking by being at
their stations.

ABOVE-BOARD. Over the deck; a term used for open fair dealing, without
artifice or trick.

ABOX. A word used in veering for _aback_, alluding to the situation of
the head-yards in paying off. (_See_ BRACE ABACK.)--_Lay the head-yards
abox_--in former times, and even at present, many good seamen prefer to
lay the head-yards square, or abox, to heave-to. It brings the vessel
more under command for sudden evolution, wearing, or staying.

ABRAHAM-MEN. A cant term for vagabonds, who formerly begged about under
pretence of having been discharged destitute from ships and hospitals;
whence an idle malingerer wanting to enter the doctor's list is said to
"sham Abraham." From a ward in Bedlam which was appropriated for the
reception of idiots, which was named Abraham: it is a very old term, and
was cited by Burton in the _Anatomy of Melancholy_ so far back as 1621.

ABRASE, TO. To dubb or smooth planks.

ABRASION. The rubbing off or wearing away of the parts of a rock, or of
the soil, by the impinging and friction of other bodies.

ABREAST. Side by side, parallel, or opposite to; generally used in
opposition to _abaft_ or _afore_.--_Line abreast_ means a fleet
advancing or retreating uniformly on a line parallel with the
beam.--_Abreast of a place_, is directly off it; a direction at right
angles with the keel or ship's length. In the army the term was formerly
used for any number of men in front; but at present they are determined
by files.--_Abreast._ Within-board, signifies on a parallel with the
beam.

ABRID. A pintle-plate.

ABROACH. On tap, in use; spoken of barrels of beer or other liquors.

ABROAD. Synonymous with foreign, or being on a foreign station. Also an
old word for _spread_; as, all sail _abroad_.

ABRUPT. A word applied to steep, broken, or craggy cliffs and headlands,
especially such as are bold-to and precipitous.

ABSCISS. A part either of the diameter or the transverse axis of a conic
section, intercepted between the vertex or any other fixed point and a
semi-ordinate.--_Abscission of a planet_, its being outstripped by
another, which joins a third one before it.

ABSENCE. A permission occasionally obtained, on urgent affairs, by
officers to quit their duties.

ABSOLUTE. Anything free from conditions.--_Absolute equations_, the sum
of the optic and eccentric equation, or the anomalies arising from a
planet's not being equally distant from the earth at all times, and its
motion not being uniform.--_Absolute gravity_ is the whole force with
which a body tends downwards.

ABSORPTION. A term formerly used for the sinking of islands and tracts
of land, instead of _subsidence_.

ABSQUATULATE. _See_ SQUATTER.

ABSTRACT. A brief register of the warrant officer's stores, by which
the supplies, expenses, and remains are duly balanced. An _abstract log_
contains the most important subjects of a ship's log.

ABSTRACT MATHEMATICS, OR PURE. The branch which investigates and
demonstrates the properties of magnitude, figure, or quantity,
absolutely and generally considered, without restriction to any species
in particular; such as arithmetic and geometry.

A-BURTON. The situation of casks when they are stowed in the hold
athwart ship, or in a line with the beam.

ABUT. When two timbers or planks are united endways, they are said to
_butt_ or _abut_ against each other. (_See_ BUTT.)

ABYME. Places supposed to be the site of constant whirlpools, such as
Charybdis, the Maelstrom, and others. It means generally an abyss.

ABYSS. A deep mass of waters; in hydrography it was synonymous with
_gulf_.

ACADEMITE. An old term for an officer brought up at the Royal Navy
Academy at Portsmouth, afterwards named the Royal Naval College.

ACAIR-PHUILL. Compounded of the British _acair_ or anchor, and _phuill_,
a pill, or harbour, and means a safe anchorage.

ACALEPHÆ. A class of marine animals of low organization, having a
translucent jelly-like structure, and frequently possessing the property
of stinging, whence their name ({akalêphê}, a nettle). The common
jelly-fish (_Medusa_) and the Portuguese man-of-war (_Physalia_) are the
best-known examples.

ACAST. The old word for _lost_ or _cast-away_. In weighing anchor the
head-yards are generally braced _acast_, to cause the vessel to cast in
the direction. "Does she take _acast_?" is frequently the question of
the officer abaft.

ACATER. An old word for purveyor of victuals, whence _caterer_, or
superintendent and provider of a mess. Thus in Ben Jonson's "The Devil
is an Ass"--

    "He is my wardrobe-man, my _acater_,
    Cook, butler, and steward."

ACATES. Victuals; provisions purchased; delicious food; dainties.

ACATIUM. A word used in Roman naval affairs for a small boat, and also
the main-mast of a ship.

ACCELERATION. The increase of velocity in a moving body by the force of
gravity. A planet is said to be accelerated when its actual diurnal
motion exceeds its mean. In fixed stars the acceleration is the mean
time by which they anticipate the sun's diurnal revolution, which is 3'
56" nearly.--_Acceleration of the moon_ is the increase of her mean
motion, caused by a slow change in the excentricity of the terrestrial
orbit, and which has sensibly diminished the length of the moon's
revolution since the time of the earliest observations.

ACCESS. Means of entry on board.

ACCESSIBLE. A place which can be approached by land or sea.

ACCLIVITY. The upward slope of an inclined cliff.

ACCOIL, TO. To coil together, by folding round. (_See_ COIL.)

ACCOLADE [_ad_ and _collum_, Lat.] The ceremony of dubbing a knight, and
the consequent embrace formerly customary on the occasion.

ACCOMMODATIONS. Cabins fitted for passengers.--_Accommodation ladder_, a
convenient flight of steps fixed at the gangway, by which officers and
visitors enter the ship.--_Accommodation_, the physical application of
one thing to another by analogy.

ACCOMPANY, TO. To sail together; to sail in convoy.

ACCOST, TO. To pass within hail of a ship; to sail coastwise; to
approach, to draw near, or come side by side.

ACCOUNT, GOING UPON. A phrase for buccaneering.

ACCOUNTANT-GENERAL OF THE NAVY. Superintendent of pay and general
accounts of the navy.

ACCOUNTS. The several books and registers of stores, provisions, slops,
and contingents of a ship or fleet; and they are strictly enjoined to be
correct, real, and precise, both in receipt and expenditure.--_Account
sales_, a form of book-keeping in commerce.

ACCOUTREMENT. An old term for an habiliment, or part of the trappings
and furniture of a soldier or knight; now generally used for the belts,
pouches, and equipments of soldiers or marines.

ACCUL. A word used by old voyagers for the end of a deep bay; it is
corrupted from _cul de sac_.

ACHATOUR. The old word for caterer of a mess.

ACHERNAR. A star of the first magnitude in the constellation Eridanus,
called by navigators the "Spring of the River." It is invisible in our
latitude. ({a} Eridani.) Properly should be _acher nahr_.

ACHIEVEMENT. A signal exploit; escutcheon; armorial bearings granted for
achievement.

ACHROMATIC. An optical term applied to those telescopes in which
aberration of the rays of light, and the colours dependent thereon, are
partially corrected. (_See_ APLANATIC.)

ACHRONICAL. An ancient term, signifying the rising of the heavenly
bodies at sunset, or setting at sunrise.

ACKER. _See_ EAGRE or AIGRE. Also, an eddying ripple on the surface of
flooded waters. A tide swelling above another tide, as in the Severn.
(_See_ BORE.)

ACK-MEN, OR ACK-PIRATES. Fresh-water thieves; those who steal on
navigable rivers.

A-COCKBILL (_see_ COCK-BILL). The anchor hangs by its ring at the
cat-head, in a position for dropping.

ACOLYTE. A term sometimes used to distinguish the smaller component of a
double star. A subordinate officer in the ancient church.

ACON. A flat-bottomed Mediterranean boat or lump, for carrying cargoes
over shoals.

ACQUITTANCE. A commercial term, more generally called _quittance_ (which
see).

ACRE, OR ACRE-FIGHT. An old duel fought by warriors between the
frontiers of England and Scotland, with sword and lance. This duelling
was also called _camp-fight_.

ACROSS THE TIDE. A ship riding across tide, with the wind in the
direction of the tide, would tend to leeward of her anchor; but with a
weather tide, or that running against the wind, if the tide be strong,
would tend to windward. A ship under sail should prefer the tack that
stems the tide, with the wind _across the stream_, when the anchor is
let go.

ACROSTOLIUM. A buckler, helmet, or other symbolical ornament on the prow
of ancient ships; the origin of the modern figure-head.

ACT AND INTENTION. Must be united in admiralty law.

ACTE. A peninsula; the term was particularly applied by the ancients to
the sea-coast around Mount Athos.

ACT OF COURT. The decision of the court or judge on the verdict, or the
overruling of the court on a point of law.

ACT OF GOD. This comprehends all sudden accidents arising from physical
causes, as distinguished from _human_ agency, such as from lightning,
earthquakes, hurricanes, plagues, and epidemic contagion amongst the
crew. For none of these are ship-owners responsible.

ACT OF GRACE. An act of parliament for a general and free pardon to
deserters from the service and others.

ACTING COMMISSION. When a commissioned officer is invalided, his vacancy
is filled up pending the pleasure of the admiralty by an acting order.
But when an officer dies on a station, where the admiralty delegates the
power to the admiral commanding in chief, the vacancy is filled by an
acting commission. Thus also rear-admirals now act on acting commissions
as vice-admirals during command on their station, but return to their
proper position on the navy list when it ceases.

ACTION. Synonymous with _battle_. Also a term in mechanics for the
effort which one body exerts against another, or the effects resulting
therefrom.--_Action and reaction_, the mutual, successive, contrary
impulses of two bodies.

ACTIVE SERVICE. Duty against an enemy; operations in his presence. Or in
the present day it denotes serving on full-pay, on the active list, in
contradistinction to those who are virtually retired, and placed on
separate lists.

ACTIVITY. The virtue of acting. The sphere of _activity_ is the
surrounding space to which the efficacy of a body extends, as the
attraction of the magnet.

ACTO, OR ACTON. A kind of defensive tunic, made of quilted leather, or
other strong material, formerly worn under the outer dress, and even
under a coat of mail.

ACTUARIÆ. Long light vessels of the ancients, especially contrived for
swiftness; propelled both by sails and oars; of the latter never less
than twenty.

ACUMBA. Oakum. The Anglo-Saxon term for the _hards_, or the coarse part,
of flax or unplucked wool.

ACUTE. Terminating in a point, and opposed to _obtuse_. An _acute_ angle
is less than a right one, or within 90°.

ACUTE-ANGLED TRIANGLE. That which has all its angles acute.

ADAMANT. The loadstone; the magnet--the sense in which it was held by
early voyagers; but others considered it a "precyowse stone," or gem.

ADAMAS. The moon in nautic horoscopes.

ADAPTER. A brass tube to fit the eye-end of a telescope, into which all
the eye-pieces will screw.

ADARRIS. A word which Howell explains as the flower of sea-water.

ADDEL, OR ADDLE. An old term for the putrid water in casks.

ADDICE, an adze. Also the addled eggs of gulls and other sea-fowl.

ADDLINGS. Accumulated pay or wages.

ADELANTADO. A lieutenant of the king of Spain, but used by old English
writers for "admiral."

ADHESION. Consent to a proposal. Union or temporary cohesion; as, two
vessels forced into _adhesion_ by the pressure of the tide on their
beam.

ADIT. A space in ancient ships, in the upper and broadest part, at which
people entered. The _adit_ of a military mine, is the aperture by which
it is dug and charged: the name is also applied to an air-hole or drift.

ADJACENT. Lying close to another object; a word applied to the relative
situations of capes or bays from the ship.--_Adjacent angle_ is one
immediately contiguous to another, so that they have one common side.

ADJOURN, TO. To put off till another day. _Adjournments_ can be made in
courts-martial from day to day, Sundays excepted, until sentence is
passed.

ADJUDICATION. The act of adjudging prizes by legal decree. Captors are
compelled to submit the adjudication of their captures to a competent
tribunal.

ADJUST, TO. To arrange an instrument for use and observation; as, to
adjust a sextant, or the escapement of a chronometer. To set the frame
of a ship.

ADJUSTMENT. In marine insurance, the ascertaining and finally settling
the amount of indemnity--whether of average or of salvage--which the
insured (after all proper deductions have been made) is entitled to
receive under the policy, when the ship is lost.

ADJUSTMENT OF THE COMPASS. Swinging a ship to every point of bearing, to
note the variation or error of the needle upon each rhumb, due to the
local attraction of the iron, or the mass, on each separate compass
bearing. Thus, in lat. 76° N. it was found to be +22° 30' with the head
W.S.W., and -56° 30' on the opposite bearing, or E.N.E.

ADJUTANT. [From Lat. _adjuvo_, to help.] A military assistant to
field-officers. The term has been applied to an assistant captain of a
fleet. It is indeed the duty performed by first lieutenants.

ADMEASUREMENT. The calculation of proportions according to assumed
rules, often ignorantly practised in estimating the tonnage of a ship.

ADMIRAL. The derivation of this noble title from the Greek _almyros_,
from the Latin _admirabilis_, from the Saxon _aenmereeal_, and from the
French _aumer_, appear all fanciful. It is extensively received that the
Sicilians first adopted it from _emir_, the sea, of their Saracen
masters; but it presents a kind of unusual etymological inversion. The
term is most frequent in old Romance; but the style and title was not
used by us until 1286; and in 1294, William de Leybourne was designated
"Amiral de la Mer du Roy d'Angleterre;" six years afterwards Viscount
Narbonne was constituted Admiral of France; which dates nearly fix the
commencement of the two states as maritime powers.

The _admiral_ is the chief commander of a fleet, but of this rank there
are three degrees, distinguished by a flag at the fore, main, or mizen
mast, according to the title of _admiral_, _vice-admiral_, or
_rear-admiral_. These were again subdivided according to their colour of
red, white, or blue, which had to be likewise borne by the squadrons
they respectively commanded. (_See_ FLAG.) In 1865 the colours were
omitted, and the only flag now hoisted by ships of war is the white St.
George's ensign, and for admirals the white St. George's cross at the
main, fore, or mizen.

The _admiral of the fleet_ is the highest officer under the admiralty of
Great Britain; it is rather an honorary distinction, and usually
attained by seniority and service: when this officer serves afloat, he
hoists the proud distinction of the Union flag at the main.

The _lord high-admiral_ was one of the principal officers of the state,
who formerly decided all cases relating to the sea: he wore a gold call
and chain, similar in form to that which has descended to the boatswain
and his mate. This dignity has been extinct for many years, and the duty
merged into that of the lords-commissioners and admiralty court; in
1827, it was revived for a short time in the person of His Royal
Highness the Duke of Clarence.

The epithet of _admiral_ was also formerly applied to any large or
leading ship, without reference to flag; and is still used for the
principal vessel in the cod and whale fisheries. That which arrives
first in any port of Newfoundland retains this title during the season,
with certain rights of beach in flakes. The master of the second ship
becomes the vice-admiral, and the master of the third the rear-admiral.

ADMIRAL. A beautiful and rare shell of the genus _Conus_; the varieties
are designated the grand-admiral, the vice-admiral, the orange-admiral,
and the extra-admiral.

ADMIRALTY. An office for the administration of naval affairs, presided
over by a lord high-admiral, whether the duty be discharged by one
person, or by commissioners under the royal patent, who are styled
lords, and during our former wars generally consisted of seven. The
present constitution of the Board of Admiralty comprises--the first
lord, a minister and civilian as to office; four naval lords; one civil
lord attending to accounts, &c.; one chief secretary; one second
secretary. Two lords and one secretary form a legal Board of Admiralty
wherever they may be assembled, under the authority of the board or its
chief.

ADMIRALTY BLACK-BOOK. _See_ BLACK-BOOK.

ADMIRALTY COURT. The constitution of this court relatively to the
legislative power of the king in council, is analogous to that of the
courts of common law relatively to the parliament of the kingdom.--_High
Court of Admiralty_, a supreme court of law, in which the authority of
the lord high-admiral is ostensibly exercised in his _judicial_ capacity
for the trial of maritime causes of a civil nature. Although termed the
High Court of Admiralty, more properly this is the Court of
Vice-Admiralty, and relates solely to civil and military matters of the
sea, and sea boundaries, prizes, collisions, vessels or goods cast on
the shore where the vice-admirals have civil jurisdiction, but no naval
power, as the lord-lieutenants of counties are named in their patents
"vice-admirals of the same;" in like manner all governors of colonies.
All cases in connection are tried by the Admiralty Court in London, or
by our "courts of vice-admiralty and prize jurisdictions abroad."
Admirable as some of the decisions of this expensive tribunal have been,
it has all the powers of the Inquisition in its practice, and has
thereby been an instrument of persecution to some innocent navigators,
while it has befriended notorious villains. Besides this we have the
Admiralty Court of Oyer and Terminer, for the trial of all murders,
piracies, or criminal acts which occur within the limits of the country,
on the coast-lines, at sea, or wherever the admiralty jurisdiction
extends--the deck of a British ship included.

ADMIRALTY MIDSHIPMAN. Formerly one who, having served the appointed
time, and passed his examination for lieutenant, was appointed to a ship
by the admiralty, and thus named in contradistinction to those who used
to be rated by the captain; he generally had precedence for promotion to
"acting orders."

ADONIS. An anguilliform fish, about six inches long: it is of a golden
colour, with a greenish tint, and has a white line from its very small
gills to the tail.

ADORNINGS. The carved work on the quarter and stern-galleries of
men-of-war.

ADOWN. The bawl of privateersmen for the crew of a captured vessel to go
below. Saxon, _adoun_.

ADREAMT. Dozing; the sensation so often combatted with towards the end
of a first or a middle watch, it being the state, as an old author has
it, "between sleeping and waking."

ADRENT, OR ADREYNTE. An old term for _drowned_.

ADRIFT. Floating at random; the state of a boat or vessel broken from
her moorings, and driven to and fro without control by the winds and
waves. Cast loose; cut adrift.

ADSCRIPTS. Sometimes used for the tangents of arcs.

AD VALOREM. Duties levied on commercial goods, according to their value.

ADVANCE, TO. An old word, meaning to raise to honour.

ADVANCED POST. A spot of ground seized by a party to secure their front.
A piquet or outpost.

ADVANCED SQUADRON. One on the look-out.--_Advance_, or _vanguard_, that
division of a force which is next the enemy, or which marches before a
body.--_Advance fosse_, a ditch of water round the esplanade or glacis
of a fortification.--_Advance!_ the order to marines and small-arm men
to move forward.

ADVANCE-LIST. The register by which two months' wages to the crew are
paid, on first commission, and a quarter's to officers.

ADVANCEMENT. Promotion to higher rank.

ADVANCE MONEY. In men-of-war and most merchant ships the advance of two
months' wages is given to the crew, previous to going to sea; the
clearing off of which is called _working up the dead horse_.

ADVANCE NOTE. A document issued by owners of a ship or their agents,
promising to pay a seaman, or to his order, a sum of money in part of
his wages, within a certain number of days after he has sailed in the
ship. Advance notes are quite negotiable before a seaman has taken his
departure.

ADVANTAGE, OR VANTAGE-GROUND. That which gives superiority of attack on,
or defence against, an enemy; affording means of annoyance or
resistance.

ADVENTURE. An enterprise in which something is left to hazard.--_A bill
of adventure_ is one signed by the merchant, by which he takes the
chances of the voyage.

ADVERSARY. Generally applied to an enemy, but strictly an opponent in
single combat.

ADVERSE. The opposite of favourable; as, an _adverse_ wind.

ADVICE-BOAT. A small fast-sailing vessel in advance of a fleet, employed
to carry intelligence with all possible despatch. They were first used
in 1692, to gain tidings of what was transacting in Brest, previous to
the battle of La Hogue.

ADVOCATE GENERAL. An officer of the High Court of Admiralty, whose duty
it is to appear for the lord high-admiral in that court, the court of
delegates, or any other wherein his rights are concerned.--_Judge-advocate
of the navy_, a law officer appointed to watch over and direct
proceedings connected with courts-martial.--_Deputy judge-advocate_, an
appointment made by the sudden selection of some secretary, or captain's
clerk, to perform the duty at a court-martial (where no legal person is
empowered), utterly ignorant of the law or the customs of the naval
service.

ADZE, OR ADDICE. A cutting tool of the axe kind, for dubbing flat and
circular work, much used by shipwrights, especially by the Parsee
builders in India, with whom it serves for axe, plane, and chisel. It is
a curious fact that from the polar regions to the equator, and southerly
throughout Polynesia, this instrument and its peculiar adaptations,
whether made of iron, basalt, nephrite, &c., all preserve the same idea
or identity of conception.

ÆINAUTÆ. Senators of Miletus, who held their deliberations on board
ship.

ÆRATÆ. Ancient ships fitted with brazen prows.

AEROLITES. One of the many names given to those solid masses or stones
which occasionally fall from the atmosphere to the surface of the earth.
The assumption of their periodicity cannot, as yet, be considered as
confirmed.

AEROLOGY. The rational doctrine or science of the air and its
phenomena.

AEROMANCY. Formerly the art of divining by the air, but now used for
foretelling the changes in the weather, either by experience or by
instruments.

AEROMETRY. The science of measuring the air, its powers, pressure, and
properties.

ÆSTIVAL. Belonging to summer; the solstitial point whereby the sun's
ascent above the equator is determined.

ÆSTUARY. _See_ ESTUARY.

ÆWUL. An Anglo-Saxon term for a twig basket for catching fish.

AFEARD. This is a very common expression for _afraid_, and though
thought low, is a true archaism of our language, as seen in Chaucer,
Shakspeare, and Ben Jonson. Major Moor terms it an old and good word.

AFER. The south-west wind of the Latins, and used by some of the early
voyagers.

AFFAIR. An indecisive engagement; a duel.

AFFECTED. An algebraic term for an equation in which the unknown
quantity rises to two or more several powers.

AFFECTIONATE FRIENDS. An official inconsistent subscription, even to
letters of reproof and imprest, used by the former Board of
Commissioners of the Navy to such officers as were not of noble families
or bore titles; the only British board that ever made so mean a
distinction, equally kind with the regrets of the clergy on burning a
heretic, or those of Walton in cutting a live fish _tenderly_. It was
probably adopted from James, Duke of York, who, when lord high-admiral,
always so subscribed his official letters. It is said that this practice
was discontinued in consequence of a distinguished naval captain--a
knight--adding, "your affectionate friend." He was thereupon desired to
"discontinue such an expression," when he replied, "I am, gentlemen, no
longer your affectionate friend, J. Phillimore."

AFFIDAVIT. A declaration upon oath, weakened in importance by its too
frequent administration at custom-houses, lazarettos, &c. Declarations
are now substituted in the case of naval officers.

AFFIRMATIVE. The positive sign or quantity in algebra; also signal flag
or pendant by which a request or order is answered.

AFFLUENT. A stream flowing directly into another stream; a more specific
term than tributary.

AFFORCIAMENT. An old term for a fortress or stronghold.

AFFREIGHTMENT. A contract for the letting the vessel, or a part of her
for freight. (_See_ CONTRACT OF AFFREIGHTMENT.)

AFLOAT. Borne up and supported by the water; buoyed clear of the ground;
also used for being on board ship.

AFORE. A Saxon word opposed to abaft, and signifying that part of the
ship which lies forward or near the stem. It also means farther forward;
as, the galley is _afore_ the bitts.--_Afore_, the same as _before_ the
mast.--_Afore the beam_, all the field of view from amidship in a right
angle to the ship's keel to the horizon forward.

AFORE THE MAST. _See_ BEFORE THE MAST.

AFOUNDRIT. An archaism of _sunk_ or _foundered_.

AFRAID. One of the most reproachful sea-epithets, as not only conveying
the meaning being struck with fear, but also implies rank cowardice.
(_See_ AFEARD.)

AFT--a Saxon word contradistinctive of _fore_, and an abbreviation of
_abaft_--the hinder part of the ship, or that nearest the stern.--_Right
aft_ is in a direct line with the keel from the stern.--_To haul aft a
sheet_ is to pull on the rope which brings the clue or corner of the
sails more in the direction of the stern.--The mast _rakes aft_ when it
inclines towards the stern.

AFT-CASTLE. An elevation on the after-part of our ships of war, opposed
to forecastle, for the purpose of fighting.

AFTER. A comparative adjective, applied to any object in the hind part
of a ship or boat; as, the _after_-cabin, the _after_-hatchway,
&c.--_After_ sails, yards, and braces--those attached to the main and
mizen masts. Opposed to _fore_.

AFTER-BODY. That part of the ship's hull which is abaft the midships or
dead-flat, as seen from astern. The term is, however, more particularly
used in expressing the _figure_ or _shape_ of that part of the ship.
(_See_ DEAD-FLAT.)

AFTER-CLAP. Whatever disagreeable occurrence takes place after the
consequences of the cause were thought at an end; a principal
application being when a ship, supposed to have struck, opens her fire
again. This is a very old English word, alluding to unexpected events
happening after the seeming end of an affair; thus Spenser, in "Mother
Hubbard's Tale"--

    "And bad next day that all should readie be,
    But they more subtill meaning had than he:
    For the next morrowes mede they closely ment,
    For feare of _after-claps_, for to prevent."

AFTER-END. The stern of a ship, or anything in her which has that end
towards the stern.

AFTER-FACE. _See_ BACK OF THE POST.

AFTER-GUARD. The men who are stationed on the quarter-deck and poop, to
work the after-sails. It was generally composed of ordinary seamen and
landsmen, constituting with waisters the largest part of the crew, on
whom the principal drudgery of the ship devolved. At present the crews
of ships-of-war are composed chiefly of able and ordinary
seamen--landsmen are omitted.

AFTER-LADDER leads to captain's and officers' quarters, and only used by
officers.

AFTERMOST. The last objects in a ship, reckoned from forwards; as, the
_aftermost_ mast, _aftermost_ guns, &c.

AFTERNOON-WATCH. The men on deck-duty from noon till 4 P.M.

AFTER-ORDERS. Those which are given out after the regular issue of the
daily orders.

AFTER-PART. The locality towards the stern, from dead-flat; as, in the
_after-part_ of the fore-hold.

AFTER-PEAK. The contracted part of a vessel's hold, which lies in the
run, or aftermost portion of the hold, in contradistinction to
_fore-peak_. Both are the sharp ends of the ship.

AFTER-RAKE. That part of the hull which overhangs the after-end of keel.

AFTER-SAILS. All those on the after-masts, as well as on the stays
between the main and mizen masts. Their effect is to balance the
head-sails, in the manner that a weather-cock or vane is moved, of which
the main-mast must be considered the pivot or centre. The reverse of
_head-sails_. "Square the after-yards," refers to the yards on the main
and mizen masts.

AFTER-TIMBERS. All those timbers abaft the midship section or bearing
part of a vessel.

AFTMOST. The same as _aftermost_.

AFTWARD. In the direction of the stern.

AGA. A superior Turkish officer.

AGAINST THE SUN. Coiling a rope in the direction from the right hand
towards the left--the contrary of _with the sun_. This term applies to a
position north of the sun; south of the sun it would be reversed.

AGAL-AGAL. One of the sea fuci, forming a commercial article from the
Malay Isles to China, where it is made into a strong cement. The best is
the _Gracilaria spinosa_. Agal-agal derives its name from Tanjong Agal
on the north coast of Borneo; where it was originally collected. It is
now found in great abundance throughout the Polynesian Islands,
Mauritius, &c. It is soluble, and forms a clear jelly--used by
consumptive patients. It fetches a high price in China. It is supposed
that the sea-swallow derives his materials for the edible bird's nests
at Borneo from this fucus.

AGATE. The cap for the pivots of the compass-cards, formed of hard
siliceous stone, a chalcedony or carnelian, &c.

AGAVE. The American aloe, from which cordage is made; similar to the
piña of Manila. The fruit also, when expressed, affords the refreshing
drink "pulque."

AGE. In chronology, a period of a hundred years.--_Ship's age_, one of
the stipulations of contracts at Lloyd's.--_Age of the moon_, is the
interval of time or number of days elapsed since the previous
conjunction or new moon.

AGENCY. Payment _pro operâ et labore_, fixed by the prize act at five
per cent. as a fair average, but it gives nothing where the property is
restored; in such cases it is usual for the agent to charge a gross sum.

AGENCY, NAVAL. A useful class of persons, who transact the monetary
affairs of officers, and frequently help them to the top branches of the
profession. They are paid for their services by a percentage of 2-1/2.

AGENT. In physics, expresses that by which a thing is done or
effected.--_Navy agent_ is a deputy employed to pass accounts, transact
business, and receive pay or other monies, in behoof of the officers and
crew, and to apply the proceeds as directed by them.--_Agent victuallers_,
officers appointed to the charge of provisions at our foreign ports and
stations, to contract for, buy, and regulate, under the authority of the
commissioners of the navy. (_See_ NEGLIGENCE.)--_Prize agent_, one
appointed for the sale of prizes, and nominated in equal numbers by the
commander, the officers, and the ship's company.

AGENTS TO LLOYD'S. _See_ LLOYD'S AGENTS.

AGGRESSION. The first act of injury in provoking warfare.

AGIO. An Italian word, applied to denote the profit arising from
discounting bills; also the difference between the value of bank-stock
and currency.

AGISTMENT. An embankment against the sea or rivers, or one thrown up to
fence out a stream.

AGON. A Chinese kind of metal cymbal. (_See_ GONG.) It is singular that
Gower, _circa_ 1395, using this old word for _gone_, thus metallicizes--

    "Of brasse, of silver, and of golde,
    The world is passed, and _agon_."

AGONIST. A champion; prize-fighter.

AGREEMENT. Except vessels of less than eighty tons register, the master
of a ship must enter into an agreement with every seaman whom he carries
from any port in Great Britain as one of his crew; and that agreement
must be in the form sanctioned by the Board of Trade. (_See_ RUNNING
AGREEMENT.)

AGROUND. The situation of a ship or other vessel whose bottom touches or
rests upon the ground. It also signifies stranded, and is used
figuratively for being disabled or hindered.

AGUA-ARDIENTE [Sp.] Corrupted into _aguardiente_,--the adulterated
brandy of Spain supplied to ships.

AGUADA. The Spanish and Portuguese term for a watering-place.

AGUGLIA. A common name for sharp-pointed rocks. From the Italian for
needle; written _agulha_ in Spanish and Portuguese charts.

AHEAD. A term especially referable to any object farther onward, or
immediately before the ship, or in the course steered, and therefore
opposed to _astern_.--_Ahead of the reckoning_, is sailing beyond the
estimated position of the ship.--_Ahead_ is also used for progress; as,
_cannot get ahead_, and is generally applied to forward, in advance.

AHOLD. A term of our early navigators, for bringing a ship close to the
wind, so as to hold or keep to it.

AHOO, OR ALL AHOO, as our Saxon forefathers had it; awry, aslant,
lop-sided. (_See_ ASKEW.)

AHOY! _See_ HO!

A-HULL. A ship under bare poles and her helm a-lee, driving from wind
and sea, stern foremost. Also a ship deserted, and exposed to the
tempestuous winds.

AID, TO. To succour; to supply with provisions or stores.

AID-DE-CAMP. A military staff officer, who carries and circulates the
general's orders; and another class selected as expert at carving and
dancing. In a ship, flag-lieutenant to an admiral, or, in action, the
quarter-deck midshipmen to a captain.

AIGRE. The sudden flowing of the sea, called in the fens of
Lincolnshire, _acker_. (_See_ BORE.)

AIGUADE [Fr.] AGUADA [Sp.] Water as provision for ships.

AIGUADES. Watering-places on French coasts.

AIGUILLE _aimantee_, magnetic needle. ---- _de carène_, out-rigger. ----
_d'inclinaison_, dipping needle. ---- _de tré_, or _à ralingue_, a
bolt-rope needle.

AIGUILLES. The peculiar small fishing-boats in the Garonne and other
rivers of Guienne.

AIGULETS [Fr. _aiguillettes_]. Tagged points or cords worn across the
breast in some uniforms of generals, staff-officers, and special mounted
corps.

AILETTES. Small plates of steel placed on the shoulders in mediæval
armour.

AIM. The direction of a musket, cannon, or any other fire-arm or missile
weapon towards its object.--_To take aim_, directing the piece to the
object.

AIR. The elastic, compressible, and dilatable fluid encompassing the
terraqueous globe. It penetrates and pervades other bodies, and thus
animates and excites all nature.--_Air_ means also a gentle breath of
wind gliding over the surface of the water.--_To air_, to dry or
ventilate.

AIR-BLADDER. A vesicle containing gas, situated immediately beneath the
spinal column in most fish, and often communicating by a tube with the
gullet. It is the homologue of the lungs of air-breathing vertebrates.

AIR-BRAVING. Defying the winds.

AIR-CONE, in the marine engine, is to receive the gases which enter the
hot-well from the air-pump, where, after ascending, they escape through
a pipe at the top.

AIRE. A name in our northern islands for a bank of sand.

AIR-FUNNEL. A cavity formed by omission of a timber in the upper works
of a vessel, to admit fresh air into the hold of a ship and convey the
foul out of it.

AIR-GUN. A silent weapon, which propels bullets by the expansive force
of air only.

AIRING-STAGE. A wooden platform, on which gunpowder is aired and dried.

AIR-JACKET. A leathern garment furnished with inflated bladders, to buoy
the wearer up in the water. (_See_ AYR.)

AIR-PIPES. Funnels for clearing ships' holds of foul air, on the
principle of the rarefying power of heat.

AIR-PORTS. Large scuttles in ships' bows for the admission of air, when
the other ports are down. The Americans also call their side-ports by
that name.

AIR-PUMP. An apparatus to remove the water and gases accumulating in the
condenser while the engine is at work.

AIR-SCUTTLES. The same as _air-ports_.

AIR-SHAFTS. Vertical holes made in mining, to supply the adits with
fresh air. Wooden shafts are sometimes adopted on board ship for a
similar purpose.

AIRT, OR ART. A north-country word for a bearing point of the compass or
quarter of the heavens. Thus the song--

    "Of a' the _airts_ the wind can blaw,
      I dearly love the west."

AIRY. Breezy.

AKEDOWN. A form of the term _acton_, as a defensive dress.

ALABLASTER. An arbalist or cross-bow man; also the corruption of
_alabaster_.

ALAMAK. The name given in nautical astronomy to that beautiful double
star _Anak al ard_ of the Arabians, or {g} Andromedæ.

ALAMOTTIE. The _Procellaria pelagica_, or Storm-finch; Mother Cary's
chicken, or stormy petrel.

ALAND. A term formerly used for to the shore, on shore, or to land.

ALARM, ALARUM [from the Italian _all'armi!_] An apprehension from
sudden noise or report. The drum or signal by which men are summoned to
stand on their guard in time of danger.--_False alarm_ is sometimes
occasioned by a timid or negligent sentry, and at others designedly by
an officer, to ascertain the promptness of his men. Sometimes false
alarms are given by the enemy to harass the adversary. Old Rider defines
_alarm_ as a "watch-word shewing the neernesse of the enemies."

ALARM-POST. A place appointed for troops to assemble, in case of a
sudden alarm.

ALBACORE. A fish of the family _Scombridæ_, found in shoals in the
ocean; it is about 5 or 6 feet long, with an average weight of nearly
100 lbs. when fine.

ALBANY BEEF. A name for the sturgeon of the Hudson River, where it is
taken in quantity for commerce.

ALBATROSS. A large, voracious, long-winged sea-bird, belonging to the
genus _Diomedea_; very abundant in the Southern Ocean and the Northern
Pacific, though said to be rarely met with within the tropics.

ALBION. An early name of England, from the whiteness of the eastern
coast cliffs.

ALBURNUM. The sap-wood of timber, commonly termed the slab-cuts.

ALCAID. A governor, or officer of justice, amongst the Moors, Spaniards,
and Portuguese.

ALCATRAZ. The pelican. Alcatraz Island is situated in the mouth of the
river San Francisco, in California, so named from its being covered with
these birds. Also Alcatraz on the coast of Africa, from _Pelecanus
sula_--booby. Columbus mentions the alcatraz when nearing America, and
Drayton says--

    "Most like to that sharp-sighted _alcatras_,
    That beats the air above the liquid glass."

ALDEBARAN. The lucida of Taurus, the well-known nautical star, popularly
called Bull's-eye.

A-LEE. The contrary of _a-weather_: the position of the helm when its
tiller is borne over to the lee-side of the ship, in order to go about
or put her head to windward.--_Hard a-lee!_ or _luff a-lee!_ is said to
the steersman to put the helm down.--_Helm's a-lee!_ the word of command
given on putting the helm down, and causing the head-sails to shake in
the wind.

ALEMAYNE. The early name for Germany.

ALERT. On the look-out, and ready for any sudden duty. Nearly synonymous
with _alarm_. _Alerto_--called frequently by Spanish sentinels.

ALEWIFE. The _Clupea alosa_, a fish of the herring kind, which appears
in the _Philosophical Transactions_ for 1678, as the _aloofe_; the
corruption therefore was a ready one.

ALEXIACUS. The appellation under which Neptune was implored to protect
the nets of the tunny fisheries from the sword-fish.

ALFERE, OR ALFEREZ [_alfier_, Fr.; _alferez_, Span.] Standard-bearer;
ensign; cornet. The old English term for ensign; it was in use in our
forces till the civil wars of Charles I.

ALFONDIZA. The custom-house at Lisbon.

ALGA. A species of millepora.

ALGÆ. Sea-weeds, and the floating scum-like substances on fresh water;
they deserve to be more studied, for some, as dulse, laver, badderlocks,
&c., are eatable, and others are useful for manure.

ALGEBRA. A general method of resolving mathematical problems, by means
of equations, or rather computing abstract quantities by symbols or
signs; a literal arithmetic.

ALGENIB. A principal star ({g}) in Pegasus.

ALGERE. A spear used by fishermen in olden times.

ALGIER DUTY. An imposition laid on merchants' goods by the Long
Parliament, for the redemption of captives in the Mediterranean.

ALGOL. A wonderful variable star in Perseus, which goes through its
changes in about two days and twenty-one hours.

ALGOLOGY. Scientific researches into the nature of sea-plants.

ALGORAB. A star taking rank as the {a} of Corvus, but its brightness of
late is rivalled by {b} Corvi.

ALHIDADE. An Arabic name for the index or fiducial of an astronomical or
geometrical instrument, carrying sight or telescope; used by early
navigators. A rule on the back of a common astrolabe, to measure
heights, &c.

ALIEN. Generally speaking, one born in a foreign country, out of the
king's allegiance; but if the parents be of the king's obedience, the
child is no alien. An alien enemy, or person under the allegiance of the
state at war with us, is not _generally_ disabled from being a witness
in admiralty courts; nor are debts due to him forfeited, but only
suspended.--_Alien's duty_, the impost laid on all goods imported into
England in foreign bottoms, over and above the regular customs.

ALIGNMENT. An imaginary line, drawn to regulate the order of a squadron.

ALIQUOT PART. That which will exactly divide a number, leaving no
remainder.

ALL. The total quantity; quite; wholly.--_All aback_, when all the sails
are taken aback by the winds.--_All ahoo_, or _all-a-ugh_, confused;
hanging over; crooked.--_All-a-taunt-o_, a ship fully rigged, with masts
in and yards crossed.--_All hands_, the whole ship's company.--_All
hands ahoy_, the boatswain's summons for the whole crew to repair on
deck, in distinction from the watch.--_All hands make sail!_ the
cheering order when about to chase a strange vessel.--_All hands to
quarters!_ the call in armed merchantmen, answering to the _Beat to
quarters_ in a man-of-war.--_All in the wind_, when a vessel's head is
too close to the wind, so that all her sails are shivering.--_All over_,
resemblance to a particular object, as a ship in bad kelter: "she's a
privateer _all over_."--_All overish_, the state of feeling when a man
is neither ill nor well, restless in bed and indifferent to meals. In
the tropics this is considered as the premonitory symptom of disease,
and a warning which should be looked to.--_All ready_, the answer from
the tops when the sails are cast loose, and ready to be dropped.--_All
standing_, fully equipped, or with clothes on. To be brought up _all
standing_, is to be suddenly checked or stopped, without any
preparation.--_Paid off all standing_, without unrigging or waiting to
return stores; perhaps recommissioned the next day or hour.--_All's
well_, the sentry's call at each bell struck (or half hour) between the
periods of broad daylight, or from 8 P.M. to 4 A.M.--_All to pieces_, a
phrase used for out-and-out, extremely, or excessively; as, "we beat her
in sailing _all to pieces_."--_All weathers_, any time or season;
continually.

ALLAN. A word from the Saxon, still used in the north to denote a piece
of land nearly surrounded by a stream.

ALLEGE. A French ballast-boat.

ALLEGIANCE. The legal obedience of a subject to his sovereign in return
for the protection afforded; a debt which, in a natural-born subject,
cannot be cancelled by any change of time, or place, or circumstance,
without the united consent of the legislature.

ALLER-FLOAT, OR ALLER-TROUT. A species of fine trout frequenting the
shady holes under the roots of the _aller_ or alder tree, on the banks
of rivers and brooks.

ALLIANCE. A league or confederacy between sovereigns or states, for
mutual safety and defence. Subjects of allies cannot trade with the
common enemy, on pain of the property being confiscated as prize to the
captors.

ALLICIENCY. The attractive power of the magnet.

ALLIGATOR [from the Spanish _lagarto_]. The crocodile of America. The
head of this voracious animal is flat and imbricate; several of the
under teeth enter into and pass through the upper jaw; the nape is
naked; on the tail are two rough lateral lines.

ALLIGATOR WATER. The brackish water inside the mouths of tropical
rivers, with white and muddy surface running into the sea.

ALLISION. Synonymous in marine law with _collision_, though the jurists
of Holland introduce it to mark a distinction between one vessel running
against another and two vessels striking each other.

ALLOCUTION. The harangue anciently made by the Roman generals to exhort
their forces.

ALLOTMENT. A part of the pay apportioned monthly to the wives, children,
mothers, or destitute fathers of the warrant and petty officers, seamen,
and marines of ships of war on foreign stations. In the merchant service
all such stipulations for allotting any portion of a seaman's wages
during his absence must be inserted in the agreement.

ALLOTMENT-LIST. A document containing the requisite details, attested by
the four signing officers, to be transmitted to the Navy Office.

ALLOTTING. Persons agreeing to buy a ship's cargo appoint a
disinterested person to allot a share to each by affixing their
respective names.

ALLOW, TO. To concede a destined portion of stores, &c.

ALLOWANCE. The ration or allotted quantum of provisions which each
individual receives; and it is either double, full, two-thirds, half, or
short, according to incidents.

ALLUVION. An accretion formed along sea-shores and the banks of rivers
by the deposition of the various substances held in solution or washed
by the waters. Sea alluvions differ from those of rivers, in that they
form a slope _towards_ the land.

ALLY. A friendly or confederated state.

ALMACANTARS. Circles parallel to the horizon, and supposed to pass
through every degree of the meridian. An Arabic term, synonymous with
_parallels of latitude_.

ALMACANTARS STAFF. An instrument formerly used at sea for observing the
sun's amplitude, formed of an arc of about 15 degrees.

ALMADIA. A small African canoe, made of the bark of trees. Some of the
larger square-sterned negro-boats are also thus designated.

ALMAFADAS. Large dunnage cut on the coast of Portugal.

ALMAGEST. The celebrated work of Ptolemy on geometry and astronomy.
Ricciolus adopted the term in 1651 for his _Body of Mathematical
Science_. It became general, whence Chaucer--

    "His _Almagiste_ and bookes, grete and small."

ALMANAC. A record of the days, feasts, and celestial phenomena of the
year. Though confounded with calendar, it is essentially different--the
latter relating to time in general, and the almanac to that of a year;
but the term calendar can be properly used for a particular year. (_See_
EPHEMERIS.)

ALMATH [_Hamal_]. The star in Aries whence the first mansion of the moon
takes its name. The Frankeleine in Chaucer says:--

    "And by his eighte speres in his werking,
    He knew ful wel how far _Alnath_ was shove
    Fro the hed of thilke fix Aries above,
    That in the ninthe spere considered is."

ALMIRANTE. A great sea-officer or high-admiral in Spain.

ALMIRANTESA. The wife of an admiral.

ALMURY. The upright part of an astrolabe.

ALNUS CAVER. Transport-ships of the early English, so called from the
wood of which they were constructed.

ALOFT [Anglo-Saxon, _alofte_, on high]. Above; overhead; on high.
Synonymous with up above the tops, at the mast-head, or anywhere about
the higher yards, masts, and rigging of ships.--_Aloft there!_ the
hailing of people in the tops.--_Away aloft!_ the command to the people
in the rigging to climb to their stations. Also, heaven: "Poor Tom is
gone _aloft_."

ALONDE. An old English word for ashore, on land.

ALONG [Saxon]. Lengthwise.--_Alongside_, by the side of a ship; side by
side.--_Lying along_, when the wind, being on the beam, presses the ship
over to leeward with the press of sail; or, _lying along_ the land.

ALONGSHORE. A common nautical phrase signifying along the coast, or a
course which is in sight of the shore, and nearly parallel to it. (_See_
'LONGSHORE.)

ALONGST. In the middle of a stream; moored head and stern.

ALOOF. The old word for "keep your luff," in the act of sailing to the
wind. (_See_ LUFF.)--_Keep aloof_, at a distance.

ALOOFE. _See_ ALEWIFE.

ALOW. Synonymous with _below_; as _alow_ and _aloft_, though more
properly _low_ and _aloft_. Carrying all sail _alow and aloft_ is when
the reefs are shaken out, and all the studding-sails set.

ALPHABETICAL LIST. This is a list which accompanies the ship's books; it
contains the names and number of every person in the pay-book.

ALTAIR. The bright nautical star {a} Aquilæ, binary.

ALTAR. A platform in the upper part of a dock.

ALTEMETRIE. The old term for trigonometry among navigators.

ALTERNATE. Reciprocal.--_Alternate angles_ are the internal angles
formed by a line cutting two parallels, and lying on the opposite side
of the cutting line; the one below the first parallel, and the other
above.--_Alternate ratio_ is that of which the antecedents and
consequents bear respectively to each other in any proportion which has
the quantities of the same kind.

ALTERNATING WINDS. Peculiar winds blowing at stated times one way, and
then, from a sudden alteration in the temperature of the elements,
setting in the contrary direction. A remarkable instance is that of the
Gulf of Arta in the Ionian Sea, where the effect is promoted by local
causes. All land and sea breezes are strictly alternating winds. These
however are mostly intertropical; the solar heat causing the sea-breeze
to blow on the land by day, and condensation and greater heat of the sea
causing a reaction when the land has cooled to a lower temperature.

ALTERNATION OR PERMUTATION OF QUANTITIES, is the varying or changing
their order, and is easily found by a continual multiplication of all
numbers.

ALTIMETRY. Trigonometry; the art of measuring heights or depressions of
land, whether accessible or not.

ALTITUDE. The elevation of any of the heavenly bodies above the plane of
the horizon, or its angular distance from the horizon, measured in the
direction of a great circle passing through the zenith. Also the third
dimension of a body, considered with regard to its elevation above the
ground.--_Apparent altitude_ is that which appears by sensible
observations made on the surface of the globe.--_Altitude of the pole._
The arc of the meridian between the pole of the heavens and the horizon
of any place, and therefore equal to its geographical latitude.--_Altitude
of the cone of the earth's and moon's shadow_, is the height of the one
or the other during an eclipse, and is measured from the centre of the
body.--_Altitude of a shot or shell._ The perpendicular height of the
vertex of the curve in which it moves above the horizon.--_Meridian
altitude._ The arc of the meridian,--or greater or less altitude,
measured from the horizon, of a celestial object in its passage over the
meridian, above or below the pole, of the place of the observer. In
Polar regions two such transits of the sun, and in England similarly,
circumpolar stars afford double observations for the determination of
time or latitude. The general term is understood by seamen to denote
mid-day, when the passage and meridian altitude of the sun affords the
latitude.--_True altitude_ is that produced by correcting the apparent
one for parallax and refraction.

ALTMIKLEC. A silver Turkish coin of 60 paras, or 2_s._ 9-1/2_d._
sterling.

ALUFFE, OR ALOOF. Nearer to the wind. This is a very old form of _luff_;
being noticed by Matthew Paris, and other writers, as a sea-term. (_See_
LUFF.)

ALURE. An old term for the gutter or drain along a battlement or parapet
wall.

ALVEUS. A very small ancient boat, made from the single trunk of a tree.
A monoxylon, or canoe.

A.M. The uncials for _ante-meridian_, or in the forenoon. (_See_
MERIDIAN.)

AMAIN [Saxon _a_, and _mægn_, force, strength]. This was the old word to
an enemy for "yield," and was written _amayne_ and _almayne_. Its
literal signification is, with force or vigour, all at once, suddenly;
and it is generally used to anything which is moved by a tackle-fall, as
"lower amain!" let run at once. When we used to demand the salute in
the narrow seas, the lowering of the top-sail was called _striking
amain_ (_see_ STRIKE), and it was demanded by the _wave amain_ (_see_
WAVING), or brandishing a bright sword to and fro.

AMALPHITAN CODE, the oldest code of modern sea-laws, compiled, during
the first Crusade, by the people of Amalfi in Italy, who then possessed
considerable commerce and maritime power.

AMAYE. Sea-marks on the French coast.

AMBASSADOR. A practical joke performed on board ship in warm climates,
in which the dupes are unmercifully ducked in the wash-deck tub:--

    "And he was wash'd, who ne'er was wash'd before."

AMBER. A hard resinous substance of vegetable origin, generally of a
bright yellow colour, and translucent. It is chiefly obtained from the
southern shores of the Baltic, and those of Sicily, where it is thrown
up by the sea, but it also occurs in beds of lignite.

AMBERGRIS. A fragrant drug found floating on sea-coasts, the origin and
production of which was long a matter of dispute, although now known to
be a morbid product developed in the intestines of the spermaceti whale
(_Physeter macrocephalus_). It is of a grayish colour, very light,
easily fusible, and is used both as a perfume and a cordial, in various
extracts, essences, and tinctures.

AMBIENT [from _ambio_, Lat., to go round]. Surrounding, or investing;
whence the atmosphere is designated ambient, because it encompasses the
earth.

AMBIGENAL. One of the triple hyperboles of the second order.

AMBIT of a geometrical figure is the perimeter, or the line, or sum or
all the lines, by which it is bounded.

AMBITION is usually denominated a virtue or a vice according to its
direction; but assuredly more of the former, as it is a grand stimulus
to officers to avoid reproach, and aspire to eminence and honour.

AMBLYGON. Obtuse angular.

AMBRY. _See_ AUMBREY.

AMBUSCADE [Span. _emboscada_]. A body of men lying in wait to surprise
an enemy, or cut off his supplies; also the site where they lurk. This,
as well as _ambush_, obviously arose from woods having afforded
hiding-places.

AMBUSH. Signifies an attempt to lie in concealment for the purpose of
surprising the enemy without his perceiving the intention until he is
attacked.

AMELIORATION. An allowance made to the neutral purchaser, on reclaiming
a ship irregularly condemned, for repairs she has undergone in his
service.

AMICABLE NUMBERS are such as are mutually equal to the sum of each
other's aliquot parts.

AMIDSHIPS. The middle of the ship, whether in regard to her length
between stem and stern, or in breadth between the two sides. To put the
helm _amidships_ is to place it in a line with the keel. The term,
however, has a more general bearing to the axis of the ship; as guns, or
stores, or place amidships has reference to that line, fore and aft.
Externally the term "amidships" as to striking, boarding, &c., would be
about the main-mast, or half the length of the ship. (_See_ MIDSHIPS.)

AMIDWARD. Towards the 'midship or middle section of the vessel.

AMLAGH. A Manx or Gaelic term denoting to manure with sea-weed.

AMLEE. A Manx or Gaelic term for sea-weed.

AMMUNITION. This word had an infinite variety of meanings. It includes
every description of warlike stores, comprehending not only the
ordnance, but the powder, balls, bullets, cartridges, and
equipments.--_Ammunition bread_, that which is for the supply of armies
or garrisons.--_Ammunition chest_, a box placed abaft near the stern or
in the tops of men-of-war, to contain ammunition, for the arms therein
placed, in readiness for immediate action.--_Ammunition shoes_, those
made for soldiers and sailors, and particularly for use by those
frequenting the magazine, being soft and free from metal.--_Ammunition
waggon_, a close cart for conveying military effects.--_Ammunition
wife_, a name applied to women of doubtful character.

AMNESTY. An act of oblivion, by which, in a professional view, pardon is
granted to those who have rebelled or deserted their colours; also to
deserters who return to their ships.

AMOK. A term signifying slaughter, but denoting the practice of the
Malays, when infuriated to madness with bang (a preparation from a
species of hemp), of sallying into the streets, or decks, to murder any
whom they may chance to meet, until they are either slain or fall from
exhaustion.--_To run a-muck._ To run madly and attack all we meet
(_Pope_, _Dryden_). As in the case of mad dogs, certain death awaited
them, for if not killed in being taken, torture and impalement followed.

AMORAYLE. An archaism of _admiral_.

AMORCE [Fr.] A word sometimes used to signify priming-powder.

AMPERES. An ancient vessel, in which the rowers used an oar on each side
at once.

AMPHIBIA. A class of animals which, from a peculiar arrangement of
breathing organs, can live either in water or on land. [Gr. _amphibios_,
having a double manner of life.] Hence _amphibious_.

AMPHIPRORÆ. Ancient vessels, both ends of which were prow-shaped, so
that in narrow channels they need not turn.

AMPHISCII. The inhabitants of the torrid zone are thus denominated from
their shadow being turned one part of the year to the north and the
other to the south.

AMPHOTEROPLON. _See_ HETEROPLON.

AMPLITUDE. As a general term, implies extent. In astronomy, it is an arc
of the horizon intercepted between the true east or west points thereof,
and the centre of the sun, star, or planet, at its rising or setting. In
other words, it is the horizontal angular distance of a star from the
east or west points. It is eastern or ortive when the heavenly object
rises, and western or occiduous when it sets, and is moreover northern
or southern according to its quarter of the horizon.--_Amplitude_, in
gunnery, is the range or whole distance of a projectile, or the right
horizontal line subtending the curvilineal path in which it
moved.--_Amplitude_, in magnetism, is the difference between the rising
and setting of the sun from the east and west points, as indicated by
the mariner's or magnetic compass--which subtracted from the true
amplitude, constitutes the error of the compass, which is the combined
effect of variation and local deviation.

AMPOTIS. The recess or ebb of the tide.

AMRELL. An archaic orthography for _admiral_.

AMULET. A small relic or sacred sentence, preservative against disaster
and disease, appended to the neck by superstitious people: few Italian
or Spanish seamen are without them.

AMUSETTE. A kind of gun on a stock, like that of a musket, but mounted
as a swivel, carrying a ball from half a pound to two pounds weight.

AMY. A foreigner serving on board, subject to some prince in friendship
with us.

ANACLASTICS, OR ANACLATICS. The ancient doctrine of refracted light or
dioptrics.--_Anaclastic curves_, the apparent curves formed at the
bottom of a vessel full of water, or anything at great depths overboard
to an eye placed in the air; also the heavenly vault as seen through the
atmosphere.

ANADROMOUS. A term applied to migratory fishes, which have their stated
times of ascending rivers from the sea, and returning again, as the
salmon and others.

ANALEM. A mathematical instrument for finding the course and elevation
of the sun.

ANALEMMA. A projection of the sphere on the plane of the meridian, taken
in a lateral point of view, so that the colours become circles, whilst
those whose planes pass through the eye become right lines, and the
oblique circles ellipses. On globes it is represented by a narrow
double-looped formed figure, the length of which is equal to the
breadth of the torrid zone, and is divided into months and days, to show
approximately the solar declination and the equation of time.

ANALOGY. Resemblance, relation, or equality; a similitude of ratios or
proportions.

ANALYSIS. The resolution of anything into its constituent parts:
mathematically, it is the method of resolving problems by reducing them
to equations.--_Analysis of curves_ is that which shows their
properties, points of inflection, station, variation, &c.--_Analysis of
finite quantities_ is termed specious arithmetic or algebra.--_Analysis
of infinites_ is a modern introduction, and used for fluxions or the
differential calculus.--_Analysis of powers_ is the evolution or
resolving them into their roots.--_Analysis of metals_, fluids, solids,
earths, manures, &c.

ANALYTIC. That which partakes of the property of analysis, and is
reducible thereby.

ANAN. A word going out of use, uttered when an order was not understood,
equal to "What do you say, sir?" It is also used by corruption for
_anon_, immediately.

ANANAS. (_Bromelia_). Pine-apple.

ANAPHORA. A term sometimes applied to the oblique ascensions of the
stars.

ANAS. A genus of water-birds of the order _Natatores_. Now restricted to
the typical ducks.

ANASTROUS. _See_ DODECATIMORIA.

ANAUMACHION. The crime amongst the ancients of refusing to serve in the
fleet--the punishment affixed to which was infamy.

ANCHIROMACHUS.--A kind of vessel of the middle ages used for
transporting anchors and naval stores.

ANCHOR. A large and heavy instrument in use from the earliest times for
holding and retaining ships, which it executes with admirable force.
With few exceptions it consists of a long iron shank, having at one end
a ring, to which the cable is attached, and the other branching out into
two arms, with flukes or palms at their bill or extremity. A stock of
timber or iron is fixed at right angles to the arms, and serves to guide
the flukes perpendicularly to the surface of the ground. According to
their various form and size, anchors obtain the epithets of the _sheet_,
_best bower_, _small bower_, _spare_, _stream_, _kedge_, and _grapling_
(which see under their respective heads).

_Anchor floating_, _see_ FLOATING ANCHOR.--_At anchor_, the situation of
a ship which rides by its anchor.--_To anchor_, to cast or to let go the
anchor, so that it falls into the ground for the ship to ride
thereby.--_To anchor_ with a spring on the cable, _see_ SPRING. _Anchor_
is also used figuratively for anything which confers security or
stability.

ANCHORABLE. Fit for anchorage.

ANCHORAGE. Ground which is suitable, and neither too deep, shallow, or
exposed for ships to ride in safety upon; also the set of anchors
belonging to a ship; also a royal duty levied from vessels coming to a
port or roadstead for the use of its advantages. It is generally marked
on the charts by an anchor, and described according to its attributes of
good, snug, open, or exposed.

ANCHOR-BALL. A pyrotechnical combustible attached to a grapnel for
adhering to and setting fire to ships.

ANCHOR-CHOCKS. Pieces indented into a wooden anchor-stock where it has
become worn or defective in the way of the shank; also pieces of wood or
iron on which an anchor rests when it is stowed.

ANCHOR-DAVIT. _See_ DAVIT.

ANCHORED. Held by the anchor; also the act of having cast anchor.

ANCHOR-HOLD. The fastness of the flukes on the ground; also the act of
having cast anchor, and taken the ground. (_See_ HOME.)

ANCHOR-HOOPS. Strong iron hoops, binding the stock to the end of the
shank and over the nuts of the anchor.

ANCHOR-ICE. The ice which is formed on and incrustates the beds of lakes
and rivers: the _ground-gru_ of the eastern counties of England. (_See_
ICE-ANCHOR.)

ANCHORING. The act of casting anchor.--_Anchoring ground_ is that where
anchors will find bottom, fix themselves, and hold ships securely: free
from rocks, wrecks, or other matters which would break or foul the
anchor or injure the cable. In legal points it is not admitted as either
port, creek, road, or roadstead, unless it be _statio tutissima nautis_.
A vessel dropping anchor in known foul ground, or where any danger is
incurred by inability to recover the anchor, or by being there detained
until driven off by stress of weather, is not legally anchored.

ANCHOR-LINING. The short pieces of plank fastened to the sides of the
ship, under the fore-channels, to prevent the bill of the anchor from
tearing the ship's side when fishing or drawing it up. (_See also_
BILL-BOARDS.)

ANCHOR-RING. Formerly the great ring welded into the hole for it. Recent
anchors have Jew's-harp shackles, easily replaced, and not so liable to
be destroyed by chain-cables.

ANCHOR-SEAT. An old term for the prow of a ship, still in use with
eastern nations--Chinese, Japanese, &c.

ANCHOR-SHACKLE. An open link of iron which connects the chain with the
anchor--a "Jew's-harp" shackle.

ANCHOR-SMITH. A forger of anchors.

ANCHOR-STOCK. A bar at the upper end of the shank, crossing the
direction of the flukes transversely, to steady their proper direction.
In small anchors it is made of iron, but in large ones it is composed of
two long cheeks or beams of oak, strongly bolted and tree-nailed
together, secured with four iron hoops. It is now generally superseded
by the iron stock.

ANCHOR-STOCK-FASHION. The method of placing the butt of one wale-plank
nearly over the middle of the other; and the planks being broadest in
the middle, and tapered to the ends, they resemble an anchor-stock, with
which it is more in keeping than is the method called _top-and-butt_;
also pursued in fishing spars, making false rudder-heads, &c.

ANCHOR-STOCKING is a mode of securing and working planks in general with
tapered butts.

ANCHOR-STOCK TACKLE. A small tackle attached to the upper part of the
anchor-stock when stowing the anchor, its object being to bring it
perpendicular and closer to the ship.

ANCHOR-WATCH. A subdivision of the watch kept constantly on deck during
the time the ship lies at single anchor, to be in readiness to hoist jib
or staysails, to keep the ship clear of her anchor; or in readiness to
veer more cable or let go another anchor in case the ship should drive
or part her anchor. This watch is also in readiness to avoid collision
in close rivers by veering cable, setting sail, using the helm, &c.,
which formerly involved the essence of seamanship.

ANCHOVY. The _Engraulis encrasicholus_. A small fish of the family
_Clupeidæ_, about four inches in length, much used in sauces and
seasoning when cured. It is migratory, but principally taken in the
Mediterranean, where those of Gorgona are most esteemed in commerce.

ANCIENT. A term formerly used for the colours and their bearer, as
ensign is now. Shakspeare's Nym was only a corporal, but Pistol was an
ancient.

ANCON. A corner or angle of a knee-timber.--_Ancon_ [Sp.] Harbour, bay,
or anchorage.

ANCOR-STRENG. A very old designation of a cable.

ANCYLE. A kind of dart thrown with a leathern thong.

ANDREA-FERRARA. _See_ FERRARA.

ANDREW, OR ANDREW MILLAR. A cant name for a man-of-war, and also for
government and government authorities.

ANDROMEDA. A hemispherical medusa found in the Indian and Red Seas. The
body is transparent and brownish, with a black cross in the middle, and
has foliaceous white arms on the under part.

ANDROMEDÆ {a}. (Alpheratz.) A star of the first magnitude in the
constellation of Andromeda.

ANELACE. The early name for a dirk or dagger usually worn at the
girdle.

ANEMOMACHIA. A whirlwind or hurricane in old writers.

ANEMOMETER, OR WIND-GAUGE. An instrument wherewith to measure the
direction and velocity of wind under its varying forces--a desideratum
at sea.

ANEMONE. _See_ ANIMAL FLOWERS.

ANEMOSCOPE. A vane index with pointers to tell the changes of the wind
without referring to the weather-cock.

AN-END. The position of any spar when erected perpendicularly to the
deck. The top-masts are said to be _an-end_ when swayed up to their
usual stations and fidded. To strike a spar or plank _an-end_ is to
drive it in the direction of its length. (_See_ EVERY ROPE AN-END.)

ANENT, OR ANENST. Opposite to; over against.

ANEROID. A portable barometer or instrument for showing variations of
the weather by the pressure of the atmosphere upon a metallic box
hermetically sealed.

ANEROST. A coast-word of the western counties for _nigh_ or _almost_.

ANEW. Enough, as relating to number.

ANGEL-FISH. The _Squatina angelus_, of the shark family. It inhabits the
northern seas, is six or eight feet long, with a cinereous rough back
and white smooth belly; the mouth is beneath the anterior part of the
head, and the pectoral fins are very large. (Also, _Chætodon_.)

ANGEL-HEAD. The hook or barb of an arrow; probably _angle-head_.

ANGEL-SHOT. A ball cut in two, and the halves joined by a chain.

ANGIL. An old term for a fishing-hook [from the Anglo-Saxon _ongul_, for
the same]. It means also a red worm used for a bait in angling or
fishing.

ANGLE. The space or aperture intersected by the natural inclination of
two lines or planes meeting each other, the place of intersection being
called the vertex or angular point, and the lines legs. Angles are
distinguished by the number of degrees they subtend, to 360°, or the
whole circumference of a circle. Angles are acute, obtuse, right,
curvilinear, rectilinear, &c. (all of which see).

ANGLE-DOG, OR ANGLE-TWITCH. A large earth-worm, sought for bait.

ANGLE-IRONS. Certain strips of iron having their edges turned up at an
angle to each other; they are of various sizes, and used for the ribs
and knees of the framing of iron vessels.

ANGLE OF COMMUTATION. The difference between the heliocentric longitudes
of the earth and a planet or comet, the latter being reduced to the
ecliptic.

ANGLE OF ECCENTRICITY. An astronomical term denoting the angle whose
sine is equal to the eccentricity of an orbit.

ANGLE OF ELEVATION. _See_ ELEVATION.

ANGLE OF INCIDENCE. _See_ INCIDENCE.

ANGLE OF LEE-WAY. The difference between the apparent compass-course and
the true one--arising from lateral pressure and the effect of sea when
close-hauled. It is not applicable to courses when the wind and sea are
fair.

ANGLE OF POSITION. A term usually confined to double stars, to
distinguish the line of bearing between them when they are apparently
very near to each other.

ANGLE OF REFLECTION. _See_ REFLECTION.

ANGLE OF SITUATION. This was formerly called the _angle of position_,
and is also termed the _parallactic angle_ (which see).

ANGLE OF THE CENTRE. In fortification, the angle formed at the centre of
the polygon by lines drawn from thence to the points of two adjacent
bastions.

ANGLE OF THE SHOULDER. _See_ EPAULE.

ANGLE OF THE VERTICAL. The difference between the geographical and
geocentric latitudes of a place upon the earth's surface.

ANGLER. A fisherman, or one who angles for recreation rather than
profit. Also a species of _Lophius_ or toad-fish; from its ugliness and
habits called also the _sea-devil_. It throws out feelers by which small
fry are enticed within its power.

ANGLES OF TIMBERS. _See_ BEVELLING.

ANGLING. The practice of catching fish by means of a rod, line, hook,
and bait, which by its mixture of idleness and chance forms recreation;
but however simple the art appears, it requires much nicety.

ANGON. A javelin formerly used by the French, the point of which
resembled a _fleur-de-lis_: it is also generally applied to the
half-pike or javelin.

ANGOSIADE. An astronomical falsehood; a term originating from the
pretended observations of D'Angos at Malta.

ANGRA [Sp.] Bay or inlet.--_Angra grande_, _pequena_, &c., on the coasts
of Spanish and Portuguese settlements.

ANGUILLIFORM. Applied to fishes having the shape, softness, and
appearance of eels.

ANGULAR CRAB. An ugly long-armed crustacean--the _Goneplax
angulata_--with eyes on remarkably long stalks.

ANGULAR DISTANCE. This term, when applied to celestial bodies, implies
that the sun and moon, or moon and stars, are within measuring distance
for lunars.

ANGULAR MOTION is that which describes an angle, or moves circularly
round a point, as planets revolving about the sun.

ANGULAR VELOCITY. This is a term used in the orbits of double stars, and
implies the motion in a certain time of one star round the other.

ANILLA. A commercial term for indigo, derived from the plant whence it
is prepared. [Sp. _anil_, indigo, Indigofera; _alnyl_, Arab.]

ANIMAL FLOWERS. _Actiniæ_, or sea-anemones and similar animals, which
project a circle of tentacula resembling flowers. Formerly they were all
classed under zoophytes.

ANIMATE. The giving power or encouragement.--_To animate a battery_, to
place guns in its embrasures.--_To animate a needle_, to magnetize
it.--_To animate the crew_ in various ways for any special duty.

ANKER. An anker of brandy contains ten gallons. The kegs in which
Hollands is mostly exported are ankers and half-ankers.

ANKER-FISH. A name of a kind of cuttle-fish.

ANKLE-BONE. An old seaman's term for the crawfish.

ANNELIDS. A class of worm-like animals, of which the body is composed of
a series of rings.

ANNET. A sea-gull, well known in Northumberland and on the northern
coasts.

ANNIVERSARY WINDS. Those which blow constantly at certain seasons of the
year, as monsoon, trade, and etesian winds.

ANNONA. An ancient tax for the yearly supply of corn or provisions for
the army and capital: still in use in Italy.

ANNOTINÆ. The ancient Roman victuallers or provision vessels.

ANNOTTO (_Bixa orellana_). The plant from the dried pulp of the
seed-vessels of which a delicate red dye is obtained, used to give a
rich colour to milk, butter, and cheese.

ANNUAL. Those astronomical motions which return or terminate every year.

ANNUAL ACCOUNTS. The ship's books and papers for the year.

ANNUAL EQUATION. An inequality in the moon's march, arising from the
eccentricity of the earth's orbit, whereby the diurnal motion is
sometimes quicker and at other times slower than her mean motion.

ANNUAL PARALLAX. _See_ PARALLAX.

ANNUAL RETURNS. In addition to the general accounts of the year, there
are three returns to be transmitted to the admiral or senior officer for
the Admiralty. They are, a report of the sailing and other qualities of
the ship; state of the ship as to men; and progress of the young
gentlemen in navigation.

ANNUAL VARIATION. The change produced in the right ascension or
declination of a star by the precession of the equinoxes and proper
motion of the star taken together. Also, the annual variation of the
compass.

ANNUL, TO. To nullify a signal.

ANNULAR. Resembling an annulus or ring. An _annular_ eclipse takes place
when the apparent diameter of the moon is less than that of the sun, and
a zone of light surrounds the moon while central.

ANNULAR SCUPPER. A contrivance for fitting scuppers so that the whole
can be enlarged by a movable concentric ring, in order that a surcharge
of water can be freely delivered; invented by Captain Downes, R.N.

ANNULUS. A geometrical figure. (_See_ RING.)

ANNULUS ASTRONOMICUS. A ring of brass used formerly in navigation. In
1575 Martin Frobisher, when fitting out on his first voyage for the
discovery of a north-west passage, was supplied with one which cost
thirty shillings.

ANOMALISTIC MONTH. _See_ ANOMALISTIC PERIOD.

ANOMALISTIC PERIOD. The time of revolution of a primary or secondary
planet in reference to its line of apsides; that is, from one perigee or
apogee to another.

ANOMALISTIC YEAR. The space of time in which the earth passes through
her orbit--distinct from and longer than the tropical year, owing to the
precession of the equinoxes.

ANOMALY. Deviation from common rule. An irregularity in the motion of a
planet by which it deviates from the aphelion or apogee.--_Mean anomaly_
formerly signified the distance of a planet's mean place from the
apogee: it is the angular distance of a planet or comet from perihelion
supposing it to have moved with its mean velocity.--_True anomaly_, the
true angular distance of a planet or comet from perihelion. (_See_
EXCENTRIC and EQUATED.)

ANON. Quickly, directly, immediately.

ANONYMOUS PARTNERSHIPS. Those not carried on under a special name, and
the particulars known only to the parties themselves. This is much
practised in France, and often occasions trouble in prize-courts.

ANSÆ. The dolphins or handles of brass ordnance. Also the projections or
arms of the ring on each side of Saturn's globe, in certain situations
relative to the earth.

ANSERES. Birds of the goose tribe.

ANSWER, TO. To reply, to succeed; as, the frigate has _answered_ the
signal. This boat will not _answer_.

ANSWERS HER HELM. When a ship obeys the rudder or steers.

ANTARCTIC. Opposite to the Arctic--abbreviated from _anti-arctic_.

ANTARCTIC CIRCLE. One of the lesser circles of the sphere, on the south
parallel of the equator, and 23-1/2° from the south pole.

ANTARCTIC OCEAN. That which surrounds the south pole, within the
imaginary circle so called.

ANTARCTIC POLE. The south end of the earth's axis.

ANTARES. A star of the first magnitude, popularly known as the
_scorpion's heart_ ({a} Scorpio): it is one of those called "nautical"
stars, used for determining the latitude and longitude at night.

ANTECEDENTAL METHOD. A branch of general geometrical proportion, or
universal comparison of ratios.

ANTECEDENTIA. A planet's apparent motion to the westward, contrary to
the order of the signs.

ANTECEDENT OF A RATIO. The first of the two terms.

ANTECIANS. Those inhabitants of the earth who live under the same
meridian, but in opposite hemispheres. (_See_ ANTISCII.)

ANTE LUCAN. Before daylight.

ANTE MERIDIAN. Before noon.

ANTE MURAL. _See_ OUTWORKS.

ANTHELION. A mock or spurious sun; a luminous meteor, resembling, but
usually larger than, the solar disc.

ANTHRACITE. [Gr. _anthrax_ and _lithos_.] A stone coal demanding great
draught to burn, affording great heat, little smoke, and peculiarly
adapted for steamers.

ANTICHTHONES. The inhabitants of countries diametrically opposite to
each other.

ANTI-GALLICANS. A pair of extra backstays, sometimes used by
merchantmen, to support the masts when running before the trades.

ANTI-GUGGLER. A straw, or crooked tube, introduced into a spirit cask or
neck of a bottle, to suck out the contents; commonly used in 1800 to rob
the captain's steward's hanging safe in hot climates. Is to be found in
old dictionaries.

ANTILOGARITHM. The complement of the logarithm of a sine, tangent, or
secant.

ANTIPARALLELS. Those lines which make equal angles with two other lines,
but contrary ways.

ANTIPATHES. A kind of coral having a black horny stem.

ANTIPODES. Such inhabitants of the earth as are diametrically opposite
to each other. From the people, the term has passed to the places
themselves, which are situated at the two extremities of any diameter of
the earth.

ANTISCII. The people who dwell in opposite hemispheres of the earth, and
whose shadows at noon fall in contrary directions.

ANT ISLANDS. Generally found on Spanish charts as _Hormigas_.

ANVIL. The massive block of iron on which armourers hammer forge-work.
It is also an archaism for the handle or hilt of a sword: thus
Coriolanus--

            "Here I clip
    The anvil of my sword."

It is moreover a little narrow flag at the end of a lance.

ANYHOW. Do the duty by all means, and at any rate or risk: as Nelson,
impatient for getting to Copenhagen in 1801, exclaimed--

    "Let it be by the Sound, by the Belt, or anyhow, only lose not an
    hour."

ANY PORT IN A STORM signifies contentment with whatever may betide.

APAGOGE. A mathematical progress from one proposition to another.

APE, OR SEA-APE. The long-tailed shark. Also, an active American seal.

APEEK. A ship drawn directly over the anchor is _apeek_: when the
fore-stay and cable form a line, it is _short stay apeek_; when in a
line with the main-stay, _long stay apeek_. The anchor is _apeek_ when
the cable has been sufficiently hove in to bring the ship over
it.--_Yards apeek._ When they are topped up by contrary lifts. (_See_
PEAK.)

APERTÆ. Ancient deep-waisted ships, with high-decked forecastle and
poop.

APERTURE, in astronomy. The opening of a telescope tube next the
object-glass, through which the rays of light and image of the object
are conveyed to the eye. It is usually estimated by the clear diameter
of the object-glass.

APEX. The summit or vertex of anything; as the upper point of a
triangle.

APHELION. That point in the orbit of a planet or comet which is most
remote from the sun, and at which the angular motion is slowest; being
the end of the greater elliptic axis. The opposite of _perihelion_.

APHELLAN. The name of the double star {a} Geminorum, better known as
Castor.

APHRACTI. Ancient vessels with open waists, resembling the present
Torbay-boats.

APLANATIC. That refraction which entirely corrects the aberration and
colour of the rays of light.

APLETS. Nets for the herring-fishery.

APLUSTRE. A word applied in ancient vessels both to the ornament on the
prow and to the streamer or ensign on the stern. Here, as in the
rudder-head of Dutch vessels frequently, the dog-vane was carried to
denote the direction of the wind.

APOBATHRÆ. Ancient gang-boards from the ship to the quays.

APOCATASTASIS. The time in which a planet returns to the same point of
the zodiac whence it departed.

APOGEE. That point of the moon's orbit which is furthest from the earth;
the opposite of _perigee_. The _apogee_ of the sun is synonymous with
the _aphelion_ of the earth. The word is also used as a general term to
express the greatest distance of any heavenly body from the earth.

A-POISE. Said of a vessel properly trimmed.

APOSTLES. The knight-heads or bollard timbers, where hawsers or heavy
ropes are belayed.

APOTOME. The difference of two incommensurable mathematical quantities.

APPALTO. The commercial term for a monopoly in Mediterranean ports.

APPARATUS. Ammunition and equipage for war.

APPAREL. In marine insurance, means the _furniture_ or appurtenances of
a ship, as masts, yards, sails, ground gear, guns, &c. More
comprehensive than _apparatus_.

APPARELLED. Fully equipped for service.

APPARENT. In appearance, as visible to the eye, or evident to the mind,
which in the case of astronomical motions, distances, altitudes, and
magnitudes, will be found to differ materially from their real state,
and require correcting to find the true place.

APPARENT EQUINOX. The position of the equinox as affected by nutation.

APPARENT HORIZON. _See_ HORIZON.

APPARENT MOTION. The motion of celestial bodies as viewed from the
earth.

APPARENT NOON. The instant that the sun's centre is on the meridian of a
place.

APPARENT OBLIQUITY. The obliquity of the ecliptic affected with
nutation.

APPARENT PLACE OF A STAR. This is the position for any day which it
seems to occupy in the heavens, as affected with aberration and
nutation.

APPARENT TIME. The time resulting from an observation of the sun--an
expression _per contractionem_ for apparent solar time.

APPARITION. A star or planet becoming visible after occultation.
_Perpetual apparition_ of the lesser northern circles, wherein the stars
being above the horizon, never set.

APPEARANCE. The first making of a land-fall: formerly astronomically
used for phenomenon and phase. The day of an officer's first joining a
ship after his being appointed.

APPLE-PIE ORDER. A strange but not uncommon term for a ship in excellent
condition and well looked to. Neat and orderly. Absurdly said to be a
corruption of _du pol au pied_.

APPLICATE. The ordinate, or right line drawn across a curve, so as to be
bisected by its diameter.

APPLICATION. A word of extensive use, for the principles of adjusting,
augmenting, and perfecting the relations between sciences.

APPOINTED. Commissioned--named for a special duty.

APPOINTMENT. The equipment, ordnance, furniture, and necessaries of a
ship. Also an officer's commission. In the Army, _appointments_ usually
imply military accoutrements, such as belts, sashes, gorgets, &c.

APPORTER. A bringer into the realm.

APPRAISEMENT. A law instrument taken out by the captors of a vessel, who
are primarily answerable for the expense.

APPRENTICE. One who is covenanted to serve another on condition of being
instructed in an art, and ships' apprentices are to the same effect.
Boys under eighteen years of age bound to masters of merchant ships were
exempted from impressment for three years from the date of their
indentures; which documents were in duplicate, and exempt from stamp
duty.

APPROACHES. The trenches, zig-zags, saps, and other works, by which a
besieger makes good his way up to a fortified place. (_See_ TRENCHES.)

APPROVAL. The senior officer's signature to a demand or application.

APPROXIMATION. A continual approach to a quantity sought, where there is
no possibility of arriving at it exactly.

APPULSE. A near approach of one heavenly body to another, so as to form
an apparent contact: the term is principally used with reference to
stars or planets when the moon passes close to them without causing
occultation.

APRON, OR STOMACH-PIECE. A strengthening compass timber fayed abaft the
lower part of the stern, and above the foremost end of the keel; that
is, from the head down to the fore dead-wood knee, to which it is
scarfed. It is sided to receive the fastenings of the fore-hoods or
planking of the bow.--_Apron of a gun_, a square piece of sheet-lead
laid over the touch-hole for protecting the vent from damp; also over
the gun-lock.--_Apron of a dock_, the platform rising where the gates
are closed, and on which the sill is fastened down.

APSIDES, LINE OF. The imaginary line joining the aphelion and perihelion
points in the orbit of a planet.

APSIS. Either of the two points in planetary orbits where they are at
the greatest and the least distance from the sun, and are termed
_higher_ or _lower_ accordingly. The two are joined by a diameter called
the _line of the apsides_.

AQUAGE. The old law-term denoting the toll paid for water-carriage.

AQUARIUS. The eleventh sign in the zodiac ({a} Aquarius Sadalmelik).

AQUATIC. Inhabiting or relating to the water.

AQUATILE. An archaism for _aquatic_; thus Howell's lexicon describes the
crocodile as "partly aquatil, partly terrestrial."

AQUATITES. The law-term for everything living in the water.

AQUE. Wall-sided flat-floored boats, which navigate the Rhine.

AQUEDUCT. Conduits or canals built for the conveyance of water.

AQUILA. The constellation Aquila, in which {a} Aquilæ is an important
star of the first magnitude: used by seamen in determining the latitude
and longitude; also in lunar distances. (_See_ ALTAIR.)

AQUILON. The north-east wind, formerly much dreaded by mariners.

ARAMECH. The Arabic name for the star Arcturus.

ARBALIST [from _arcus_ and _balista_]. An engine to throw stones, or the
cross-bow used for bullets, darts, arrows, &c.; formerly arbalisters
formed part of a naval force.

ARBITER. The judge to whom two persons refer their differences; not
always judicial, but the arbiter, in his own person, of the fate of
empires and peoples.

ARBITRAGE. The referring commercial disputes to the arbitration of two
or more indifferent persons.

ARBITRATION. The settlement of disputes out of court.

ARBOR. In chronometry, a shaft, spindle, or axis.

ARBY. A northern name for the thrift or sea-lavender.

ARC, OR ARCH. The segment of a circle or any curved line, by which all
angles are measured.

ARC DIURNAL. _See_ DIURNAL ARC.

ARC NOCTURNAL. _See_ NOCTURNAL ARC.

ARC OF DIRECTION OR PROGRESSION. The arc which a planet appears to
describe when its motion is direct or progressive in the order of the
signs.

ARC OF VISION. The sun's depth below the horizon when the planets and
stars begin to appear.

ARCH-BOARD. The part of the stern over the counter, immediately under
the knuckles of the stern-timbers.

ARCH OF THE COVE. An elliptical moulding sprung over the cove of a ship,
at the lower part of the taffrail.

ARCHED SQUALL. A violent gust of wind, usually distinguished by the
arched form of the clouds near the horizon, whence they rise rapidly
towards the zenith, leaving the sky visible through it.

ARCHEL, ARCHIL, ORCHILL. _Rocella tinctorum fucus_, a lichen found on
the rocks of the Canary and Cape de Verde groups; it yields a rich
purple. Litmus, largely used in chemistry, is derived from it.

ARCHES. A common term among seamen for the Archipelago. (_See_ also
GALLEY-ARCHES.)

ARCHI-GUBERNUS. The commander of the imperial ship in ancient times.

ARCHIMEDES' SCREW. An ingenious spiral pump for draining docks or
raising water to any proposed height,--the invention of that wonderful
man. It is also used to remove grain in breweries from a lower to a
higher level. The name has been recently applied to the very important
introduction in steam navigation--the propelling screw. (_See_
SCREW-PROPELLER.)

ARCHING. When a vessel is not strongly built there is always a tendency
in the greater section to lift, and the lower sections to fall; hence
the fore and after ends droop, producing arching, or _hogging_ (which
see).

ARCHIPELAGO. A corruption of Aegeopelagus, now applied to clusters of
islands in general. Originally the Ægean Sea. An archipelago has a great
number of islands of various sizes, disposed without order; but often
contains several subordinate groups. Such are the Ægean, the Corean, the
Caribbean, Indian, Polynesian, and others.

ARCHITECTURE. _See_ NAVAL ARCHITECTURE.

ARCTIC. Northern, or lying under _arktos_, the Bear; an epithet given to
the north polar regions comprised within the _arctic circle_, a lesser
circle of the sphere, very nearly 23° 28' distant from the north pole.

ARCTIC OCEAN. So called from surrounding the pole within the imaginary
circle of that name.

ARCTIC POLE. The north pole of the globe.

ARCTURUS. {a} Boötis. A star of the first magnitude, close to the knee
of Arctophylax, or Boötes. One of the nautical stars.

ARD, OR AIRD. A British or Gaelic term for a rocky eminence, or rocks on
a wash: hence the word _hard_, in present use. It is also an
enunciation.

ARDENT. Said of a vessel when she gripes, or comes to the wind quickly.

ARE. The archaism for _oar_ (which see). A measure of land in France
containing 100 square metres.

AREA. The plane or surface contained between any boundary lines. The
superficial contents of any figure or work; as, the _area_ of any square
or triangle.

ARENACEOUS. Sandy; partaking of the qualities of sand; brittle; as,
_arenaceous_ limestone, quartz, &c.

ARENAL. In meteorology, a cloud of dust, often so thick as to prevent
seeing a stone's-throw off. It is common in South America, being raised
by the wind from adjoining shores. Also off the coast of Africa at the
termination of the desert of Zahara.

ARENATION. The burying of scorbutic patients up to the neck in holes in
a sandy beach, for cure; also spreading hot sand over a diseased person.

AREOMETER. An instrument for measuring the specific gravity of fluids.

ARGIN. An old word for an _embankment_.

ARGO. A name famous from Jason's romantic expedition, but absurdly
quoted as the first ship, for the fleets of Danaus and Minos are
mentioned long before, and the _Argo_ herself was chased by a squadron
under Æetes.

ARGO NAVIS. The southern constellation of the Ship, containing 9
clusters, 3 nebulæ, 13 double and 540 single stars, of which about 64
are easily visible. As most of these were invisible to the Greeks, the
name was probably given by the Egyptians.

ARGOL. The tartaric acid or lees adhering to the sides of wine-casks,
particularly of port-wine; an article of commerce; supertartrate of
potass.

ARGOLET. A light horseman of the middle ages.

ARGONAUTA. The paper-nautilus. The sail which it was supposed to spread
to catch the wind, is merely a modified arm which invests the outer
surface of the shell.

ARGONAUTS. A company of forty-four heroes who sailed in the _Argo_ to
obtain the golden fleece; an expedition which fixes one of the most
memorable epochs in history. Also a Geographical Society instituted at
Venice, to whom we owe the publication of all the charts, maps, and
directories of Coronelli.

ARGOSY. A merchant ship or carrack of burden, principally of the Levant;
the name is by some derived from Ragusa, but by others with more
probability from the _Argo_. Shakspeare mentions "argosies with portly
sail." Those of the Frescobaldi were the richest and most adventurous of
those times.

ARGOZIN, OR ARGNESYN. The person whose office it was to attend to the
shackles of the galley-slaves, over whom he had especial charge.

ARGUMENT. An astronomical quantity upon which an equation depends,--or
any known number by which an unknown one proportional to the first may
be found.

ARGUMENT OF LATITUDE. The distance of a celestial body from one of the
nodes of its orbit, upon which the latitude depends.

ARIES. The most important point of departure in astronomy. A northern
constellation forming the first of the twelve signs of the zodiac, into
which the sun enters about the 20th of March. With Musca, Aries contains
22 nebulæ, 8 double and 148 single stars, but not above 50 are visible
to the unassisted eye. The commencement of this sign, called the first
point of Aries, is the origin from which the right ascensions of the
heavenly bodies are reckoned upon the equator, and their longitudes upon
the ecliptic.

ARIS. Sharp corner of stones in piers and docks.

ARIS PIECES. Those parts of a made mast which are under the hoops.

ARITHMETIC. The art of computation by numbers; or that branch which
considers their powers and properties.

ARK. The sacred and capacious vessel built by Noah for preservation
against the flood. It was 300 cubits in length, 50 in breadth, and 30 in
height; and of whatever materials it was constructed, it was pitched
over or pay'd with bitumen. _Ark_ is also the name of a mare's-tail
cloud, or cirrhus, when it forms a streak across the sky.

ARLOUP. An archaism for the deck, now called _orlop_ (which see).

ARM. A deep and comparatively narrow inlet of the sea. That part of an
anchor on which the palm is shut. The extremity of the bibbs which
support the trestle-trees. Each extremity or end of a yard, beam, or
bracket.--_To arm_, to fit, furnish, and provide for war; to cap and set
a loadstone; to apply putty or tallow to the lower end of the lead
previous to sounding, in order to draw up a specimen of the bottom.--_To
arm a shot_, is to roll rope-yarns about a cross-bar-shot, in order to
facilitate ramming it home, and also to prevent the ends catching any
accidental inequalities in the bore.

ARMADA. A Spanish term signifying a royal fleet; it comes from the same
root as army. The word _armado_ is used by Shakspeare.

ARMADILLA. A squadron of guarda-costas, which formerly cruized on the
coasts of South America, to prevent smuggling.

ARMADOR. A Spanish privateer.

ARMAMENT. A naval or military force equipped for an expedition. The
arming of a vessel or place.

ARMAMENTA. The rigging and tackling of an ancient ship. It included
shipmen and all the necessary furniture of war.

ARMATÆ. Ancient ships fitted with sails and oars, but which fought under
the latter only.

ARM-CHEST. A portable locker on the upper deck or tops for holding arms,
and affording a ready supply of cutlasses, pistols, muskets or other
weapons.

ARMED. Completely equipped for war.--_Armed at all points_, covered with
armour.--_Armed "en flute," see_ FLUTE.--_Armed mast_, made of more than
one tree.--_Armed ship_, a vessel fitted out by merchants to annoy the
enemy, and furnished with letters of marque, and bearing a commission
from the Admiralty to carry on warlike proceedings.

ARMED STEM. _See_ BEAK.

ARMILLARY SPHERE. An instrument composed of various circles, to assist
the student in gaining a knowledge of the arrangement and motions of the
heavenly bodies. A brass _armilla tolomæi_ was one of the instruments
supplied to Martin Frobisher in 1576, price £4, 6_s._ 8_d._

ARMING. A piece of tallow placed in the cavity and over the bottom of a
sounding lead, to which any objects at the bottom of the sea become
attached, and are brought with the lead to the surface.

ARMINGS. Red dress cloths which were formerly hung fore and aft, outside
the upper works on holidays; still used by foreigners. (_See_
TOP-ARMINGS.) It was also the name of a kind of boarding-net.

ARMIPOTENT. Powerful in war.

ARMISTICE. A cessation of arms for a given time; a short truce for the
suspension of hostilities.

ARMLET. A narrow inlet of the sea; a smaller branch than the arm. Also
the name of a piece of armour for the arm, to protect it from the jar of
the bow-string.

ARMOGAN. An old term for good opportunity or season for navigation,
which, if neglected, was liable to costs of demurrage. It is a
Mediterranean word for fine weather.

ARMORIC. The language of Brittany, Cornwall, and Wales: the word in its
original signification meant _maritime_.

ARMOUR. A defensive habit to protect the wearer from his enemy; also
defensive arms. In old statutes this is frequently called _harness_.

ARMOUR-CLAD. A ship of war fitted with iron plates on the outside to
render her shot-proof.

ARMOURER. In a man-of-war, is a person appointed by warrant to keep the
small arms in complete condition for service. As he is also the ship's
blacksmith, a mate is allowed to assist at the forge.

ARMOURY. A place appropriated for the keeping of small arms.

ARM-RACK. A frame or fitting for the stowage of arms (usually vertical)
out of harm's way, but in readiness for immediate use. In the conveyance
of troops by sea arm-racks form a part of the proper accommodation.

ARMS. The munitions of war,--all kinds of weapons whether for offence or
defence. Those in a ship are cannons, carronades, mortars, howitzers,
muskets, pistols, tomahawks, cutlasses, bayonets, and boarding-pikes.

ARMS OF A GREAT GUN. The trunnions.

ARMSTRONG GUN. Invented by Sir William Armstrong. In its most familiar
form, a rifled breech-loading gun of wrought iron, constructed
principally of spirally coiled bars, and occasionally having an inner
tube or core of steel; ranging in size from the smallest field-piece up
to the 100 pounder; rifled with numerous shallow grooves, which are
taken by the expansion of the leaden coating of its projectile. Late
experiments however, connected with iron-plated ships are developing
muzzle-loading Armstrong guns, constructed on somewhat similar
principles, but with simpler rifling, ranging in size up to the 600
pounder weighing 23 tons.

ARMY. A large body of disciplined men, with appropriate subdivisions,
commanded by a general. A fleet is sometimes called a naval
army.--_Flying army_, a small body sent to harass a country, intercept
convoys, and alarm the enemy.

ARMYE. A early term for a naval armament.

ARNOT. A northern name for the shrimp.

ARONDEL. A light and swift tartan: probably a corruption of _hirondelle_
(swallow).

ARPENT. A French measure of land, equal to 100 square rods or perches,
each of 18 feet. It is about 1/7th less than the English acre.

ARQUEBUSS. A word sometimes used for carbine, but formerly meant a
garrison-piece, carrying a ball of 3-1/2 ounces; it was generally placed
in loop-holes. (_See_ HAGBUT.)

ARRACK. An Indian term for all ardent liquors, but that which we
designate thus is obtained by the fermentation of toddy (a juice
procured from palm-trees), of rice, and of sugar. In Turkey arrack is
extracted from vine-stalks taken out of wine-presses.

ARRAIER. The officer who formerly had the care of the men's armour, and
whose business it was to see them duly accoutred.

ARRAY. The order of battle.--_To array._ To equip, dress, or arm for
battle.

ARREARS. The difference between the full pay of a commissioned officer,
and what he is empowered to draw for till his accounts are passed.

ARREST. The suspension of an officer's duty, and restraint of his
person, previous to trying him by a court martial. Seamen in Her
Majesty's service cannot be _arrested_ for debts under twenty pounds,
and that contracted before they entered the navy. Yet it is held in law,
that this affords no exemption from _arrests_ either in civil or
criminal suits.

ARRIBA. [Sp. pronounced _arriva_]. Aloft, quickly.--_Agir contre son
gré, montar arriba_, to mount aloft, which has passed into seamen's
lingo as _areevo_, up, aloft, quickly:--mount _areevo_, or go on deck.

ARRIBAR, TO. To land, to attain the bank, to arrive.

ARRIVE, TO. In the most nautical sense, is to come to any place by
water, to reach the shore.

ARROBA. A Portuguese commercial weight of 32 lbs. Also, a Spanish
general wine measure of 4-1/4 English gallons. The lesser _arroba_, used
for oil, is only 3-1/3 English gallons. A Spanish weight of 25 lbs.
avoirdupois; one-fourth of a quintal. Also, a rough country cart in
Southern Russia.

ARROW. A missive weapon of offence, and whether ancient or modern, in
the rudest form among savages or refined by art, is always a slender
stick, armed at one end, and occasionally feathered at the other. The
natives of Tropical Africa feather the metal barb.

ARROW. In fortification, a work placed at the salient angles of the
glacis, communicating with the covert way.--_Broad arrow._ The royal
mark for stores of every kind. (_See_ BROAD ARROW.)

ARSENAL. A repository of the munitions of war. Some combine both
magazines of naval and military stores, and docks for the construction
and repair of ships.

ARSHEEN. A Russian measure of 2 feet 4 in. = 2·333--also Chinese, four
of which make 3 yards English.

ART. A spelling of _airt_ (which see). Also, practice as distinguished
from theory.

ARTEMON. The main-sail of ancient ships.

ARTHUR. A well-known sea game, alluded to by Grose, Smollet, and other
writers.

ARTICLES. The express stipulations to which seamen bind themselves by
signature, on joining a merchant ship.

ARTICLES OF WAR. A code of rules and orders based on the act of
parliament for the regulation and government of Her Majesty's ships,
vessels, and forces by sea: and as they are frequently read to all
hands, no individual can plead ignorance of them. It is now termed the
New Naval Code.--The _articles of war_ for the land forces have a
similar foundation and relation to their service; the act in this case,
however, is passed annually, the army itself having, in law, no more
than one year's permanence unless so periodically renewed by act of
parliament.

ARTIFICER. One who works by hand in wood or metal; generally termed an
_idler on board_, from his not keeping night-watch, and only appearing
on deck duty when the hands are turned up.

ARTIFICIAL EYE. An eye worked in the end of rope, which is neater but
not so strong as a spliced eye.

ARTIFICIAL HORIZON. An artificial means of catching the altitude of a
celestial body when the sea horizon is obscured by fog, darkness, or the
intervention of land; a simple one is still the greatest desideratum of
navigators. Also a trough filled with pure mercury, used on land,
wherein the double altitude of a celestial body is reflected.

ARTIFICIAL LINES. The ingenious contrivances for representing
logarithmic sines and tangents, so useful in navigation, on a scale.

ARTILLERY was formerly synonymous with archery, but now comprehends
every description of ordnance, guns, mortars, fire-arms, and all their
appurtenances. The term is also applied to the noble corps destined to
that service: as also to the theory and practice of the science of
projectiles: it was moreover given to all kinds of missile weapons, and
the translators of the Bible make Jonathan give his "artillery unto his
lad."

ARTILLERY, ROYAL MARINE. Formerly a select branch of the _R. Marines_,
specially instructed in gunnery and the care of artillery stores;
assigned in due proportion to all ships of war. It is now separate from
the other branch (to whose original title the denomination of Light
Infantry has been added), and rests on its own official basis; its
relation to ships of war, however, remaining the same as before,
although while on shore the Royal Marine forces are regulated by an
annual act of parliament. (_See_ ROYAL MARINE ARTILLERY.)

ARTIST. A name formerly applied to those mariners who were also expert
navigators.

ARTIZAN. A mechanic or operative workman. (_See_ ARTIFICER.)

ARX. A fort or castle for the defence of a place.

ASCENDANT. The part of the ecliptic above the horizon.

ASCENDING NODE. _See_ NODES.

ASCENDING SIGNS. Those in which the sun appears to ascend towards the
north pole, or in which his motion in declination is towards the north.

ASCENSION. The act of mounting or rising upwards. (_See_ RIGHT
ASCENSION.)

ASCENSIONAL DIFFERENCE. The equinoctial arc intercepted between the
_right_ and _oblique_ ascensions (which see).

ASCENSION OBLIQUE. _See_ OBLIQUE ASCENSION.

ASCENSION RIGHT. _See_ RIGHT ASCENSION.

ASCII. The inhabitants of the torrid zone, who twice a year, being under
a vertical sun, have no shadow.

AS DEAF AS THE MAIN-MAST. Said of one who does not readily catch an
order given. Thus at sea the main-mast is synonymous with the door-post
on shore.

ASHES. _See_ WINDWARD.

ASHLAR. Blocks of stone masonry fronting docks, piers, and other
erections; this term is applied to common or freestone as they come of
various lengths, breadths, and thicknesses from the quarry.

ASHORE. Aground, on land.--To _go ashore_, to disembark from a boat.
Opposed to _aboard_.

ASH-PIT. A receptacle for ashes before the fire-bars in a steamer, or
under them in most fire-places.

ASIENTO [Sp.] A sitting, contract, or convention; such as that between
Spain and other powers in relation to the supply of stores for South
America.

ASK, OR ASKER. A name of the water-newt.

ASKEW. Awry, crooked, oblique.

ASLANT. Formed or placed in an oblique line, as with dagger-knees,
&c.--_To sail aslant_, turning to windward.

ASLEEP. The sail filled with wind just enough for swelling or bellying
out,--as contrasted with its flapping.

ASPECT. The looming of the land from sea-ward.

ASPER. A minute Turkish coin in accounts, of which three go to a para.

ASPIC. An ancient 12-pounder piece of ordnance, about 11 feet long.

ASPIRANT DE MARINE. Midshipman in the French navy.

ASPORTATION. The carrying of a vessel or goods illegally.

ASSAIL, TO. To attack, leap upon, board, &c.

ASSAULT. A hostile attack. The effort to storm a place, and gain
possession of a post by main force.

ASSEGAI. The spear used by the Kaffirs in South Africa; it is frequently
feather-bent to revolve in its flight.

ASSEGUAY. The knife-dagger used in the Levant.

ASSEMBLY. That long roll beat of the drum by which soldiers, or armed
parties, are ordered to repair to their stations. It is sometimes called
the _fall-in_.

ASSES'-BRIDGE. The well-known name of prop. 5, b. i. of Euclid, the
difficulty of which makes many give in.

ASSIEGE, TO. To besiege, to invest or beset with an armed force.

ASSIGNABLE. Any finite geometrical ratio, or magnitude that can be
marked out or denoted.

ASSILAG. The name given in the Hebrides to a small sea-bird with a black
bill. The stormy petrel.

ASSISTANCE. Aid or help: strongly enjoined to be given whenever a signal
is made requiring it.

ASSISTANT-SURGEON. The designation given some years ago to those
formerly called "surgeon's mates," and considered a boon by the corps.

ASSORTMENT. The arrangement of goods, tools, &c., in a series.

ASSURANCE. (_See_ MARINE INSURANCE.) Conveyance or deed: in which light
Shakspeare makes Tranio say that his father will "pass assurance."

ASSURGENT. A heraldic term for a man or beast rising out of the sea.

ASSUROR. He who makes out the policy of assurance for a ship: he is not
answerable for the neglect of the master or seamen.

A-STARBOARD. The opposite to _a-port_.

A-STAY. Said of the anchor when, in heaving in, the cable forms such an
angle with the surface as to appear in a line with the stays of the
ship.--_A long stay_ apeek is when the cable forms an acute angle with
the water's surface, or coincides with the main-stay--_short stay_ when
it coincides with the fore-stay.

ASTELLABRE. The same as _astrolabe_.

ASTERIA. _See_ SEA-STAR.

ASTERISM. Synonymous with _constellation_, a group of stars.

ASTERN. Any distance behind a vessel; in the after-part of the ship; in
the direction of the stern, and therefore the opposite of _ahead_.--_To
drop astern_, is to be left behind,--when abaft a right angle to the
keel at the main-mast, she drops astern.

ASTEROIDS. The name by which the minor planets between the orbits of
Jupiter and Mars were proposed to be distinguished by Sir W. Herschel.
They are very small bodies, which have all been discovered since the
commencement of the present century; yet their present number is over
eighty.

ASTRAGAL. A moulding formerly round a cannon, at a little distance from
its breech, the _cascabel_, and another near the muzzle. It is a half
round on a flat moulding.

ASTRAL. Sidereal, relating to the stars.

ASTROLABE. An armillary sphere.--_Sea-astrolabe_, a useful graduated
brass ring, with a movable index, for taking the altitude of stars and
planets: it derived its name from the armillary sphere of Hipparchus, at
Alexandria.

ASTROMETRY. The numerical expression of the apparent magnitudes of the
so-called fixed stars.

ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK. A capital bit of horology, the pendulum of which is
usually compensated to sidereal time, for astronomical purposes. (_See_
SIDEREAL TIME.)

ASTRONOMICAL HOURS. Those which are reckoned from noon or midnight of
one natural day, to noon or midnight of another.

ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATIONS. There have been occasional slight records of
celestial phenomena from the remotest times, but the most useful ones
are those collected and preserved by Ptolemy. Since 1672, science has
been enriched with a continued series of astronomical observations of
accuracy and value never dreamed of by the ancients.

ASTRONOMICAL PLACE OF A STAR OR PLANET. Its longitude or place in the
ecliptic, reckoned from the first point of Aries, according to the
natural order of the signs.

ASTRONOMICAL TABLES. Tables for facilitating the calculation of the
apparent places of the sun, moon, and planets.

ASTRONOMICALS. The sexagesimal fractions.

ASTRONOMY. The splendid department of the mixed sciences which teaches
the laws and phenomena of the universal system. It is _practical_ when
it treats of the magnitudes, periods, and distances of the heavenly
bodies; and _physical_ when it investigates the causes. In the first
division the more useful adaptation _nautical_ is included (which see).

ASTROSCOPIA. Skill in examining the nature and properties of stars with
a telescope.

ASTRUM, OR ASTRON. Sirius, or the Dog-star. Sometimes applied to a
cluster of stars.

ASWIM. Afloat, borne on the waters.

ASYLUM. A sanctuary or refuge; a name given to a benevolent institution
at Greenwich, for 800 boys and 200 girls, orphans of seamen and marines.
The Royal Military Asylum is also an excellent establishment of a
similar nature at Chelsea, besides numerous others.

ASYMMETRY. A mathematical disproportion. The relation of two quantities
which have no measure in common.

ASYMPTOTES. Lines which continually approximate each other, but can
never meet.

ATABAL. A Moorish kettle-drum.

ATAGHAN. _See_ YATAGHAN.

AT ANCHOR. The situation of a vessel riding in a road or port by her
anchor.

ATAR. A perfume of commerce, well known as atar-of-roses; atar being the
Arabic word for fragrance, corrupted into _otto_.

A'TAUNTO, OR ALL-A-TAUNT-O. Every mast an-end and fully rigged.

ATEGAR. The old English hand-dart, named from the Saxon _aeton_, to
fling, and _gar_, a weapon.

ATHERINE. A silvery fish used in the manufacture of artificial pearls;
it is 4 or 5 inches long, inhabits various seas, but is taken in great
numbers in the Mediterranean. It is also called _argentine_.

ATHILLEDA. The rule and sights of an astrolabe.

ATHWART. The transverse direction; anything extending or across the line
of a ship's course.--_Athwart hawse_, a vessel, boat, or floating lumber
accidentally drifted across the stem of a ship, the transverse position
of the drift being understood.--_Athwart the fore-foot_, just before the
stem; ships fire a shot in this direction to arrest a stranger, and make
her bring-to.--_Athwart ships_, in the direction of the beam; from side
to side: in opposition to _fore-and-aft_.

ATHWART THE TIDE. _See_ ACROSS THE TIDE.

ATLANTIC. The sea which separates Europe and Africa from the Americas,
so named from the elevated range called the Atlas Mountains in Morocco.

ATLANTIDES. The daughters of Atlas; a name of the Pleiades.

ATLAS. A large book of maps or charts; so called from the character of
that name in ancient mythology, son of Uranus, and represented as
bearing the world on his back. Also the Indian satin of commerce.

ATMOSPHERE. The ambient air, or thin elastic fluid which surrounds the
globe, and gradually diminishing in gravity rises to an unknown height,
yet by gravitation partakes of all its motions.

ATMOSPHERIC OR SINGLE-ACTION STEAM-ENGINE. A condensing machine, in
which the downward stroke of the piston is performed by the pressure of
the atmosphere acting against a vacuum.

ATMOSPHERICAL TIDES. The motions generated by the joint influence of the
sun and moon; and by the rotatory and orbital course of the earth,--as
developed in trade-winds, equinoctial gales, &c.

ATOLLS. An Indian name for those singular coral formations known as
lagoon-islands, such as the Maldive cluster, those in the Pacific, and
in other parts within the tropics, where the apparently insignificant
reef-building zoophytes reside.

ATRIE. To bring the ship to in a gale.

A-TRIP. The anchor is _a-trip_, or a-weigh, when the purchase has just
made it break ground, or raised it clear. Sails are _a-trip_ when they
are hoisted from the cap, sheeted home, and ready for trimming. Yards
are _a-trip_ when swayed up, ready to have the stops cut for crossing:
so an upper-mast is said to be _a-trip_, when the fid is loosened
preparatory to lowering it.

ATTACHED. Belongs to; in military parlance an officer or soldier is
attached to any regiment or company with which he is ordered to do duty.

ATTACK. A general assault or onset upon an enemy. Also the arrangement
for investment or battle. (_See_ FALSE ATTACK.)

ATTEMPT, TO. To endeavour to carry a vessel or place by surprise; to
venture at some risk, as in trying a new channel, &c.

ATTENDANT MASTER. A dockyard official. (_See_ MASTER-ATTENDANT.)

ATTENTION. A military word of command, calling the soldier from the
quiescent position of "at ease" into readiness for any exercise or
evolution. Also the erect posture due to that word of command, and which
is assumed by a private soldier in the presence of an officer. The
attending to signals.

ATTERRAGE. The land-fall, or making the land. Usually marked on French
charts and plans to show the landing-place.

ATTESTATION. In Admiralty courts the attestation of a deed signifies the
testifying to the signing or execution of it.

ATTESTED. Legally certified; proved by evidence.

ATTILE. An old law term for the rigging or furniture of a ship.

ATTORNEY. _See_ SEA-ATTORNEY.

ATTRACTION. The power of drawing, or the principle by which all bodies
mutually tend towards each other; the great agent in nature's wonderful
operations.--_Attraction of mountains_, the deviating influence
exercised on the plumb-line by the vicinity of high land. But exerting
also a marvellous effect on all floating bodies, for every seaman knows
that a ship stands inshore faster than she stands out, the distances
being similar.

ATWEEN, OR ATWIXT. Betwixt or between, shortened into _'tween_, that is,
in the intermediate space. The word _'tween decks_ is usually applied to
the lower deck of a frigate, and _orlop_ to that of a line-of-battle
ship.

AUBERK, OR HAUBERK. One who held land to be ready with a coat of mail
and attend his lord when called upon so to do. Thus the old poet:--

    "Auberk, sketoun, and scheld
    Was mani to-broken in that feld."

AUDIT. The final passing of accounts.

AUDITORS OF THE IMPREST. Officers who had the charge of the great
accounts of the royal customs, naval and military expenses, &c.; they
are now superseded by the commissioners for auditing the public
accounts.

AUGES. An astronomical term, synonymous with _apsides_.

AUGET. A tube filled with powder for firing a mine.

AUGMENTATION OF THE MOON'S DIAMETER. The increase of her apparent
diameter occasioned by an increase of altitude: or that which is due to
the difference between her distance from the observer and the centre of
the earth.

AUGRE, OR AUGER. A wimble, or instrument for boring holes for bolts,
tree-nails, and other purposes.

AUK, OR AWK. A sea-bird with short wings. The great auk or gair-fowl
(_Alca impennis_) was formerly common on all the northern coasts, where
they laid their eggs, ingeniously poised, on the bare rocks. They were
very good eating, and having been taken in great numbers by the
Esquimaux, and by European sailors on whaling voyages, the species is
now supposed to be exterminated.

AULIN. An arctic gull (_Cataractes parasiticus_), given to make other
sea-birds mute through fear, and then eat their discharge--whence it is
termed _dirty aulin_ by the northern boatmen.

AUMBREY. An old north-country term for a bread and cheese locker.

AUNE. Contraction of _ulna_. French cloth measure: at Rouen it is equal
to the English ell--at Paris 0·95--at Calais 1·52 of that measure.

AURIGA. A northern constellation, and one of the old 48 asterisms; it is
popularly known as the _Waggoner_: {a} Auriga, Capella.

AURORA. The faint light which precedes sunrising. Also the mythological
mother of the winds and stars.

AURORA AUSTRALIS OR BOREALIS. The extraordinary and luminous meteoric
phenomenon which by its streaming effulgence cheers the dreary nights of
polar regions. It is singular that these beautiful appearances are
nowhere mentioned by the ancients. They seem to be governed by
electricity, are most frequent in frosty weather, and are proved to be
many miles above the surface of the earth, from some of them being
visible over 30° of longitude and 20° of latitude at the same instant!
In colour they vary from yellow to deep red; in form they are
Proteus-like, assuming that of streamers, columns, fans, or arches, with
a quick flitting, and sometimes whizzing noises. The aurora is not vivid
above the 76th degree of north latitude, and is seldom seen before the
end of August. Cook was the first navigator who recorded the southern
lights.

AUSTER. The south wind of the ancients, gusts from which quarter are
called _autan_.

AUSTRAL. Relating to the south.--_Austral signs_, those on the south
side of the equator, or the last six of the zodiac.

AUTHORITY. The legal power or right of commanding.

AUTOMATIC BLOW-OFF APPARATUS. _See_ BLOW-OFF-PIPE.

AUTUMNAL EQUINOX. The time when the sun crosses the equator, under a
southerly motion, and the days and nights are then everywhere equal in
length. (_See_ LIBRA.)

AUTUMNAL POINT. That part of the ecliptic whence the sun descends
southward.

AUTUMNAL SIGNS. Libra, Scorpio, and Sagittarius.

AUXILIARIES. Confederates, an assisting body of allies; or, physically
speaking, vessels using steam as an auxiliary to wind.

AUXILIARY SCREW. A vessel in which the screw is used as an auxiliary
force. Such a vessel is usually fully masted for sailing purposes.

AVANIA. The fine or imposition imposed on Christians residing under
Turkish governors, when they break the laws.

AVANT-FOSSE. In fortification, an advanced ditch without the
counterscarp, and stretching along the foot of the glacis.

AVAST. The order to stop, hold, cease, or stay, in any operation: its
derivation from the Italian _basta_ is more plausible than _have fast_.

AVAST HEAVING! The cry to arrest the capstan when nippers are jammed, or
any other impediment occurs in heaving in the cable, not unfrequently
when a hand, foot, or finger, is jammed;--stop!

AVENTAILE. The movable part of a helmet.

AVENUE. The inlet into a port.

AVERAGE. Whether _general_ or _particular_, is a term of ambiguous
construction, meaning the damage incurred for the safety of the ship and
cargo; the contribution made by the owners in general, apportioned to
their respective investments, to repair any particular loss or expense
sustained; and a small duty paid to the master for his care of the
whole. Goods thrown overboard for the purpose of lightening the ship,
are so thrown for the good of all, and the loss thus sustained must be
made up by a general average or contribution from all the parties
interested. (_See_ GENERAL AVERAGE.)

AVERAGE-ADJUSTER. A qualified person engaged in making statements to
show the proper application of loss, damage, or expenses in consequence
of the accidents of a sea adventure.

AVERAGE-AGREEMENT. A written document signed by the consignees of a
cargo, binding themselves to pay a certain proportion of general average
that may from accident arise against them.

AVERAGE-STATER. _See_ AVERAGE-ADJUSTER.

AVIST. A west-country term for "a fishing."

AVVISO. An Italian advice-boat. [_Aviso_, Sp.] Despatch-boat or tender.

AWAFT, OR AWHEFT. The displaying of a stopped flag. (_See_ WHEFT.)

AWAIT. Ambush; cutting off vessels by means of boats hidden in coves
which they must pass in their course.

AWARD. A judgment, in maritime cases, by arbitration; and the decision
or sentence of a court-martial.

A-WASH. Reefs even with the surface. The anchor just rising to the
water's edge, in heaving up.

AWAY ALOFT. The order to the men in the rigging to start up.

AWAY OFF. At a distance, but in sight.

AWAY SHE GOES. The order to step out with the tackle fall. The cry when
a vessel starts on the ways launching; also when a ship, having stowed
her anchor, fills and makes sail.

AWAY THERE. The call for a boat's crew; as, "_away there!_ barge-men."

AWAY WITH IT. The order to walk along briskly with a tackle fall, as
catting the anchor, &c.

AWBLAST. The arbalest, or cross-bow.

AWBLASTER. The designation of a cross-bowman.

A-WEATHER. The position of the helm when its tiller is moved to the
windward side of the ship, in the direction from which the wind blows.
The opposite of _a-lee_.

A-WEIGH. The anchor being _a-trip_, or after breaking out of the
ground.

AWK. _See_ AUK.

AWKWARD SQUAD. A division formed of those men who are backward in
gaining dexterity. (_See_ SQUAD.)

AWL. A tool of a carpenter, sail-maker, and cobbler.

AWME. A tierce of 39 gallons. A Dutch liquid measure.

AWNING. A cover or canvas canopy suspended by a crow-foot and spread
over a ship, boat, or other vessel, to protect the decks and crew from
the sun and weather. (_See_ EUPHROE.) Also that part of the poop-deck
which is continued forward beyond the bulk-head of the cabin.

AWNING-ROPES. The ridge and side ropes for securing the awning.

AXE. A large flat edge-tool, for trimming and reducing timber. Also an
Anglo-Saxon word for _ask_, which seamen still adhere to, and it is
difficult to say why a word should be thought improper which has
descended from our earliest poets; it may have become obsolete, but
without absolutely being vulgar or incorrect.

AXIOM. A self-evident truth or proposition, that cannot be made plainer
by demonstration.

AXIS. The imaginary line upon which a planet revolves, the extremities
of which are termed the poles,--therefore a line joining the north and
south poles. The real or imaginary line that passes through the centre
of any cylindrical or spherical body on which it may revolve. Also a
right line proceeding from the vertex of a cone to the middle of its
base. Also, an imaginary right line passing through the middle of a ship
perpendicularly to its base, and equally distant from its sides;--an
imaginary line passing through the centre of a gun's bore, parallel with
its position.--_Axis of a telescope._ (_See_ COLLIMATION, LINE OF.)

AXLE-TREES. The two cross-pieces of a gun-carriage, fixed across and
under the fore and hinder parts of the cheeks. The cylindrical iron
which goes through the wheel of the chain-pump, and bears the weight of
it.

AYE, AYE, SIR. A prompt reply on receiving an order. Also the answer on
comprehending an order. _Aye-aye_, the answer to a sentinel's hail, from
a boat which has a commissioned officer on board below the rank of
captain. The name of the ship in reply from the boat indicates the
presence of a captain. The word "flag," indicates the presence of an
admiral.

AYLET. The sea-swallow.

AYONT. Beyond.

AYR. An open sea-beach, and also a bank of sand. (_See_ AIRE.) The
mediæval term for _oar_.

AYT. _See_ EYGHT.

AZIMUTH. A word borrowed from the Arabic. The complement of the
amplitude, or an arc between the meridian of a place and any given
vertical line.

AZIMUTHAL ERROR. _See_ MERIDIAN ERROR.

AZIMUTH CIRCLES. _See_ VERTICAL CIRCLES.

AZIMUTH COMPASS. A superior graduated compass for ascertaining the
amount of magnetic variation, by amplitude or azimuth, when the sun is
from 8° to 15° high, either after its rising or before its setting.
(_See_ MAGNETIC AZIMUTH.) It is fitted with vertical sight vanes for the
purpose of observing objects elevated above the horizon.

AZOGUE. [Sp.] Quicksilver.

AZOGUES. Spanish ships fitted expressly for carrying quicksilver.

AZUMBRE. A Spanish wine-measure, eight of which make an arroba.

AZURE. The deep blue colour of the sky, when perfectly cloudless.




B.


BAARD. A mediæval transport.

BAARE-Y-LANE. The Manx or Gaelic term for high-water.

BAAS. An old term for the skipper of a Dutch trader.

BAB. The Arabic for _mouth_ or _gate_; especially used by seamen for the
entrance of the Red Sea, _Bab-el-mandeb_.

BABBING. An east-country method of catching crabs, by enticing them to
the surface of the water with baited lines, and then taking them with a
landing net.

BABBLING. The sound made by shallow rivers flowing over stony beds.

BAC. A large flat-bottomed French ferry-boat. In local names it denotes
a ferry or place of boating.

BACALLAO [Sp.] A name given to Newfoundland and its adjacent islands,
whence the epithet is also applied to the cod-fish salted there.

BACCHI. Two ancient warlike machines; the one resembled a battering-ram,
the other cast out fire.

BACK. _To back an anchor._ To carry a small anchor ahead of the one by
which the ship rides, to partake of the strain, and check the latter
from coming home.--_To back a ship at anchor._ For this purpose the
mizen top-sail is generally used; a hawser should be kept ready to wind
her, and if the wind falls she must be hove apeak.--_To back and fill._
To get to windward in very narrow channels, by a series of smart
alternate boards and backing, with weather tides.--_To back a sail._ To
brace its yard so that the wind may blow directly on the front of the
sail, and thus retard the ship's course. A sailing vessel is backed by
means of the sails, a steamer by reversing the paddles or
screw-propeller.--_To back astern._ To impel the water with the oars
contrary to the usual mode, or towards the head of the boat, so that she
shall recede.--_To back the larboard_ or _starboard oars_. To back with
the right or left oars only, so as to round suddenly.--_To back out._
(_See Back a Sail._) The term is also familiarly used for retreating out
of a difficulty.--_To back a rope or chain_, is to put on a preventer
when it is thought likely to break from age or extra strain.--_To back
water._ To impel a boat astern, so as to recede in a direction opposite
to the former course.--_Backing the worming._ The act of passing small
yarn in the holidays, or crevices left between the worming and edges of
the rope, to prevent the admission of wet, or to render all parts of
equal diameter, so that the service may be smooth.--_Wind backing._ The
wind is said to back when it changes contrary to its usual circuit. In
the northern hemisphere on the polar side of the trades, the wind
usually changes from east, by the south, to west, and so on to north. In
the same latitudes in the southern hemisphere the reverse usually takes
place. When it backs, it is generally supposed to be a sign of a
freshening breeze.

BACK. The outside or convex part of compass-timber. Also a wharf.

BACK, OF A SHIP. The keel and kelson are figuratively thus termed.

BACK, OF THE POST. An additional timber bolted to the after-part of the
stern-post, and forming its after-face.

BACK-BOARD. A board across the stern sheets of a boat to support the
back of passengers; and also to form the _box_ in which the coxswain
sits.

BACK-CUTTING. When the water-level is such that the excavation of a
canal, or other channel, does not furnish earth enough for its own
banks, recourse is had to _back-cutting_, or the nearest earth behind
the base of the banks.

BACK-FRAME. A vertical wheel for turning the three whirlers of a small
rope-machine.

BACK-HER. The order, in steam-navigation, directing the engineer to
reverse the movement of the cranks and urge the vessel astern.

BACKING. The timber behind the armour-plates of a ship.

BACK-O'-BEYOND. Said of an unknown distance.

BACK OFF ALL. The order when the harpooner has thrown his harpoon into
the whale. Also, to back off a sudden danger.

BACK-ROPE. The rope-pendant, or small chain for staying the
dolphin-striker. Also a piece long enough to reach from the cat-block to
the stem, and up to the forecastle, to haul the cat-block forward to
hook the ring of the anchor--similarly also for hooking the fish-tackle.
(_See_ GAUB-LINE.)

BACKS. The outermost boards of a sawn tree.

BACK-STAFF. A name formerly given to a peculiar sea-quadrant, because
the back of the observer was turned towards the sun at the time of
observing its zenith distance. The inventor was Captain Davis, the Welsh
navigator, about 1590. It consists of a graduated arc of 30° united to a
centre by two radii, with a second arc of smaller radius, but measuring
6° on the side of it. To the first arc a vane is attached for sight,--to
the second one for shade,--and at the vertex the horizontal vane has a
slit in it.

BACKSTAY-PLATES. Used to support the backstays.

BACKSTAYS. Long ropes extending from all mast-heads above a lower-mast
to both sides of the ship or chain-wales; they are extended and set up
with dead eyes and laniards to the backstay-plates. Their use is to
second the shrouds in supporting the mast when strained by a weight of
sail in a fresh wind. They are usually distinguished into breast and
after backstays; the first being intended to sustain the mast when the
ship sails upon a wind; or, in other terms, when the wind acts upon a
ship obliquely from forwards; the second is to enable her to carry sail
when the wind is abaft the beam; a third, or shifting backstay, is
temporary, and used where great strain is demanded when chasing, chased,
or carrying on a heavy pressure of canvas: they are fitted either with
lashing eyes, or hook and thimble with selvagee strop, so as to be
instantly removed.

BACKSTAY-STOOLS. Detached small channels, or chain-wales, fixed abaft
the principal ones. They are introduced in preference to extending the
length of the channels.

BACKSTERS. Flat pieces of wood or cork, strapped on the feet in order to
walk over loose beach.

BACK-STRAPPED. As a ship carried round to the back of Gibraltar by a
counter-current and eddies of wind, the strong currents detaining her
there.

BACK-SWEEP. That which forms the hollow of the top-timber of a frame.

BACK-WATER. The swell of the sea thrown back, or rebounded by its
contact with any solid body. Also the loss of power occasioned by it to
paddles of steamboats, &c. The water in a mill-race which cannot get
away in consequence of the swelling of the river below. Also, an
artificial accumulation of water reserved for clearing channel-beds and
tide-ways. Also, a creek or arm of the sea which runs parallel to the
coast, having only a narrow strip of land between it and the sea, and
communicating with the latter by barred entrances. The west coast of
India is remarkable for its back-waters, which give a most useful smooth
water communication from one place to another, such as from Cochin to
Quilon, a distance of nearly 70 miles.

BACON, TO SAVE. This is an old shore-saw, adopted in nautical
phraseology for expressing "to escape," but generally used in _pejus
ruere_; as in Gray's _Long Story_. (_See_ FOUL HAWSE.)

BAD-BERTH. A foul or rocky anchorage.

BADDERLOCK. The _Fucus esculentus_, a kind of eatable sea-weed on our
northern shores. Also called _pursill_.

BADDOCK. A name from the Gaelic for the fry of the _Gadus carbonarius_,
or coal-fish.

BADGE. Quarter badges. False quarter-galleries in imitation of
frigate-built ships. Also, in naval architecture, a carved ornament
placed on the outside of small ships, very near the stern, containing
either a window, or the representation of one, with marine decorations.

BADGE, SEAMAN'S. _See_ GOOD-CONDUCT BADGE.

BADGER, TO. To tease or confound by frivolous orders.

BADGER-BAG. The fictitious Neptune who visits the ship on her crossing
the line.

BAD-NAME. This should be avoided by a ship, for once acquired for
inefficiency or privateer habits, it requires time and reformation to
get rid of it again. "Give a dog a bad name" most forcibly exemplified.
Ships have endured it even under repeated changes of captains--one ship
had her name changed, but she became worse.

BAD-RELIEF. One who turns out sluggishly to relieve the watch on deck.
(_See_ ONE-BELL.)

BAESSY. The old orthography of the gun since called _base_.

BAFFLING. Is said of the wind when it frequently shifts from one point
to another.

BAG. A commercial term of quantity; as, a bread or biscuit _bag_, a
sand-_bag_, &c. An empty purse.--_To bag on a bowline_, to be leewardly,
to drop from a course.

BAG, OF THE HEAD-RAILS. The lowest part of the head-rails, or that part
which forms the sweep of the rail.

BAG, THE. Allowed for the men to keep their clothes in. The _ditty bag_
included needles and needfuls, love-tokens, jewels, &c.

BAGALA. A rude description of high-sterned vessel of various burdens,
from 50 to 300 tons, employed at Muskat and on the shores of Oman: the
word signifying _mule_ among the Arabs, and therefore indicative of
carrying rather than sailing.

BAG AND BAGGAGE. The whole movable property.

BAGGAGE. The necessaries, utensils, and apparel of troops.

BAGGAGE-GUARD. A small proportion of any body of troops on the march, to
whom the care of the whole baggage is assigned.

BAGGETY. The fish otherwise called the lump or sea-owl (_Cyclopterus
lumpus_).

BAGGONET. The old term for bayonet, and not a vulgarism.

BAGNIO. A sort of barrack in Mediterranean sea-ports, where the
galley-slaves and convicts are confined.

BAGPIPE. _To bagpipe the mizen_ is to lay it aback, by bringing the
sheet to the mizen-shrouds.

BAG-REEF. A fourth or lower reef of fore-and-aft sails, often used in
the royal navy.--_Bag-reef of top-sails_, first reef (of five in
American navy); a short reef, usually taken in to prevent a large sail
from bagging when on a wind.

BAGREL. A minnow or baggie.

BAGUIO. A rare but dreadfully violent wind among the Philippine Isles.

BAHAR. A commercial weight of a quarter of a ton in the Molucca Islands.

BAIDAR. A swift open canoe of the Arctic tribes and Kurile Isles, used
in pursuing otters and even whales; a slender frame from 18 to 25 feet
long, covered with hides. They are impelled by six or twelve paddles.
(_See_ KAYAK.)

BAIKIE. A northern name for the _Larus marinus_, or black-backed gull.

BAIKY. The ballium, or inclosed plot of ground in an ancient fort.

BAIL. A surety. The cargo of a captured or detained vessel is not
allowed to be taken on bail before adjudication without mutual consent.
It was also a northern term for a beacon or signal.

BAIL-BOND. The obligation entered into by sureties. Also when a person
appears as proxy for the master of a vessel, or, on obtaining letters of
marque, he makes himself personally responsible. In prize matters,
however, the bail-bond is not a mere personal security given to the
individual captors, but an assurance to abide by the adjudication of the
court.

BAIL'D. This phrase "I'll be bail'd" is considered as an equivalent to
"I'll be bound;" but it is probably an old enunciation for "I'll be
poisoned," or "I'll be tormented," if what I utter is not true.

BAILO. A Levantine term for consul.

BAILS, OR BAILES. The hoops which bear up the tilt of a boat.

BAIOCCO. An Italian copper coin, about equal to our halfpenny. Also a
generic term for copper money or small coin.

BAIRLINN. A Gaelic term for a high rolling billow.

BAIT. The natural or artificial charge of a hook, to allure fish.

BAITLAND. An old word, formerly used to signify a port where
refreshments could be procured.

BALÆNA. The zoological name for the right whale.

BALANCE. One of the simple mechanical powers, used in determining the
weights and masses of different bodies. Also, one of the twelve signs of
the zodiac, called Libra. Balance-wheel of a chronometer--_see_
CHRONOMETER.

BALANCE, TO. To contract a sail into a narrower compass;--this is
peculiar to the mizen of a ship, and to the main-sail of those vessels
wherein it is extended by a boom. The operation of balancing the mizen
is performed by lowering the yard or gaff a little, then rolling up a
small portion of the sail at the peak or upper corner, and lashing it
about one-fifth down towards the mast. A boom main-sail is balanced by
rolling up a portion of the clew, or lower aftermost corner, and
fastening it strongly to the boom.--N.B. It is requisite in both cases
to wrap a piece of old canvas round the sail, under the lashing, to
prevent its being fretted by the latter.

BALANCE-FISH. The hammer-headed shark (which see).

BALANCE-FRAMES. Those frames or bends of timber, of an equal capacity or
area, which are equally distant from the ship's centre of gravity.

BALANCE OF TRADE. A computation of the value of all commodities which we
import or export, showing the difference in amount.

BALANCE-REEF. A reef-band that crosses a sail from the outer head-earing
to the tack diagonally, making it nearly triangular, and is used to
contract it in very blowing weather. (2) A balance reef-band is
generally placed in all gaff-sails; the band runs from the throat to the
clew, so that it may be reefed either way--by lacing the foot or lower
half; or by lacing the gaff drooped to the band: the latter is only done
in the worst weather.--This is a point on which seamen may select--but
the old plan, as first given, affords more power; (2) is applicable to
the severest weather.

BALANCING-POINT. A familiar term for centre of gravity. (_See_ GRAVITY.)

BALANDRA. A Spanish pleasure-boat. A lighter, a species of schooner.

BALANUS. The acorn-shell. A sessile cirriped.

BALCAR. _See_ BALKAR.

BALCONY. The projecting open galleries of old line-of-battle ships'
sterns, now disused. They were convenient and ornamental in hot
climates, but were afterwards inclosed within sash windows.

BALDRICK. A leathern girdle or sword-belt. Also the zodiac.

BALE. A pack. This word appears in the statute Richard II. c. 3, and is
still in common use.

BALE, TO. To lade water out of a ship or vessel with buckets (which
were of old called _bayles_), cans, or the like, when the pumps are
ineffective or choked.

BALEEN. The scientific term for the whalebone of commerce, derived from
_balæna_, a whale. It consists of a series of long horny plates growing
from each side of the palate in place of teeth.

BALE GOODS. Merchandise packed in large bundles, not in cases or casks.

BALENOT. A porpoise or small whale which frequents the river St.
Lawrence.

BALESTILHA. The cross-staff of the early Portuguese navigators.

BALINGER, OR BALANGHA. A kind of small sloop or barge; small vessels of
war formerly without forecastles. The name was also given by some of the
early voyagers to a large trading-boat of the Philippines and Moluccas.

BALISTES. A fish with mailed skin. File-fish.

BALIZAS. Land and sea marks on Portuguese coasts.

BALK. Straight young trees after they are felled and squared; a beam or
timber used for temporary purposes, and under 8 inches square. Balks, of
timber of any squared size, as mahogany, intended for planks, or, when
very large, for booms or rafts.

BALKAR. A man placed on an eminence, like the ancient Olpis, to watch
the movements of shoals of fish. In our early statutes he is called
_balcor_.

BALL. In a general sense, implies a spherical and round body, whether
naturally so or formed into that figure by art. In a military view it
comprehends all sorts of bullets for fire-arms, from the cannon to the
pistol: also those pyrotechnic projectiles for guns or mortars, whether
intended to destroy, or only to give light, smoke, or stench.

BALLAHOU. A sharp-floored fast-sailing schooner, with taunt fore-and-aft
sails, and no top-sails, common in Bermuda and the West Indies. The
fore-mast of the ballahou rakes forward, the main-mast aft.

BALL-AND-SOCKET. A clever adaptation to give astronomical or surveying
instruments full play and motion every way by a brass ball fitted into a
spherical cell, and usually carried by an endless screw.

BALLARAG, TO. To abuse or bully. Thus Warton of the French king--

        "You surely thought to _ballarag_ us
    With your fine squadron off Cape Lagos."

BALLAST. A certain portion of stone, pig-iron, gravel, water, or such
like materials, deposited in a ship's hold when she either has no cargo
or too little to bring her sufficiently low in the water. It is used to
counter-balance the effect of the wind upon the masts, and give the ship
a proper stability, that she may be enabled to carry sail without
danger of overturning. The art of ballasting consists in placing the
centre of gravity, so as neither to be too high nor too low, too far
forward nor too far aft, and that the surface of the water may nearly
rise to the extreme breadth amidships, and thus the ship will be enabled
to carry a good sail, incline but little, and ply well to windward. A
want of true knowledge in this department has led to putting too great a
weight in ships' bottoms, which impedes their sailing and endangers
their masts by excessive rolling, the consequence of bringing the centre
of gravity too low. It should be trimmed with due regard to the
capacity, gravity, and flooring, and to the nature of whatever is to be
deposited thereon. (_See_ TRIM.)

BALLAST. As a verb, signifies to steady;--as a substantive, a
comprehensive mind. A man is said to "lose his ballast" when his
judgment fails him, or he becomes top-heavy from conceit.

BALLASTAGE. An old right of the Admiralty in all our royal rivers, of
levying a rate for supplying ships with ballast.

BALLAST-BASKET. Usually made of osier, for the transport and measure of
shingle-ballast. Supplied to the gunner for transport of loose
ammunition.

BALLAST-LIGHTER A large flat-floored barge, for heaving up and carrying
ballast.

BALLAST-MARK. The horizontal line described by the surface of the water
on the body of a ship, when she is immersed with her usual weight of
ballast on board.

BALLAST-MASTER. A person appointed to see the port-regulations in
respect to ballast carried out.

BALLAST-PORTS. Square holes cut in the sides of merchantmen for taking
in ballast. But should be securely barred and caulked in before
proceeding to sea.

BALLAST-SHIFTING. When by heavy rolling the ballast shifts in the hold.

BALLAST-SHINGLE. Composed of coarse gravel.

BALLAST-SHOOTING. (_See_ SHOOTS.) In England, and indeed in most
frequented ports, the throwing of ballast overboard is strictly
prohibited and subject to fine.

BALLAST-SHOVEL. A peculiar square and spoon-pointed iron shovel.

BALLAST-TRIM. When a vessel has only ballast on board.

BALLATOON. A sort of long heavy luggage-vessel of upwards of a hundred
tons, employed on the river between Moscow and the Caspian Sea.

BALL-CARTRIDGE. For small arms.

BALL-CLAY. Adhesive strong bottom, brought up by the flukes of the
anchors in massy lumps.

BALLISTA. An ancient military engine, like an enormous cross-bow, for
throwing stones, darts, and javelins against the enemy with rapidity and
violence. Also, the name of the geometrical cross called Jacob's staff.

BALLISTER. A cross-bow man.

BALLISTIC PENDULUM. An instrument for determining the velocity of
projectiles. The original pendulum was of very massive construction, the
arc through which it receded when impinged on by the projectile, taking
into account their respective weights, afforded, with considerable
calculation, a measure of the velocity of impact. Latterly the
electro-ballistic pendulum, which by means of electric currents is made
to register with very great accuracy the time occupied by the projectile
in passing over a measured space, has superseded it, as being more
accurate, less cumbrous, and less laborious in its accompanying
calculations.

BALLIUM. A plot of ground in ancient fortifications: called also
_baiky_.

BALLOCH. Gaelic for the discharge of a river into a lake.

BALLOEN. A Siamese decorated state-galley, imitating a sea-monster, with
from seventy to a hundred oars of a side.

BALL-OFF, TO. To twist rope-yarns into balls, with a running end in the
heart for making spun-yarn.

BALLOON-FISH (_Tetraodon_). A plectognathous fish, covered with spines,
which has the power of inflating its body till it becomes almost
globular.

BALLOW. Deep water inside a shoal or bar.

BALL-STELL. The geometrical instrument named _della stella_.

BALLY. A Teutonic word for inclosure, now prefixed to many sea-ports in
Ireland, as Bally-castle, Bally-haven, Bally-shannon, and Bally-water.

BALSA, OR BALZA. A South American tree, very porous, which grows to an
immense height in a few years, and is almost as light as cork. Hence the
balsa-wood is used for the surf-boat called _balsa_. (_See_ JANGADA.)

BALTHEUS ORIONIS. The three bright stars constituting Orion's Belt.

BALUSTERS. The ornamental pillars or pilasters of the balcony or
galleries in the sterns of ships, dividing the ward-room deck from the
one above.

BAMBA. A commercial shell of value on the Gold Coast of Africa and below
it.

BAMBO. An East Indian measure of five English pints.

BAMBOO (_Bambusa arundinacea_). A magnificent articulated cane, which
holds a conspicuous rank in the tropics from its rapid growth and almost
universal properties:--the succulent buds are eaten fresh and the young
stems make excellent preserves. The large stems are useful in
agricultural and domestic implements; also in building both houses and
ships; in making baskets, cages, hats, and furniture, besides sails,
paper, and in various departments of the Indian _materia medica_.

BAMBOOZLE, TO. To decoy the enemy by hoisting false colours.

BANANA (_Musa paradisiaca_). A valuable species of plantain, the fruit
of which is much used in tropical climates, both fresh and made into
bread. Gerarde named it Adam's apple from a notion that it was the
forbidden fruit of Eden; whilst others supposed it to be the grapes
brought out of the Promised Land by the spies of Moses. The spikes of
fruit often weigh forty pounds.

BANCO [Sp.] Seat for rowers.

BAND. The musicians of a band are called idlers in large ships. Also a
small body of armed men or retainers, as the band of gentlemen
pensioners; also an iron hoop round a gun-carriage, mast, &c.; also a
slip of canvas stitched across a sail, to strengthen the parts most
liable to pressure.--_Reef-bands_, rope-bands or robands; rudder-bands
(which see).

BANDAGE. A fillet or swathe, of the utmost importance in surgery. Also,
formerly, parcelling to ropes.

BANDALEERS, OR BANDOLEERS. A wide leathern belt for the carriage of
small cases of wood, covered with leather, each containing a charge for
a fire-lock; in use before the modern cartouche-boxes were introduced.

BANDECOOT. A large species of fierce rat in India, which infests the
drains, &c.

BANDED-DRUM. _See_ GRUNTER.

BANDED-MAIL. A kind of armour which consisted of alternate rows of
leather or cotton and single chain-mail.

BANDEROLD, OR BANDEROLE. A small streamer or banner, usually fixed on a
pike: from _banderola_, Sp. diminutive of _bandera_, the flag or ensign.

BAND-FISH, OR RIBBON-FISHES. A popular name of the _Gymnetrus_ genus.

BANDLE. An Irish measure of two feet in length.

BANG. A mixture of opium, hemp-leaves, and tobacco, of an intoxicating
quality, chewed and smoked by the Malays and other people in the East,
who, being mostly prohibited the use of wine, double upon Mahomet by
indulging in other intoxicating matter, as if the manner of doing it
cleared off the crime of drunkenness. This horrid stuff gives the
maddening excitement which makes a Malay run _amok_ (which see).--_To
bang_ is colloquially used to express excelling or beating rivals.
(_See_ SUFFOLK BANG.)

BANGE. Light fine rain.

BANGLES. The hoops of a spar. Also, the rings on the wrists and ankles
of Oriental people, chiefly used by females.

BANIAN. A sailor's coloured frock-shirt.

BANIAN OR BANYAN DAYS. Those in which no flesh-meat is issued to the
messes. It is obvious that they are a remnant of the maigre days of the
Roman Catholics, who deem it a mortal sin to eat flesh on certain days.
Stock-fish used to be served out, till it was found to promote scurvy.
The term is derived from a religious sect in the East, who, believing in
metempsychosis, eat of no creature endued with life.

BANIAN-TREE. _Ficus indica_ of India and Polynesia. The tendrils from
high branches extend 60 to 80 feet, take root on reaching the ground,
and form a cover over some acres. Religious rites from which women are
excluded are there performed.

BANJO. The brass frame in which the screw-propeller of a steamer works,
and is hung for hoisting the screw on deck. This frame fits between
slides fixed on the inner and outer stern-posts; resting in large
carriages firmly secured thereto. The banjo is essential to lifting the
screw.--Also, the rude instrument used in negro concerts.

BANK. The right or left boundary of a river, in looking from its source
towards the sea, and the immediate margin or border of a lake. Also, a
thwart, _banco_, or bench, for the rowers in a galley. Also, a rising
ground in the sea, differing from a shoal, because not rocky but
composed of sand, mud, or gravel. Also, mural elevations constructed of
clay, stones, or any materials at hand, to prevent inundations.

BANK, TO. Also, an old word meaning to sail along the margins or banks
of river-ports: thus Shakspeare in "King John" makes Lewis the Dauphin
demand--

    "Have I not heard these islanders shout out
    _Vive le Roy!_ as I have _bank'd_ their towns?"

BANKA. A canoe of the Philippines, consisting of a single piece.

BANKER. A vessel employed in the deep-sea cod-fishery on the great banks
of Newfoundland. Also, a man who works on the sides of a canal, or on an
embankment; a navvy.

BANK-FIRES. In steamers, taking advantage of a breeze by allowing the
fires to burn down low, and then pulling them down to a side of the
bridge of the fire-place, and there covering them up with ashes taken
from the ash-pit, at the same time nearly closing the dampers in the
funnel and ash-pit doors. This, with attention on the part of the
engineers, will maintain the water hot, and a slight pressure of steam
in the boilers. When fuel is added and draught induced the fires are
said to be "drawn forward," and steam is speedily generated.

BANK-HARBOUR. That which is protected from the violence of the sea by
banks of mud, gravel, sand, shingle, or silt.

BANK-HOOK. A large fish-hook laid baited in running water, attached by a
line to the bank.

BANKING. A general term applied to fishing on the great bank of
Newfoundland.

BANK OF OARS [_banco_, Sp.] A seat or bench for rowers in the happily
all but extinct galley: these are properly called the athwarts, but
thwarts by seamen. The common galleys have 25 banks on each side, with
one oar to each bank, and four men to each oar. The galeasses have 32
banks on a side, and 6 or 7 rowers to each bank. (_See_ DOUBLE-BANKED,
when two men pull separate oars on the same thwart.)

BANKSAL, OR BANKSAUL, and in Calcutta spelled _bankshall_. A shop,
office, or other place, for transacting business. Also, a square
inclosure at the pearl-fishery. Also, a beach store-house wherein ships
deposit their rigging and furniture while undergoing repair. Also, where
small commercial courts and arbitrations are held.

BANN. A proclamation made in the army by beat of drum, sound of trumpet,
&c., requiring the strict observance of discipline, either for the
declaring of a new officer, the punishing an offender, or the like.

BANNAG. A northern name for a white trout, a sea-trout.

BANNAK-FLUKE. A name of the turbot, as distinguished from the halibut.

BANNER. A small square flag edged with fringe.

BANNERER. The bearer of a banner.

BANNERET. A knight made on the field of battle.

BANNEROL. A little banner or streamer.

BANNOCK. A name given to a certain hard ship-biscuit.

BANQUETTE. In fortification, a small terrace, properly of earth, on the
inside of the parapet, of such height that the defenders standing on it
may conveniently fire over the top.

BANSTICKLE. A diminutive fish, called also the three-spined stickleback
(_Gasterosteus aculeatus_).

BAPTISM. A ceremony practised on passengers on their first passing the
equinoctial line: a riotous and ludicrous custom, which from the
violence of its ducking, shaving, and other practical jokes, is becoming
annually less in vogue. It is esteemed a usurpation of privilege to
baptize on crossing the tropics.

BAR, OF A PORT OR HARBOUR. An accumulated shoal or bank of sand,
shingle, gravel, or other uliginous substances, thrown up by the sea to
the mouth of a river or harbour, so as to endanger, and sometimes
totally prevent, the navigation into it.--_Bars of rivers_ are some
shifting and some permanent. The position of the bar of any river may
commonly be guessed by attending to the form of the shores at the
embouchure. The shore on which the deposition of sediment is going on
will be flat, whilst the opposite one is steep. It is along the side of
the latter that the deepest channel of the river lies; and in the line
of this channel, but without the points that form the mouth of the
river, will be the _bar_. If both the shores are of the same nature,
which seldom happens, the bar will lie opposite the middle of the
channel. Rivers in general have what may be deemed a bar, in respect of
the depth of the channel within, although it may not rise high enough to
impede the navigation--for the increased deposition that takes place
when the current slackens, through the want of declivity, and of shores
to retain it, must necessarily form a bank. Bars of small rivers may be
deepened by means of stockades to confine the river current, and prolong
it beyond the natural points of the river's mouth. They operate to
remove the place of deposition further out, and into deeper water. Bars,
however, act as breakwaters in most instances, and consequently secure
smooth water within them. The deposit in all curvilinear or serpentine
rivers will always be found at the point opposite to the curve into
which the ebb strikes and rebounds, deepening the hollow and depositing
on the tongue. Therefore if it be deemed advisable to change the
position of a bar, it may be in some cases aided by works projected on
the last curve sea-ward. By such means a parallel canal may be forced
which will admit vessels under the cover of the bar.--_Bar_, a boom
formed of huge trees, or spars lashed together, moored transversely
across a port, to prevent entrance or egress.--_Bar_, the short bits of
bar-iron, about half a pound each, used as the medium of traffic on the
Negro coast.--_Bar-harbour_, one which, from a bar at its entrance,
cannot admit ships of great burden, or can only do so at
high-water.--_Capstan-bars_, large thick bars put into the holes of the
drumhead of the capstan, by which it is turned round, they working as
horizontal radial levers.--_Hatch-bars_, flat iron bars to lock over the
hatches for security from theft, &c.--_Port-bar_, a piece of wood or
iron variously fitted to secure a gun-port when shut.--_Bar-shallow_, a
term sometimes applied to a portion of a bar with less water on it than
on other parts of the bar.--_Bar-shot_, two half balls joined together
by a bar of iron, for cutting and destroying spars and rigging. When
whole balls are thus fitted they are more properly double-headed
shot.--_To bar._ To secure the lower-deck ports, as above.

BARACOOTA. A tropical fish (_Sphyræna baracuda_), considered in the West
Indies to be dangerously poisonous at times, nevertheless eaten, and
deemed the sea-salmon.

BARBACAN. In fortification, an outer defence.

BARBADOES-TAR. A mineral fluid bitumen resembling petroleum, of nauseous
taste and offensive smell.

BARBALOT. The barbel. Also, a puffin.

BARB-BOLTS. Those which have their points jagged or barbed to make them
hold securely, where those commonly in use cannot be clinched. The same
as _rag-bolt_. Those of copper used for the false keel.

BARBECUE. A tropical custom of dressing a pig whole.

BARBEL (_Barbus vulgaris_). An English river-fish of the carp family,
distinguished by the four appendant beards, whence its name is derived.
It is between 2 and 3 feet in length, and coarse. Also, _barbel_ is a
small piece of armour which protects part of the bassenet.

BARBER. A rating on the ships' books for one who shaves the people, for
which he receives the pay of an ordinary seaman. In meteorology,
_barber_ is a singular vapour rising in streams from the sea
surface,--owing probably to exhalations being condensed into a visible
form, on entering a cold atmosphere. It is well known on the shores of
Nova Scotia. Also, the condensed breath in frosty weather on beard or
moustaches in Arctic travelling.

BARBETTE. A mode of mounting guns to fire over the parapet, so as to
have free range, instead of through embrasures.

BARCA-LONGA. A large Spanish undecked coasting-vessel, navigated with
pole-masts, _i.e._ single-masts, without any top-mast or upper part; and
high square sails, called lug-sails. Propelled with sweeps as well. The
name is also applied to Spanish gunboats by our seamen.

BARCES. Short guns with a large bore formerly used in ships.

BARCHETTA. A small bark for transporting water, provisions, &c.

BARCONE. A short Mediterranean lighter.

BAREKA. A small barrel: spelled also _barika_ (Sp. _baréca_). Hence the
nautical name _breaker_ for a small cask or keg.

BARE-POLES. The condition of a ship having no sails set when out at sea,
and either scudding or lying-to by stress of weather. (_See_ UNDER BARE
POLES.)

BARE-ROOM. An old phrase for _bore-down_.

BARGE. A boat of a long, slight, and spacious construction, generally
carvel-built, double-banked, for the use of admirals and captains of
ships of war.--_Barge_, in boat attacks, is next in strength to the
launch. It is likewise a vessel or boat of state, furnished and equipped
in the most sumptuous style;--and of this sort we may naturally suppose
to have been the famous barge or galley of Cleopatra, which, according
to the beautiful description of Shakspeare--

                          "Like a burnished throne
    Burnt on the water: the poop was beaten gold,
    Purple her sails; and so perfumed, that
    The winds were love-sick with them; the oars were silver.
    Which to the tune of flutes kept time, and made
    The water which they beat to follow faster
    As amorous of their strokes."

The barges of the lord-mayor, civic companies, &c., and the coal-barges
of the Thames are varieties. Also, an early man-of-war, of about 100
tons. Also, an east-country vessel of peculiar construction. Also, a
flat-bottomed vessel of burden, used on rivers for conveying goods from
one place to another, and loading and unloading ships: it has various
names, as a Ware barge, a west-country barge, a sand barge, a row-barge,
a Severn trough, a light horseman, &c. They are usually fitted with a
large sprit-sail to a mast, which, working upon a hinge, is easily
struck for passing under bridges. Also, the bread-barge or tray or
basket, for containing biscuit at meals.

BARGEES. The crews of canal-boats and barges.

BARGE-MATE. The officer who steers when a high personage is to visit the
ship.

BARGE-MEN. The crew of the barge, who are usually picked men. Also, the
large maggots with black heads that infest biscuit.

BARGET. An old term for a small barge.

BARILLA. An alkali procured by burning _Salsola kali_ and other
sea-shore plants. It forms a profitable article of Mediterranean
commerce. (_See_ KELP.)

BARK. The exterior covering of vegetable bodies, many of which are
useful in making paper, cordage, cloth, dyes, and medicines.

BARK, OR BARQUE [from _barca_, Low Latin]. A general name given to small
ships, square-sterned, without head-rails; it is, however, peculiarly
appropriated by seamen to a three-masted vessel with only fore-and-aft
sails on her mizen-mast.--_Bark-rigged._ Rigged as a bark, with no
square sails on the mizen-mast.

BARKANTINE, OR BARQUANTINE. A name applied on the great lakes of North
America to a vessel square-rigged on the fore-mast, and fore-and-aft
rigged on the main and mizen masts. They are not three-masted schooners,
as they have a regular brigantine's fore-mast. They are long in
proportion to their other dimensions, to suit the navigation of the
canals which connect some of these lakes.

BARKERS. An old term for lower-deck guns and pistols.

BARKEY. A sailor's term for the pet ship to which he belongs.

BARKING-IRONS. Large duelling pistols.

BARLING. An old term for the lamprey.--_Barling-spars_, fit for any
smaller masts or yards.

BARNACLE (_Lepas anatifera_). A species of shell-fish, often found
sticking by its pedicle to the bottom of ships, doing no other injury
than deadening the way a little:

    "_Barnacles_, termed _soland geese_
    In th' islands of the Orcades."--_Hudibras._

They were formerly supposed to produce the barnacle-goose! (vide old
cyclopedias): the poet, however, was too good a naturalist to believe
this, but here, as in many other places, he means to banter some of the
papers which were published by the first establishers of the Royal
Society. The shell is compressed and multivalve. The tentacula are long
and pectinated like a feather, whence arose the fable of their becoming
geese. They belong to the order of _Cirripeds_.

BARNAGH. The Manx or Gaelic term for a limpet.

BAROMETER. A glass tube of 36 inches in length, filled with the open end
upwards with refined mercury--thus boiled and suddenly inverted into a
cistern, which is furnished with a leathern bag, on which the
atmosphere, acting by its varying weight, presses the fluid metal up to
corresponding heights in the tube, easily read off by an external scale
attached thereto. By attentive observations on this simple prophet,
practised seamen are enabled to foretell many approaching changes of
wind or weather, and thus by shortening sail in time, save hull, spars,
and lives. This instrument also affords the means of accurately
determining the heights or depressions of mountains and valleys. This is
the _mercurial_ barometer; another, the _aneroid_ barometer, invented by
Monsr. Vidi, measures approximately, but not with the permanence of the
mercurial. It is constructed to measure the weight of a column of air or
pressure of the atmosphere, by pressure on a very delicate metallic box
hermetically sealed. It is more sensible to passing changes, but not so
reliable as the mercurial barometer. 29·60 is taken as the mean pressure
in England; as it rises or falls below this mark, fine weather or strong
winds may be looked for:--30·60 is very high, and 29·00 very low. The
barometer is affected by the direction of the wind, thus N.N.E. is the
highest, and S.S.W. the lowest--therefore these matters govern the
decision of men of science, who are not led astray by the change of
reading alone. The seaman pilot notes the heavens; the direction of the
wind--and the pressure due to that direction--not forgetting sudden
changes of temperature. Attention is due to the surface, whether convex
or concave.

BARQUE. The same as _bark_ (which see).

BARR. A peremptory exception to a proposition.

BARRA-BOATS. Vessels of the Western Isles of Scotland, carrying ten or
twelve men. They are extremely sharp fore and aft, having no floor, but
with sides rising straight from the keel, so that a transverse section
resembles the letter V. They are swift and safe, for in proportion as
they heel to a breeze their bearings are increased, while from their
lightness they are as buoyant as Norway skiffs.

BARRACAN. A strong undiapered camblet, used for garments in the Levant
and in Barbary; anciently it formed the Roman toga.

BARRACK-MASTER. The officer placed in charge of a barrack.

BARRACKS. Originally mere log-huts, but of late extensive houses built
for the accommodation and quartering of troops. Also, the portion of the
lower deck where the marines mess. Also, little cabins made by Spanish
fishermen on the sea-shore, called _barracas_, whence our name.

BARRACK SMACK. A corruption of _Berwick smack_; a word applied to small
Scotch traders. The masters were nicknamed _barrack-masters_.

BARRATRY. Any fraudulent act of the master or mariners committed to the
prejudice of the ship's owners or underwriters, whether by fraudulently
losing the vessel, deserting her, selling her, or committing any other
embezzlement. The diverting a ship from her right course, with evil
intent, is barratry.

BARRED KILLIFISH. A small fish from two to four inches in length, which
frequents salt-water creeks, floats, and the vicinity of wharves.

BARREL. A cylindrical vessel for holding both liquid and dry goods.
Also, a commercial measure of 31-1/2 gallons.

BARREL OF A CAPSTAN. The cylinder between the whelps and the paul rim,
constituting the main-piece.

BARREL OF A PUMP. The wooden tube which forms the body of the engine.

BARREL OF SMALL ARMS. The tube through which the bullets are discharged.
In artillery the term belongs to the construction of certain guns, and
signifies the inner tube, as distinguished from the breech piece,
trunnion-piece, and hoops or outer coils, the other essential parts of
"built-up guns" (which see).

BARREL OF THE WHEEL. The cylinder round which the tiller-ropes are
wound.

BARREL-BUILDER. The old rating for a cooper.

BARREL-BULK. A measure of capacity for freight in a ship, equal to five
cubic feet: so that eight barrel-bulk are equal to one ton measurement.

BARREL-SCREW. A powerful machine, consisting of two large poppets, or
male screws, moved by levers in their heads, upon a bank of plank, with
a female screw at each end. It is of great use in starting a launch.

BARRICADE. A strong wooden rail, supported by stanchions extending as a
fence across the foremost part of the quarter-deck, on the top of which
some of the seamen's hammocks are usually stowed in time of battle. In a
vessel of war the vacant spaces between the stanchions are commonly
filled with rope-mats, cork, or pieces of old cable; and the upper part,
which contains a double rope-netting above the sail, is stuffed with
full hammocks to intercept small shot in the time of battle. Also, a
temporary fortification or fence made with abatis, palisades, or any
obstacles, to bar the approach of an enemy by a given avenue.

BARRIER OF ICE. Ice stretching from the land-ice to the sea or main ice,
or across a channel, so as to render it impassable.

BARRIER REEFS. Coral reefs that either extend in straight lines in front
of the shores of a continent or large island, or encircle smaller isles,
in both cases being separated from the land by a channel of water.
Barrier reefs in New South Wales, the Bermudas, Laccadives, Maldives,
&c.

BARRIERS. A martial exercise of men armed with short swords, within
certain railings which separated them from the spectators. It has long
been discontinued in England.

BARROW. A hillock, a tumulus.

BARSE. The common river-perch.

BARTIZAN. The overhanging turrets on a battlement.

BARUTH. An Indian measure, with a corresponding weight of 3-1/2 lbs.
avoirdupois.

BASE. The breech of a gun. Also, the lowest part of the perimeter of a
geometrical figure. When applied to a delta it is that edge of it which
is washed by the sea, or recipient of the deltic branches. Also, the
lowest part of a mountain or chain of mountains. Also, the level line on
which any work stands, as the foot of a pillar. Also, an old boat-gun; a
wall-piece on the musketoon principle, carrying a five-ounce ball.

BASE-LINE. In strategy, the line joining the various points of a base of
operations. In surveying, the base on which the triangulation is
founded.

BASE OF OPERATIONS. In strategy, one or a series of strategic points at
which are established the magazines and means of supply necessary for an
army in the field.

BASE-RING. In guns of cast-metal, the flat moulding round the breech at
that part where the longitudinal surface ends and the vertical
termination or cascable begins. The length of the gun is reckoned from
the after-edge of the base-ring to the face of the muzzle: but in
built-up guns, there being generally no base-ring moulded, and the
breech assuming various forms, the length is measured from the
after-extreme of the breech, exclusive of any button or other adjunct.

BASHAW. A Turkish title of honour and command; more properly _pacha_.

BASIL. The angle to which the edge of shipwrights' cutting tools is
ground away.

BASILICON. An ointment composed of wax, resin, pitch, black resin, and
olive oil. _Yellow basilicon_, of olive oil, yellow resin, Burgundy
pitch, and turpentine.

BASILICUS. A name of Regulus or the Lion's Heart, {a} Leonis; a star of
the first magnitude.

BASILISK. An old name for a long 48-pounder, the gun next in size to the
carthoun: called basilisk from the snakes or dragons sculptured in the
place of dolphins. According to Sir William Monson its random range was
3000 paces. Also, in still earlier times, a gun throwing an iron ball of
200 lbs. weight.

BASILLARD. An old term for a poniard.

BASIN. A wet-dock provided with flood-gates for restraining the water,
in which shipping may be kept afloat in all times of tide. Also, all
those sheltered spaces of water which are nearly surrounded with slopes
from which waters are received; these receptacles have a circular shape
and narrow entrance. Geographically basins may be divided, as upper,
lower, lacustrine, fluvial, Mediterranean, &c.

BASIS. _See_ BASE.

BASKET. In field-works, baskets or corbeilles are used, to be filled
with earth, and placed by one another, to cover the men from the enemy's
shot.

BASKET-FISH. A name for several species of _Euryale_; a kind of
star-fish, the arms of which divide and subdivide many times, and curl
up and intertwine at the ends, giving the whole animal something of the
appearance of a round basket.

BASKET-HILT. The guard continued up the hilt of a cutlass, so as to
protect the whole hand from injury.

BASKING SHARK. So called from being often seen lying still in the
sunshine. A large cartilaginous fish, the _Squalus maximus_ of Linnæus,
inhabiting the Northern Ocean. It attains a length of 30 feet, but is
neither fierce nor voracious. Its liver yields from eight to twelve
barrels of oil.

BASS, OR BAST. A soft sedge or rush (_Juncus lævis_), of which coarse
kinds of rope and matting are made. A Gaelic term for the blade of an
oar.

BASSE. A species of perch (_Perca labrax_), found on the coast and in
estuaries, commonly about 18 inches long.

BASSOS. A name in old charts for shoals; whence bas-fond and
basso-fondo. Rocks a-wash, or below water.

BAST. Lime-tree, linden (_Tilia europea_). Bast is made also from the
bark of various other trees, macerated in water till the fibrous layers
separate. In the Pacific Isles it is very fine and strong, from
_Hibiscus tiliaceus_.

BASTA. A word in former use for _enough_, from the Italian.

BASTARD. A term applied to all pieces of ordnance which are of unusual
or irregular proportions: the government bastard-cannon had a 7-inch
bore, and sent a 40-lb. shot. Also, a fair-weather square sail in some
Mediterranean craft, and occasionally used for an awning.

BASTARD-MACKEREL, OR HORSE-MACKEREL. The _Caranx trachurus_, a dry,
coarse, and unwholesome fish, of the family _Scombridæ_, very common in
the Mediterranean.

BASTARD-PITCH. A mixture of colophony, black pitch, and tar. They are
boiled down together, and put into barrels of pine-wood, forming, when
the ingredients are mixed in equal portions, a substance of a very
liquid consistence, called in France _bray gras_. If a thicker
consistence is desired, a greater proportion of colophony is added, and
it is cast in moulds. It is then called _bastard-pitch_.

BASTE, TO. To beat in punition. A mode of sewing in sail-making.

BASTILE. A temporary wooden tower, used formerly in naval and military
warfare.

BASTIONS. Projecting portions of a rampart, so disposed that the bottom
of the escarp of each part of the whole rampart may be defended from the
parapet of some other part. Their form and dimensions are influenced by
many considerations, especially by the effect and range of fire-arms;
but it is essential to them to have two faces and two flanks; the former
having an average length, according to present systems, of 130 yards,
the latter of 40 yards.

BASTON, OR BATON. A club used of old by authority. (_See_ BATOON.)

BASTONADO. Beating a criminal with sticks [from _bastone_, a cudgel]. A
punishment common among Jews, Greeks, and Romans, and still practised in
the Levant, China, and Russia.

BAT, OR SEA-BAT. An Anglo-Saxon term for boat or vessel. Also a
broad-bodied thoracic fish, with a small head, and distinguished by its
large triangular dorsal and anal fins, which exceed the length of the
body. It is the _Chætodon vespertilio_ of naturalists.

BAT AND FORAGE. A regulated allowance in money and forage to officers in
the field.

BATARDATES. Square-stemmed row-galleys.

BATARDEAU. In fortification, a dam of masonry crossing the ditch: its
top is constructed of such a form as to afford no passage along it.

BATARDELLES. Galleys less strong than the capitana, and placed on each
side of her.

BATEAU. A flat-bottomed, sharp-ended clumsy boat, used on the rivers and
lakes of Canada; some of them are large. Also a peculiar army pontoon.

BATED. A plump, full-roed fish is said to be bated.

BATELLA. A small plying-boat.

BATH. (_See_ WASHING-PLACE.) An order of knighthood instituted in 1339,
revived in 1725, and enlarged as a national reward of naval and military
merit in January, 1815. Henry IV. gave this name, because the forty-six
esquires on whom he conferred this honour at his coronation had watched
all the previous night, and then _bathed_ as typical of their pure
virtue. The order was supposed to belong to men who distinguished
themselves by valour as regards the navy, but it is now deemed an
inferior representation of court favour.

BATILLAGE. An old term for boat-hire.

BATMAN. A Turkish weight of 6 okes, or about 18 lbs. English. There is
also a smaller batman in Turkey, of about 4 lbs. 10 ozs. English. In
Persia there are also two batmans--the larger equal to 12 lbs. English,
and the other is of about half that weight. Also, a soldier assigned to
a mounted officer as groom.

BATOON, BASTON, OR BATON. A staff, truncheon, or badge of military
honour for field-marshals. A term in heraldry. Also, _batoons of St.
Paul_, the fossil spines of echini, found in Malta and elsewhere.

BAT-SWAIN. An Anglo-Saxon expression for boatswain.

BATTA. Extra allowance of pay granted to troops in India, varying
somewhat with the nature of the service they are employed upon, and
their distance from the capital of the presidency.

BATTALIA. The order of battle.

BATTALION. A force of soldiers, complete in staff and officers, of such
strength as will allow of its man[oe]uvres on the field of battle being
intimately regulated by one superior officer. The term is now proper to
infantry only, and represents from 500 to 1000 men. It is the ordinary
unit made use of in estimating the infantry strength of an army.

BATTARD. An early cannon of small size.

BATTELOE. A lateen-rigged vessel of India.

BATTENING THE HATCHES. Securing the tarpaulins over them. (_See_ BATTENS
OF THE HATCHES.)

BATTENS. In general, scantlings of wood from 1 inch to 3 inches broad.
Long slips of fir used for setting fair the sheer lines of a ship, or
drawing the lines by in the moulding loft, and setting off distances.

BATTENS FOR HAMMOCKS. _See_ HAMMOCK-BATTENS.

BATTENS OF THE HATCHES. Long narrow laths, or straightened hoops of
casks, serving by the help of nailing to confine the edges of the
tarpaulins, and keep them close down to the sides of the hatchways, in
bad weather. Also, thin strips of wood put upon rigging, to keep it from
chafing, by those who dislike mats: when large these are designated
_Scotchmen_.

BATTERING GUNS. Properly guns whose weight and power fit them for
demolishing by direct force the works of the enemy; hence all heavy, as
distinguished from field or light, guns come under the term. (_See_
SIEGE-ARTILLERY and GARRISON GUNS.)

BATTERING RAM. _See_ RAM.

BATTERING TRAIN. The train of heavy ordnance necessary for a siege,
which, since the copious introduction of vertical and other shell fire,
is more correctly rendered by the term siege-train (which see).

BATTERY. A place whereon cannon, mortars, &c., are or may be mounted for
action. It generally has a parapet for the protection of the gunners,
and other defences and conveniences according to its importance and
objects. (_See also_ FLOATING BATTERY.) Also, a company of artillery. In
field-artillery it includes men, guns (usually six in the British
service), horses, carriages, &c., complete for service.

BATTLE. An engagement between two fleets, or even single ships, usually
called a sea-fight or engagement. The conflict between the forces of two
contending armies.

BATTLE LANTERNS (American). _See_ FIGHTING-LANTERNS.

BATTLEMENTS. The vertical notches or openings made in the parapet walls
of old castles and fortified buildings, to serve for embrasures to the
bowmen, arquebusiers, &c., of former days.

BATTLE-ROYAL. A term derived from cock-fighting, but generally applied
to a noisy confused row.

BATTLE THE WATCH, TO. To shift as well as we can; to contend with a
difficulty. To depend on one's own exertions.

BATTLING-STONE. A large stone with a smooth surface by the side of a
stream, on which washers beat their linen.

BATTS. A north-country term for flat grounds adjoining islands in
rivers, sometimes used for the islands themselves.

BAT-WARD. An old term for a boat-keeper.

BAUN. _See_ BORE.

BAVIER. The beaver of a helmet.

BAVIN. Brushwood bound up with only one withe: a faggot is tied with
two. It is often spelled _baven_, but Shakspeare has

                "Rash bavin wits,
    Soon kindled and soon burned."

This underwood is sometimes procurable by ships where none other can be
got. Bavin in war applies to fascines.

BAW-BURD. An old expression of larboard.

BAWDRICK. Corrupted from _baldrick_. A girdle or sword-belt.

BAWE. A species of worm, formerly used as a bait for fishing.

BAWGIE. One of the names given to the great black and white gull (_Larus
marinus_) in the Shetlands.

BAWKIE. A northern term for the auk, or razor-bill.

BAXIOS. [Sp.] Rocks or sand-banks covered with water. Scopuli.

BAY. The fore-part of a ship between decks, before the bitts (_see_
SICK-BAY). Foremost messing-places between decks in ships of war.

BAY. An inlet of the sea formed by the curvature of the land between two
capes or headlands, often used synonymously with gulf; though, in strict
accuracy, the term should be applied only to those large recesses which
are wider from cape to cape than they are deep. Exposed to sea-winds, a
bay is mostly insecure. A bay is distinguished from a bend, as that a
vessel may not be able to fetch out on either tack, and is embayed. A
bay has proportionably a wider entrance than either a gulf or haven; a
creek has usually a small inlet, and is always much less than a bay.

BAY. Laurel; hence crowned with bays.

BAYAMOS. Violent blasts of wind blowing from the land, on the south side
of Cuba, and especially from the Bight of Bayamo, by which some of our
cruisers have been damaged. They are accompanied by vivid lightning, and
generally terminate in rain.

BAY-GULF. A branch of the sea, of which the entrance is the widest part,
as contradistinguished from the strait-gulf. The Bay of Biscay is a
well-known example of the semicircular gulf.

BAY-ICE. Ice newly formed on the surface of the sea, and having the
colour of the water; it is then in the first stage of consolidation. The
epithet is, however, also applied to ice a foot or two in thickness in
bays.

BAYLE. An old term for bucket.

BAYONET [Sp. _bayoneta_]. A pike-dagger to fit on the muzzle of a
musket, so as not to interfere with its firing.

BAZAR, OR BAZAAR. A market or market-place. An oriental term.

BAZARAS. A large flat-bottomed pleasure-boat of the Ganges, moved with
both sails and oars.

BEACH. A littoral margin, or line of coast along the sea-shore, composed
of sand, gravel, shingle, broken shells, or a mixture of them all: any
gently sloping part of the coast alternately dry and covered by the
tide. The same as _strand_.

BEACH, TO. Sudden landing--to run a boat on the shore, to land a person
with intent to desert him--an old buccaneer custom. To land a boat on a
beach before a dangerous sea, this demands practical skill, for which
the Dover and Deal men are famed.

BEACH-COMBERS. Loiterers around a bay or harbour.

BEACH-COMBING. Loafing about a port to filch small things.

BEACH-FLEA. A small crustacean (_Talitra_) frequenting sandy shores.

BEACH-GRASS. _Alga marina_ thrown up by the surf or tide.

BEACHING A VESSEL. _See under_ VOLUNTARY STRANDING. Also, the act of
running a vessel up on the beach for various purposes where there is no
other accommodation.

BEACH-MAN. A person on the coast of Africa who acts as interpreter to
shipmasters, and assists them in conducting the trade.

BEACH-MASTER. A superior officer, captain, appointed to superintend
disembarkation of an attacking force, who holds plenary powers, and
generally leads the storming party. His acts when in the heat of action,
if he summarily shoot a coward, are unquestioned--poor Falconer, to wit!

BEACH-MEN. A name applied to boatmen and those who land people through a
heavy surf.

BEACH-RANGERS. Men hanging about sea-ports, who have been turned out of
vessels for bad conduct.

BEACH-TRAMPERS. A name applied to the coast-guard.

BEACON. [Anglo-Saxon, _béacn_.] A post or stake erected over a shoal or
sand-bank, as a warning to seamen to keep at a distance; also a
signal-mark placed on the top of hills, eminences, or buildings near the
shore for the safe guidance of shipping.

BEACONAGE. A payment levied for the maintenance of beacons.

BEAFT. Often used by east-country men for abaft.

BEAK, OR BEAK-HEAD. A piece of brass like a beak, fixed at the head of
the ancient galleys, with which they pierced their enemies. Pisæus is
said to have first added the rostrum or beak-head. Later it was a small
platform at the fore part of the upper deck, but the term is now applied
to that part without the ship before the forecastle, or knee of the
head, which is fastened to the stem and is supported by the main knee.
Latterly, to meet steam propulsion, the whole of this is enlarged,
strengthened, and armed with iron plates, and thus the armed stem
revives the ancient strategy in sea-fights. Shakspeare makes Ariel thus
allude to the beak in the "Tempest:"--

    "I boarded the king's ship; now on the beak,
    Now in the waist, the deck, in every cabin,
    I flam'd amazement."

BEAKER. A flat drinking tumbler or cup, from the German _becher_. (_See_
BICKER.)

BEAK-HEAD BEAM. For this important timber _see_ CAT-BEAM.

BEAK-HEAD BULK-HEAD. The old termination aft of the space called
_beak-head_, which inclosed the fore part of the ship.

BEAL. A word of Gaelic derivation for an opening or narrow pass between
two hills.

BEAM. A long double stratum of murky clouds generally observed over the
surface of the Mediterranean previous to a violent storm or an
earthquake. The French call it _trave_.

BEAM. (_See_ ABEAM.)--_Before the beam_ is an arc of the horizon,
comprehended between a line that crosses the ship's length at right
angles and some object at a distance before it; or between the line of
the beam and that point of the compass which she stems. On the _weather_
or _lee_ beam is in a direction to windward or leeward at right angles
with the keel.

BEAM-ARM. Synonymous with _crow-foot_ (which see).

BEAM-ENDS. A ship is said to be on her beam-ends when she has heeled
over so much on one side that her beams approach to a vertical position;
hence also a person lying down is metaphorically said to be on his
beam-ends.

BEAM-FILLINGS. Short lengths of wood cut to fit in between the beams to
complete the cargo of a timber ship.

BEAM-LINE. A line raised along the inside of the ship fore and aft,
showing the upper sides of the beams at her side.

BEAM OF THE ANCHOR. Synonymous with _anchor-stock_.

BEAMS. Strong transverse pieces of timber stretching across the ship
from one side to the other, to support the decks and retain the sides at
their proper distance, with which they are firmly connected by means of
strong knees, and sometimes of standards. They are sustained at each end
by thick stringers on the ship's side, called shelf-pieces, upon which
they rest. The main-beam is next abaft the main-mast, which is stepped
between two beams with transverse supports termed partners; the foremost
of these is generally termed the main-beam, or the after-beam of the
main-hatchway. The greatest beam of all is called the midship-beam.

BEAN-COD. A small fishing-vessel, or pilot-boat, common on the
sea-coasts and in the rivers of Spain and Portugal; extremely sharp
forward, having its stem bent inward above in a considerable curve; it
is commonly navigated with a large lateen sail, which extends the whole
length of the deck, and sometimes of an out-rigger over the stern, and
is accordingly well fitted to ply to windward. They frequently set as
many as twenty different sails, alow and aloft, by every possible
contrivance, so as to puzzle seamen who are not familiar with the rig.

BEAR. A large block of stone, matted, loaded with shot, and fitted with
ropes, by which it is roused or pulled to and fro to grind the decks
withal. Also, a coir-mat filled with sand similarly used.

BEAR, THE CONSTELLATIONS OF THE. Ursa Major and Minor, most important to
seamen, as instantly indicating by the pointers and pole-star the true
north at night, much more correctly than any compass bearing.

BEAR, TO. The direction of an object from the viewer; it is used in the
following different phrases: The land's end bore E.N.E.; _i.e._ it was
seen from the ship in a line with the E.N.E. point of the compass. We
bore down upon the enemy; _i.e._ having the advantage of the wind, or
being to windward, we approached the enemy by sailing large, or from the
wind. When a ship that was to windward comes under another ship's stern,
and so gives her the wind, she is said to bear under the lee; often as a
mark of respect. She bears in with the land, is said of a ship when she
runs towards the shore. We bore off the land; _i.e._ we increased our
distance from the land.--_To bear down_ upon a ship, is to approach her
from the windward.--_To bear ordnance_, to carry her guns well.--_To
bear sail_, stiff under canvas.--_To bear up_, to put the helm up, and
keep a vessel off her course, letting her recede from the wind and move
to leeward; this is synonymous with _to bear away_, but is applied to
the ship instead of the helm.--_Bear up_, one who has duly served for a
commission, but from want of interest bears up broken-hearted and
accepts an inferior warrant, or quits the profession, seeking some less
important vocation; some middies have borne up and yet become bishops,
lord-chancellors, judges, surgeons, &c.--_To bear up round_, is to put a
ship right before the wind.--_To bring a cannon to bear_, signifies that
it now lies right with the mark.--_To bear off from_, and _in with_ the
land, signifies standing off or going towards the coast.

BEAR A BOB, OR A FIST. Jocular for "lend a hand."

BEAR A HAND. Hasten.

BEARD. The silky filaments or byssus by which some testacea adhere to
rocks. Of an oyster, the gills.

BEARDIE. A northern name of the three-spined stickleback.

BEARDING. The angular fore-part of the rudder, in juxtaposition with the
stern-post. Also, the corresponding bevel of the stern-post. Also, the
bevelling of any piece of timber or plank to any required angle: as the
bearding of dead wood, clamps, &c.

BEARDING-LINE. In ship-building, is a curved line made by bearding the
dead-wood to the shape of the ship's body.

BEARERS. Pieces of plank placed on the bolts which are driven through
the standards or posts for the carpenters' stages to rest upon.

BEARING. An arc of the horizon intercepted between the nearest meridian
and any distant object, either discovered by the eye and referred to a
point on the compass, or resulting from finical proportion. There is the
_true_ or astronomical bearing, and the _magnetic_ bearing. It is also
the situation of any distant object, estimated with regard to the ship's
position; and in this sense the object must bear either ahead, astern,
abreast, on the bow, or on the quarter; if a ship sails with a side
wind, a distant object is said to bear to leeward or to windward, on the
lee quarter or bow, or on the weather quarter or bow.

BEARING BACKSTAYS AFT. To throw the breast backstays out of the
cross-tree horns or out-riggers and bear them aft. If not done, when
suddenly bracing up, the cross-tree horn is frequently sprung or broken
off.

BEARING BINNACLE. A small binnacle with a single compass, usually placed
before the other. In line-of-battle ships it is generally placed on the
fife-rail in the centre and foremost part of the poop.

BEARINGS. The widest part of a vessel below the plank-shear. The line of
flotation which is formed by the water upon her sides when she sits
upright with her provisions, stores, and ballast, on board in proper
trim.

BEARINGS, TO BRING TO HIS. Used in conversation for "to bring to
reason." To bring an unruly subject to his senses, to know he is under
control, to reduce to order.

BEAT. The verb means to excel, surpass, or overcome.

    "And then their ships could only follow,
    For we had beat them all dead hollow."

BEATEN BACK. Returning into port from stress of foul weather.

BEATING, OR TURNING TO WINDWARD. The operation of making progress by
alternate tacks at sea against the wind, in a zig-zag line, or
transverse courses; beating, however, is generally understood to be
turning to windward in a storm or fresh wind.

BEATING THE BOOBY. The beating of the hands from side to side in cold
weather to create artificial warmth.

BEATING WIND. That which requires the ship to make her way by tacks; a
baffling or contrary wind.

BEATSTER. One who _beats_ or mends the Yarmouth herring-nets.

BEAT TO ARMS. The signal by drum to summon the men to their quarters.

BEAT TO QUARTERS. The order for the drummer to summon every one to his
respective station.

BEAVER. A helmet in general, but particularly that part which lets down
to allow of the wearer's drinking.

BECALM, TO. To intercept the current of the wind in its passage to a
ship, by means of any contiguous object, as a high shore, some other
ship to windward, &c. At this time the sails remain in a sort of rest,
and consequently deprived of their power to govern the motion of the
ship. Thus one sail becalms another.

BECALMED. Implies that from the weather being calm, and not a breath of
wind blowing, the sails hang loose against the mast.

BECHE DE MER. _See_ TREPANG.

BECK [the Anglo-Saxon _becca_]. A small mountain-brook or rivulet,
common to all northern dialects. A Gaelic or Manx term for a thwart or
bench in the boat.

BECKET. A piece of rope placed so as to confine a spar or another rope;
anything used to keep loose ropes, tackles, or spars in a convenient
place; hence, beckets are either large hooks or short pieces of rope
with a knot at one end and an eye in the other; or formed like a
circular wreath for handles; as with cutlass hilts, boarding pikes,
tomahawks, &c.; or they are wooden brackets, and probably from a
corruption and misapplication of this last term arose the word becket,
which seems often to be confounded with bracket. Also, a grummet either
of rope or iron, fixed to the bottom of a block, for making fast the
standing end of the fall.

BECKET, THE TACKS AND SHEETS IN THE. The order to hang up the
weather-main and fore-sheet, and the lee-main and fore-tack, to the
small knot and eye becket on the foremost-main and fore-shrouds, when
the ship is close hauled, to prevent them from hanging in the water. A
kind of large cleat seized on a vessel's fore or main rigging for the
sheets and tacks to lie in when not required. Cant term for
pockets--"Hands out of beckets, sir."

BED. Flat thick pieces of wood, lodged under the quarters of casks
containing any liquid, and stowed in a ship's hold, in order to keep
them bilge-free; being steadied upon the beds by means of wedges called
quoins. The impression made by a ship's bottom on the mud on having been
left by an ebb-tide. The bite made in the ground by the fluke of an
anchor. A kind of false deck, or platform, placed on those decks where
the guns were too low for the ports.--_Bed of a gun-carriage_, or
_stool-bed_. The piece of wood between the cheeks or brackets which,
with the intervention of the quoin, supports the breech of the gun. It
is itself supported, forward, on the bed-bolt, and aft, generally with
the intervention of an elevating-screw, on the rear axle-tree.

BED OR BARREL SCREWS. A powerful machine for lifting large bodies, and
placed against the gripe of a ship to be launched for starting her.

BED-BOLT. A horizontal bolt passing through both brackets of a
gun-carriage near their centres, and on which the forward end of the
stool-bed rests.

BEDDING A CASK. Placing dunnage round it.

BEDLAMERS. Young Labrador seals, which set up a dismal cry when they
cannot escape their pursuers--and go madly after each other in the sea.

BED OF A MORTAR. The solid frame on which a mortar is mounted for
firing. For sea-service it is generally made of wood; for land-service,
of iron, except in the smaller natures. In mortar vessels as latterly
fitted, the bed traverses on a central pivot over a large table or
platform of wood, having under it massive india-rubber buffers, to
moderate the jar from the discharge.--_Bed of a river_, that part of the
channel of a stream over which the water generally flows, as also that
part of the basin of a sea or lake on which the water lies.

BED-OF-GUNS. A nautical phrase implying ordnance too heavy for a ship's
scantling, or a fort over-gunned.

BE-DUNDERED. Stupified with noise.

BEE. A ring or hoop of metal.--_Bees of the bowsprit._ (_See_
BEE-BLOCKS.)

BEE-BLOCKS. Pieces of hard wood bolted to the outer end of the bowsprit,
to reeve the fore-topmast stays through, the bolt, serving as a pin,
commonly called bees.

BEEF. A figurative term for strength.--_More beef!_ more men on.

BEEF-KID. A mess utensil for carrying meat from the coppers.

BEETLE. A shipwright's heavy mallet for driving the wedges called
reeming irons, so as to open the seams in order to caulk. (_See_
REEMING.)

BEETLE-HEAD. A large beetle, weighing 1000 lbs., swayed up by a
crabwinch to a height, and dropped by a pincer-shaped hook; it is used
in pile-driving.

BEFORE OR ABAFT THE BEAM. The bearing of any object which is before or
abaft a right line to the keel, at the midship section of a ship.

BEFORE THE MAST. The station of the working seamen, as distinguishing
them from the officers.

BEGGAR-BOLTS. A contemptuous term for the missiles which were thrown by
the galley-slaves at an approaching enemy.

BEHAVIOUR. The action and qualities of a ship under different impulses.
Seamen speak of the manner in which she behaves, as if she acted by her
own instinct.

BEIKAT. _See_ BYKAT.

BEILED. A sea-term in the old law-books, apparently for moored.

BEING. _See_ BING.

BELAY, TO. To fasten a rope when it has been sufficiently hauled upon,
by twining it several times round a cleat, belaying pin, or kevel,
without hitching or seizing; this is chiefly applied to the running
rigging, which needs to be so secured that it may be quickly let go in
case of a squall or change of wind; there being several other
expressions used for securing large ropes, as bitting, making fast,
stoppering, &c.--_Belay there_, stop! that is enough!--_Belay that
yarn_, we have had enough of it. Stand fast, secure all, when a hawser
has been sufficiently hauled. When the top-sails, or other sails have
been hoisted taut up, or "belay the main-tack," &c.

BELAYING PINS. Small wooden or iron cylinders, fixed in racks in
different parts of the ship, for belaying running ropes to.

BELEAGUER. To invest or closely surround an enemy's post, in such manner
as to prevent all relief or communication.

BELFRY. An ornamental frame or shelter, under which the ship's bell is
suspended.

BELL. _Strike the bell._ The order to strike the clapper against the
bell as many times as there are half hours of the watch elapsed; hence
we say it is two bells, three bells, &c., meaning there are two or three
half-hours past. The watch of four hours is eight bells.

BELLA STELLA. A name used by old seamen for the cross-staff.

BELLATRIX. {g} Orionis.

BELL-BUOY. A large can-buoy on which is placed, in wicker-work, a bell,
which is sounded by the heaving and setting of the sea.

BELLIGERENT. An epithet applied to any country which is in a state of
warfare.

BELLOWS. An old hand at the bellows. A colloquialism for a man up to his
duty. "A fresh hand at the _bellows_" is said when a gale increases.

BELL-ROPE. A short rope spliced round a thimble in the eye of the
bell-crank, with a double wall-knot crowned at its end.

BELLS. _See_ WATCH.

BELL-TOP. A name applied to the top of a quarter-gallery, when the upper
stool is hollowed away, or made like a rim.

BELL-WARE. A name of the _Zostera marina_ (which see).

BELLY. The swell of a sail. The inner or hollow part of compass timber;
the outside is called the _back_. To belly a sail is to inflate or fill
it with the wind, so as to give a taut leech.--_Bellying canvas_ is
generally applied to a vessel going free, as when the belly and foot
reefs which will not stand on a wind, are shaken out.--_Bellying to the
breeze_, the sails filling or being inflated by the wind.--_Bellying to
leeward_, when too much sail is injudiciously carried.

BELLY-BAND. A strip of canvas, half way between the close-reef and the
foot of square sails, to strengthen them. Also applied to an army
officer's sash.

BELLY-GUY. A tackle applied half-way up sheers, or long spars that
require support in the middle. Frequently applied to masts that have
been crippled by injudiciously setting up the rigging too taut.

BELLY-MAT. _See_ PAUNCH-MAT.

BELLY-STAY. Used half-mast down when a mast requires support; as
belly-guy, above.

BELOW. The opposite of _on_ or _'pon deck_. Generally used to
distinguish the watch on deck, and those off the watch.

BELT. A metaphorical term in geography for long and proportionally
narrow encircling strips of land having any particular feature; as a
belt of sand, a belt of hills, &c. It is, in use, nearly synonymous with
zone. Also, to beat with a colt or rope's end.

BELTING. A beating; formerly given by a belt.

BELTS. The dusky streaks crossing the surface of the planet Jupiter, and
supposed to be openings in his atmosphere.

BENCHES OF BOATS. The seats in the after-part whereon the passengers
sit; properly stern-sheets, the others are athwarts, whereon the rowers
sit.

BEND, TO. To fasten one rope to another, or to an anchor. The term is
also applied to any sudden or remarkable change in the direction of a
river, and is then synonymous with bight or loop.--_Bend a sail_ is to
extend or make it fast to its proper yard or stay. (_See_ GRANNY'S
BEND.) Also, _bend to your oars_, throw them well forward.

BEND. The chock of the bowsprit.

BENDER. A contrivance to bend small cross-bows, formerly used in the
navy. Also, "look out for a _bender_," or "strike out for a bend,"
applied to coiling the hempen cables.

BENDING ROPES, is to join them together with a bowline knot, and then
make their own ends fast upon themselves; not so secure as splicing, but
sooner done, and readiest, when it is designed to take them asunder
again. There are several bends, as _Carrick-bend_, _hawser-bend_,
_sheet-bend_, _bowline-bend_, &c.

BENDING THE CABLE. The operation of clinching, or tying the cable to the
ring of its anchor. The term is still used for shackling chain-cables to
their anchors.

BEND-MOULD. A mould made to form the futtocks in the square body,
assisted by the _rising-square_ and _floor-hollow_.

BEND ON THE TACK. In hoisting signals, that piece of rope called the
distant line--which keeps the flags so far asunder that they are not
confused. Also, in setting free sails, the studding-sail tack, &c.

BEND-ROLL. A rest formerly used for a heavy musket.

BENDS. The thickest and strongest planks on the outward part of a ship's
side, between the plank-streaks on which men set their feet in climbing
up. They are more properly called wales, or wails. They are reckoned
from the water, and are distinguished by the titles of _first_,
_second_, or _third bend_. They are the chief strength of a ship's
sides, and have the beams, knees, and foot-hooks bolted to them. Bends
are also the frames or ribs that form the ship's body from the keel to
the top of the side, individualized by each particular station. That at
the broadest part of the ship is denominated the _midship-bend_ or
_dead-flat_.

BE-NEAPED. The situation of a vessel when she is aground at the height
of spring-tides. (_See_ NEAPED.)

BENGAL LIGHT. _See_ BLUE LIGHT.

BENJY. A low-crowned straw-hat, with a very broad brim.

BENK. A north-country term for a low bank, or ledge of rock; probably
the origin of _bunk_, or sleeping-places in merchant vessels. (_See_
BUNK.)

BENN. A small kind of salmon; the earliest in the Solway Frith.

BENT. The trivial name of the _Arundo arenaria_, or coarse unprofitable
grass growing on the sea-shore.

BENTINCK-BOOM. That which stretches the foot of the fore-sail in many
small square-rigged merchantmen; particularly used in whalers among the
ice, with a reefed fore-sail to see clearly ahead. The tack and sheet
are thus dispensed with, a spar with tackle amidships brings the leeches
taut on a wind. It is principally worked by its bowline.

BENTINCKS. Triangular courses, so named after Captain Bentinck, by whom
they were invented, but which have since been superseded by storm
staysails. They are still used by the Americans as trysails.

BENTINCK-SHROUDS. Formerly used; extending from the weather-futtock
staves to the opposite lee-channels.

BENT ON A SPLICE. Going to be married.

BERG. A word adopted from the German, and applied to the features of
land distinguished as steppes, banquettes, shelves, terraces, and
parallel roads. (_See_ ICEBERG.)

BERGLE. A northern name for the wrasse.

BERM. In fortification, a narrow space of level ground, averaging about
a foot and a half in width, generally left between the foot of the
exterior slope of the parapet and the top of the escarp; in permanent
fortification its principal purpose is to retain the earth of the
parapet, which, when the latter is deformed by fire or by weather, would
otherwise fall into the ditch; in field fortification it also serves to
protect the escarp from the pressure of a too imminent parapet.

BERMUDA SAILS. _See_ 'MUDIAN.

BERMUDA SQUALL. A sudden and strong wintry tempest experienced in the
Atlantic Ocean, near the Bermudas; it is preceded by heavy clouds,
thunder, and lightning. It belongs to the Gulf Stream, and is felt,
throughout its course, up to the banks of Newfoundland.

BERMUDIANS. Three-masted schooners, built at Bermuda during the war of
1814; they went through the waves without rising to them, and
consequently were too ticklish for northern stations.

BERNAK. The barnacle goose (_Anser bernicla_).

BERSIS. A species of cannon formerly much used at sea.

BERTH. The station in which a ship rides at anchor, either alone, or in
a fleet; as, she lies in a good berth, _i.e._ in good anchoring ground,
well sheltered from the wind and sea, and at a proper distance from the
shore and other vessels.--_Snug berth_, a place, situation, or
establishment. A sleeping berth.--_To berth a vessel_, is to fix upon,
and put her into the place she is to occupy.--_To berth a ship's
company_, to allot to each man the space in which his hammock is to be
hung, giving the customary 14 inches in width.--_To give a berth_, to
keep clear of, as to give a point of land a wide berth, is to keep at a
due distance from it.

BERTH. The room or apartment where any number of the officers, or ship's
company, mess and reside; in a ship of war there is commonly one of
these between every two guns as the mess-places of the crew.

BERTH AND SPACE. In ship-building, the distance from the moulding edge
of one timber to the moulding edge of the next timber. Same as room and
space, or timber and space.

BERTH-DECK. The 'tween decks.

BERTHER. He who assigns places for the respective hammocks to hang in.

BERTHING. The rising or working up of the planks of a ship's sides; as
berthing up a bulk-head, or bringing up in general. Berthing also
denotes the planking outside, above the sheer-strake, and is called the
berthing of the quarter-deck, of the poop, or of the forecastle, as the
case may be.

BERTHING OF THE HEAD. _See_ HEAD-BOARDS.

BERVIE. A haddock split and half-dried.

BERWICK SMACK. The old and well-found packets of former days, until
superseded by steamers. (_See_ BARRACK SMACK.)

BESET IN ICE. Surrounded with ice, and no opening for advance or
retreat, so as to be obliged to remain immovable.

BESIEGE, TO. To endeavour to gain possession of a fortified place
defended by an enemy, by directing against it a connected series of
offensive military operations.

BESSY-LORCH. A northern name of the _Gobio fluviatilis_ or gudgeon.

BEST BOWER. _See_ BOWER-ANCHORS.

BETELGUESE. The lucida of Orion, {a} Orionis, and a standard Greenwich
star of the first magnitude.

BETHEL. _See_ FLOATING BETHEL.

BETTY MARTIN. _See_ MARTIN.

BETWEEN DECKS. The space contained between any two whole decks of a
ship.

BETWIXT WIND AND WATER. About the line of load immersion of the ship's
hull; or that part of the vessel which is at the surface of the water.

BEVEL. An instrument by which bevelling angles are taken. Also a sloped
surface.

BEVELLING. Any alteration from a square in hewing timber, as taken by
the bevel, bevelling rule, or bevelling boards.--_A standing bevelling_
is that made without, or outside a square; an _under-bevelling_ within;
and the angle is optionally acute or obtuse. In ship-building, it is the
art of hewing a timber with a proper and regular curve, according to a
mould which is laid on one side of its surface.

BEVELLING-BOARD. A piece of board on which the bevellings or angles of
the timbers are described.

BEVERAGE. A West India drink, made of sugar-cane juice and water.

BEWPAR. The old name for buntin, still used in navy office documents.

BEWTER. A northern name for the black-wak, or bittern.

BEZANT. An early gold coin, so called from having been first coined at
Byzantium.

BIBBS. Pieces of timber bolted to the hounds of a mast, to support the
trestle-trees.

BIBLE. A hand-axe. Also, a squared piece of freestone to grind the deck
with sand in cleaning it; a small holy-stone, so called from seamen
using them kneeling.

BIBLE-PRESS. A hand rolling-board for cartridges, rocket, and port-fire
cases.

BICKER, OR BEAKER. A flat bowl or basin for containing liquors, formerly
made of wood, but in later times of other substances. Thus Butler:

    "And into pikes, and musqueteers,
    Stamp beakers, cups, and porringers."

BID-HOOK. A small kind of boat-hook.

BIEL-BRIEF. The bottomry contract in Denmark, Sweden, and the north of
Germany.

BIERLING. An old name for a small galley.

BIFURCATE. A river is said to bifurcate, or to form a fork, when it
divides into two distinct branches, as at the heads of deltas and in
fluvial basins.

BIGHT. A substantive made from the preterperfect tense of _bend_. The
space lying between two promontories or headlands, being wider and
smaller than a gulf, but larger than a bay. It is also used generally
for any coast-bend or indentation, and is mostly held as a synonym of
shallow bay.

BIGHT. The loop of a rope when it is folded, in contradistinction to the
end; as, her anchor hooked the bight of our cable, _i.e._ caught any
part of it between the ends. The bight of his cable has swept our
anchor, _i.e._ the bight of the cable of another ship as she ranged
about has entangled itself about the flukes of our anchor. Any part of
the chord or curvature of a rope between the ends may be called a bight.

BIG-WIGS. A cant term for the higher officers.

BILANCELLA. A destructive mode of fishing in the Mediterranean, by means
of two vessels towing a large net stretched between them.

BILANCIIS DEFERENDIS. A writ directed to a corporation, for the carrying
of weights to such a haven, there to weigh the wool that persons, by our
ancient laws, were licensed to transport.

BILANDER. A small merchant vessel with two masts, particularly
distinguished from other vessels with two masts by the form of her
main-sail, which is bent to the whole length of her yard, hanging fore
and aft, and inclined to the horizon at an angle of about 45°. Few
vessels are now rigged in this manner, and the name is rather
indiscriminately used.

BILBO. An old term for a flexible kind of cutlass, from Bilbao, where
the best Spanish sword-blades were made. Shakspeare humorously describes
Falstaff in the buck-basket, like a good bilbo, coiled hilt to point.

BILBOES. Long bars or bolts, on which iron shackles slid, with a padlock
at the end; used to confine the legs of prisoners in a manner similar to
the punishment of the stocks. The offender was condemned to irons, more
or less ponderous according to the nature of the offence of which he was
guilty. Several of them are yet to be seen in the Tower of London, taken
in the Spanish Armada. Shakspeare mentions Hamlet thinking of a kind of
fighting,

    "That would not let me sleep: methought, I lay
    Worse than the mutines in the bilboes."

BILCOCK. The northern name for the water-rail.

BILGE, OR BULGE. That part of the floor in a ship--on either side of the
keel--which approaches nearer to a horizontal than to a perpendicular
direction, and begins to round upwards. It is where the floors and
second futtocks unite, and upon which the ship would rest if laid on
the ground; hence, when a ship receives a fracture in this part, she is
said to be bilged or bulged.--_Bilge_ is also the largest circumference
of a cask, or that which extends round by the bung-hole.

BILGE-BLOCKS. _See_ SLIDING BILGE-BLOCKS.

BILGE-COADS. In launching a ship, same with sliding-planks.

BILGE-FEVER. The illness occasioned by a foul hold.

BILGE-FREE. A cask so stowed as to rest entirely on its beds, keeping
the lower part of the bilge at least the thickness of the hand clear of
the bottom of the ship, or other place on which it is stowed.

BILGE-KEELS. Used for vessels of very light draught and flattish
bottoms, to make them hold a better wind, also to support them upright
when grounded. The _Warrior_ and other iron-clads are fitted with
bilge-keels.

BILGE-KEELSONS. These are fitted inside of the bilge, to afford strength
where iron, ores, and other heavy cargo are shipped. Otherwise they are
the same as sister-keelsons.

BILGE-PIECES. Synonymous with _bilge-keels_.

BILGE-PLANKS. Certain thick strengthenings on the inner and outer lines
of the bilge, to secure the _shiftings_ as well as bilge-keels.

BILGE-PUMP. A small pump used for carrying off the water which may lodge
about the lee-bilge, so as not to be under the action of the main pumps.
In a steamer it is worked by a single link off one of the levers.

BILGE-TREES. Another name for bilge-coads.

BILGE-WATER. The rain or sea-water which occasionally enters a vessel,
and running down to her floor, remains in the bilge of the ship till
pumped out, by reason of her flat bottom, which prevents it from going
to the well of the pump; it is always (especially if the ship does not
leak) of a dirty colour and disgusting penetrating smell. It seems to
have been a sad nuisance in early voyages; and in the earliest
sea-ballad known (_temp._ Hen. VI.) it is thus grumbled at:--

    "A sak of strawe were there ryght good,
    For som must lyg theym in theyr hood,
    I had as lefe be in the wood
                      W'out mete or drynk.
    For when that we shall go to bedde,
    The pumpe was nygh our bedde's hedde;
    A man were as good to be dede
                      As smell thereof ye stynk."

The mixture of tar-water and the drainings of sugar cargo is about the
worst perfume known.

BILL. A weapon or implement of war, a pike or halbert of the English
infantry. It was formerly carried by sentinels, whence Shakspeare
humorously made Dogberry tell the sleepy watchmen to have a care that
their bills be not stolen. Also, the point or tapered extremity of the
fluke at the arm of an anchor. Also a point of land, of which a familiar
instance may be cited in the Bill of Portland.

BILLAT. A name on the coast of Yorkshire for the piltock or coal-fish,
when it is a year old.

BILL-BOARDS. Doubling under the fore-channels to the water-line, to
protect the planking from the bill of the anchor.

BILLET. The allowance to landlords for quartering men in the royal
service; the lodging-money charged by consuls for the same.

BILLET-HEAD. A carved prow bending in and out, contrariwise to the
fiddle-head (scroll-head). Also, a round piece of wood fixed in the bow
or stern of a whale-boat, about which the line is veered when the whale
is struck. Synonymous with bollard.

BILLET-WOOD. Small wood mostly used for dunnage in stowing ships'
cargoes, also for fuel, usually sold by the fathom; it is 3 feet 4
inches long, and 7-1/2 inches in compass.

BILL-FISH. _See_ GAR-FISH.

BILL-HOOK. A species of hatchet used in wooding a ship, similar to that
used by hedgers.

BILL OF EXCHANGE. A means of remitting money from one country to
another. The receiver must present it for acceptance to the parties on
whom it is drawn without loss of time, he may then claim the money after
the date specified on the bill has elapsed.

BILL OF FREEDOM. A full pass for a neutral in time of war.

BILL OF HEALTH. A certificate properly authenticated by the consul, or
other proper authority at any port, that the ship comes from a place
where no contagious disorder prevails, and that none of the crew, at the
time of her departure, were infected with any such distemper. Such
constitutes a _clean_ bill of health, in contradistinction to a _foul_
bill.

BILL OF LADING. A memorandum by which the master of a ship acknowledges
the receipt of the goods specified therein, and promises to deliver
them, in like good condition, to the consignee, or his order. It differs
from a charter-party insomuch as it is given only for a single article
or more, laden amongst the sundries of a ship's cargo.

BILL OF SALE. A written document by which the property of a vessel, or
shares thereof, are transferred to a purchaser.

BILL OF SIGHT, OR OF VIEW. A warrant for a custom-house officer to
examine goods which had been shipped for foreign parts, but not sold
there.

BILL OF STORE. A kind of license, or custom-house permission, for
re-importing unsold goods from foreign ports duty free, within a
specified limit of time.

BILLOWS. The surges of the sea, or waves raised by the wind; a term more
in use among poets than seamen.

BILLS. The ends of compass or knee timber.

BILLY BOY OR BOAT. A Humber or east-coast boat, of river-barge build,
and a trysail; a bluff-bowed north-country trader, or large one-masted
vessel of burden.

BINARY SYSTEM. When two stars forming a double-star are found to revolve
about each other.

BIND. A quantity of eels, containing 10 sticks of 25 each.

BINDINGS. In ship-building, a general name for the beams, knees, clamps,
water-ways, transoms, and other connecting parts of a ship or vessel.

BINDING-STRAKES. Thick planks on the decks, in midships, between the
hatchways. Also the principal strakes of plank in a vessel, especially
the sheer-strake and wales, which are bolted to the knees and
shelf-pieces.

BING. A heap; an old north-country word for the sea-shore, and sometimes
spelled _being_.

BINGE, TO. To rinse, or bull, a cask.

BINGID. An old term for locker.

BINK. _See_ BENK.

BINN. A sort of large locker, with a lid on the top, for containing a
vessel's stores: bread-binn, sail-binn, flour-binn, &c.

BINNACLE (formerly BITTACLE). It appears evidently to be derived from
the French term _habittacle_, a small habitation, which is now used for
the same purpose by the seamen of that nation. The binnacle is a wooden
case or box, which contains the compass, and a light to illuminate the
compass at night; there are usually three binnacles on the deck of a
ship-of-war, two near the helm being designed for the man who steers,
weather and lee, and the other amidships, 10 or 12 feet before these,
where the quarter-master, who conns the ship, stands when _steering_, or
going with a free wind. (_See_ CONN.)

BINNACLE-LIGHT. The lamp throwing light upon the compass-card.

BINOCLE. A small binocular or two-eyed telescope.

BIOR-LINN. Perhaps the oldest of our terms for boat. (_See_ BIRLIN.)

BIRD-BOLT. A species of arrow, short and thick, used to kill birds
without piercing their skins.

BIRD'S-FOOT SEA-STAR. The _Palmipes membranaceus_, one of the
_Asterinidæ_, with a flat thin pentagonal body, of a bright scarlet
colour.

BIRD'S NEST. A round top at a mast-head for a look-out station. A
smaller crow's nest. Chiefly used in whalers, where a constant look-out
is kept for whales. (_See_ EDIBLE BIRD'S NEST.)

BIREMIS. In Roman antiquity, a vessel with two rows of oars.

BIRLIN. A sort of small vessel or galley-boat of the Hebrides; it is
fitted with four to eight long oars, but is seldom furnished with sails.

BIRT. A kind of turbot.

BIRTH-MARKS. A ship must not be loaded above her birth-marks, for, says
a maritime proverb, a master must know the capacity of his vessel, as
well as a rider the strength of his horse.

BISCUIT [_i.e._ _bis coctus_, or Fr. _bis-cuit_]. Bread intended for
naval or military expeditions is now simply flour well kneaded, with the
least possible quantity of water, into flat cakes, and slowly baked.
Pliny calls it _panis nauticus_; and of the _panis militaris_, he says
that it was heavier by one-third than the grain from which it was made.

BISHOP. A name of the great northern diver (_Colymbus glacialis_).

BISMER. A name of the stickleback (_Gasterosteus spinachia_).

BIT. A West Indian silver coin, varying from 4_d._ to 6_d._ In America
it is 12-1/2 cents, and in the Spanish settlements is equal with the
real, or one-eighth of a dollar. It was, in fact, Spanish money cut into
bits, and known as "cut-money."

BITE. Is said of the anchor when it holds fast in the ground on reaching
it. Also, the hold which the short end of a lever has upon the thing to
be lifted. Also, to bite off the top of small-arm cartridges.

BITTER. Any turn of a cable about the bitts is called a bitter. Hence a
ship is "brought up to a bitter" when the cable is allowed to run out to
that stop.

BITTER-BUMP. A north-country name for the bittern.

BITTER-END. That part of the cable which is abaft the bitts, and
therefore within board when the ship rides at anchor. They say, "Bend to
the bitter-end" when they would have that end bent to the anchor, and
when a chain or rope is paid out to the bitter-end, no more remains to
be let go. The bitter-end is the clinching end--sometimes that end is
bent to the anchor, because it has never been used, and is more
trustworthy. The first 40 fathoms of a cable of 115 fathoms is generally
worn out when the inner end is comparatively new.

BITT-HEADS. The upright pieces of oak-timber let in and bolted to the
beams of two decks at least, and to which the cross-pieces are let on
and bolted. (_See_ BITTS.)

BITT-PINS. Similar to belaying-pins, but larger. Used to prevent the
cable from slipping off the cross-piece of the bitts, also to confine
the cable and messenger there, in heaving in the cable.

BITTS. A frame composed of two strong pieces of straight oak timber,
fixed upright in the fore-part of a ship, and bolted securely to the
beams, whereon to fasten the cables as she rides at anchor; in ships of
war there are usually two pairs of cable-bitts, and when they are both
used at once the cable is said to be double-bitted. Since the
introduction of chain-cables, bitts are coated with iron, and vary in
their shapes. There are several other smaller bitts; as, the
topsail-sheet bitts, paul-bitts, carrick-bitts, windlass-bitts,
winch-bitts, jear-bitts, riding-bitts, gallows-bitts, and fore-brace
bitts.

BITT-STOPPER. One rove through the knee of the bitts, which nips the
cable on the bight: it consists of four or five fathoms of rope tailed
out nipper fashion at one end, and clench-knotted at the other. The old
bitt-stopper, by its running loop on a standing end, bound the cable
down in a bight abaft the bitts--the tail twisted round the fore part
helped to draw it still closer. It is now disused--chain cables having
superseded hemp.

BITT THE CABLE, TO. To put it round the bitts, in order to fasten it, or
slacken it out gradually, which last is called veering away.

BIVOUAC. The resting for the night in the open-air by an armed party,
instead of encamping.

BIZE. A piercing cold wind from the frozen summits of the Pyrénées.

BLACKAMOOR. A thoroughly black negro.

BLACK-BIRD CATCHING. The slave-trade.

BLACK-BIRDS. A slang term on the coast of Africa for a cargo of slaves.

BLACK-BOOK OF THE ADMIRALTY. An imaginary record of offences. Also, a
document of great authority in naval law, as it contains the ancient
admiralty statutes and ordinances.

BLACK-FISH. A common name applied by sailors to many different species
of cetaceans. The animal so called in the south seas belongs to the
genus _Globiocephalus_. It is from 15 to 20 feet long, and occurs in
countless shoals.

BLACK-FISHER. A water-poacher: one who kills salmon in close-time.

BLACK-FISHING. The illegally taking of salmon, under night, by means of
torches and spears with barbed prongs.

BLACK-HEAD. The pewitt-gull (_Larus ridibundus_).

BLACK-HOLE. A place of solitary confinement for soldiers, and tried in
some large ships.

BLACK-INDIES. Newcastle, Sunderland, and Shields.

BLACKING. For the ship's bends and yards. A good mixture is made of
coal-tar, vegetable-tar, and salt-water, boiled together, and laid on
hot.

BLACKING DOWN. The tarring and blacking of rigging; or the operation of
blacking the ship's sides with tar or mineral blacking.

BLACK-JACK. The ensign of a pirate. Also, a capacious tin can for beer,
which was formerly made of waxed leather. In 1630 Taylor wrote--

    "Nor or of blacke-jacks at gentle buttry-bars,
    Whose liquor oftentimes breeds household wars."

BLACK-LIST. A record of misdemeanours impolitically kept by some
officers for their private use--the very essence of private tyranny, now
forbidden.

BLACK-LOCK. A trout thought to be peculiar to Lough Melvin, on the west
of Ireland.

BLACK SHIPS. The name by which the English builders designate those
constructed of teak in India.

BLACK SOUTH-EASTER. The well-known violent wind at the Cape of Good
Hope, in which the vapoury clouds called the Devil's Table-cloth appear
on Table Mountain.

BLACK SQUALL. This squall, although generally ascribed to the West
Indies, as well as the white squall, may be principally ascribed to a
peculiar heated state of the atmosphere near land. As blackey, when
interrogated about weather, generally observes, "Massa, look to
leeward," it may be easily understood that it is the condensed air
repelled by a colder medium to leeward, and driven back with condensed
electricity and danger. So it is sudden to Johnny Newcomes, who lose
sails, spars, and ships, by capsizing.

BLACK'S THE WHITE OF MY EYE. When Jack avers that no one can say this or
that of him. It is an indignant expression of innocence of a charge.

BLACK-STRAKE. The range of plank immediately above the wales in a ship's
side; they are always covered with a mixture of tar and lamp-black,
which not only preserves them from the heat of the sun and the weather,
but forms an agreeable variety with the painted or varnished parts above
them. Vessels with no ports have frequently two such strakes--one above,
the other below the wales, the latter being also called the diminishing
strake.

BLACK-STRAP. The dark country wines of the Mediterranean. Also, bad
port, such as was served for the sick in former times.

BLACK-TANG. The sea-weed _Fucus vesicolosus_, or tangle.

BLACKWALL-HITCH. A sort of tackle-hook guy, made by putting the bight of
a rope over the back of the hook, and there jamming it by the standing
part. A mode of hooking on the bare end of a rope where no length
remains to make a cat's-paw.

BLACK WHALE. The name by which the right whale of the south seas
(_Balæna australis_) is often known to whalemen.

BLAD. A term on our northern coasts for a squall with rain.

BLADDER-FISH. A term for the tetraodon. (_See_ BALLOON-FISH.)

BLADE OF AN ANCHOR. That part of the arm prepared to receive the palm.

BLADE OR WASH OF AN OAR. Is the flat part of it which is plunged into
the water in rowing. The force and effect in a great measure depends on
the length of this part, when adequate force is applied. When long oars
are used, the boat is generally single-banked, so that the fulcrum is
removed further from the rower. Also, the motive part of the
screw-propeller.

BLAE, OR BLEA. The alburnum or sap-wood of timber.

BLAKE. Yellow. North of England.

BLANK. Level line mark for cannon, as point-blank, equal to 800 yards.
It was also the term for the white mark in the centre of a butt, at
which the arrow was aimed.

BLANKET. The coat of fat or blubber under the skin of a whale.

BLARE, TO. To bellow or roar vehemently.--_Blare_, a mixture of hair and
tar made into a kind of paste, used for tightening the seams of boats.

BLARNEY. Idle discourse; obsequious flattery.

BLASHY. Watery or dirty; applied to weather, as "a blashy day," a wet
day. In parlance, trifling or flimsy.

BLAST. A sudden and violent gust of wind: it is generally of short
duration, and succeeded by a fine breeze.--_To blast_, to blow up with
gunpowder.

BLAST-ENGINE. A ventilating machine to draw off the foul air from the
hold of a ship, and induce a current of fresh air into it.

BLATHER. Thin mud or puddle. Also, idle nonsense.

BLAY. A name of the bleak.

BLAZE, TO. To fire away as briskly as possible. To blaze away is to keep
up a running discharge of fire-arms. Also, to spear salmon. Also, in the
woods, to mark a tree by cutting away a portion of its outer surface,
thus leaving a patch of whiter internal surface exposed, to call
attention or mark a track.

BLAZERS. Applied to mortar or bomb vessels, from the great emission of
flame to throw a 13-inch shell.

BLAZING STARS. The popular name of comets.

BLEAK. The _Leuciscus alburnus_ of naturalists, and the fresh-water
sprat of Isaak Walton. The name of this fish is from the Anglo-Saxon
_blican_, owing to its shining whiteness--its lustrous scales having
long been used in the manufacture of false pearls.

BLEEDING THE MONKEY. The monkey is a tall pyramidal kid or bucket, which
conveys the grog from the grog-tub to the mess--stealing from this _in
transitu_ is so termed.

BLEED THE BUOYS. To let the water out.

BLENNY. A small acanthopterygious fish (_Blennius_).

BLETHER-HEAD. A blockhead.

BLETHERING. Talking idle nonsense; insolent prate.

BLIND. A name on the west coast of Scotland for the pogge, or miller's
thumb (_Cottus cataphractus_).

BLIND. Everything that covers besiegers from the enemy. (_See_ ORILLON.)

BLINDAGE. A temporary wooden shelter faced with earth, both in siege
works and in fortified places, against splinters of shells and the like.

BLIND-BUCKLERS. Those fitted for the hawse-holes, which have no aperture
for the cable, and therefore used at sea to prevent the water coming in.

BLIND-HARBOUR. One, the entrance of which is so shut in as not readily
to be perceived.

BLIND-ROCK. One lying just under the surface of the water, so as not to
be visible in calms.

BLIND-SHELL. One which, from accident or bad fuze, has fallen without
exploding, or one purposely filled with lead, as at the siege of Cadiz.
Also used at night filled with fuze composition, and enlarged fuze-hole,
to indicate the range.

BLIND-STAKES. A sort of river-weir.

BLINK OF THE ICE. A bright appearance or looming (the iceberg reflected
in the atmosphere above it), often assuming an arched form; so called by
the Greenlanders, and by which reflection they always know when they are
approaching ice long before they see it. In Greenland blink means
iceberg.

BLIRT. A gust of wind and rain.

BLOAT, TO. To dry by smoke; a method latterly applied almost exclusively
to cure herrings or bloaters.--_Bloated_ is also applied to any
half-dried fish.

BLOCCO. Paper and hair used in paying a vessel's bottom.

BLOCK. (In mechanics termed a pulley.) Blocks are flattish oval pieces
of wood, with sheaves in them, for all the running ropes to run in. They
are used for various purposes in a ship, either to increase the
mechanical power of the ropes, or to arrange the ends of them in certain
places on the deck, that they may be readily found when wanted; they are
consequently of various sizes and powers, and obtain various names,
according to their form or situation, thus:--A single block contains
only one sheave or wheel. A double block has two sheaves. A treble or
threefold block, three, and so on. A long-tackle or fiddle-block has two
sheaves--one below the other, like a fiddle. Cistern or sister block for
top-sail lifts and reef tackles. Every block is composed of three, and
generally four, parts:--(1.) The shell, or outside wooden part. (2.) The
sheave, or wheel, on which the rope runs. (3.) The pin, or axle, on
which the sheave turns. (4.) The strop, or part by which the block is
made fast to any particular station, and is usually made either of rope
or of iron. Blocks are named and distinguished by the ropes which they
carry, and the uses they serve for, as bowlines, braces, clue-lines,
halliards, &c. &c. They are either _made_ or _morticed_ (which see).

BLOCK. The large piece of elm out of which the figure is carved at the
head of the ship.

BLOCKADE. The investment of a town or fortress by sea and land; shutting
up all the avenues, so that it can receive no relief.--_To blockade a
port_ is to prevent any communication therewith by sea, and cut off
supplies, in order to compel a surrender when the provisions and
ammunition are exhausted.--_To raise a blockade_ is to discontinue
it.--Blockade is violated by egress as well as by ingress. Warning on
the spot is sufficient notice of a blockade _de facto_. Declaration is
useless without actual investment. If a ship break a blockade, though
she escape the blockading force, she is, if taken in any part of her
future voyage, captured _in delicto_, and subject to confiscation. The
absence of the blockading force removes liability, and _might_ (in such
cases) overrules _right_.

BLOCK AND BLOCK. The situation of a tackle when the blocks are drawn
close together, so that the mechanical power becomes arrested until the
tackle is again overhauled by drawing the blocks asunder. Synonymous
with chock-a-block.

BLOCKHOUSE. A small work, generally built of logs, to protect adjacent
ports. Blockhouses were primarily constructed in our American colonies,
because they could be immediately built from the heavy timber felled to
clear away the spot, and open the lines of fire. The ends were simply
crossed alternately and pinned. Two such structures, with a space of 6
feet for clay, formed, on an elevated position, a very formidable
casemated work. The slanting overhanging roof furnished excellent cover
in lieu of loop-holes for musketry.

BLOCK-MAKER. A manufacturer of blocks.

BLOCKS. The several transverse pieces or logs of timber, piled in plane,
on which a ship is built, or to place her on for repair: they consist of
solid pieces of oak laid on the ground-ways.

BLOCKS, FIXED. _See_ FIXED BLOCKS.

BLOOD-SUCKERS. Lazy fellows, who, by skulking, throw their proportion of
labour on the shoulders of their shipmates.

BLOODY FLAG. A large red flag.

BLOOM. A peculiar warm blast of wind; a term used in iron-foundries.

BLORE. An old word for a stiff gale.

BLOUT. A northern term for the sudden breaking-up of a storm. Blout has
been misused for blirt.

BLOW. Applied to the breathing of whales and other cetaceans. The
expired air from the lungs being highly charged with moisture, which
condenses at the temperature of the atmosphere, appears like a column of
steam.

BLOW. A gale of wind.

BLOWE. A very old English word for scold or revile, still in use, as
when a man receives a good blowing-up.

BLOW-HOLES. The nostrils of the cetaceans, situated on the highest part
of the head. In the whalebone whales they form two longitudinal slits,
placed side by side. In the porpoises, grampuses, &c., they are united
into a single crescentic opening.

BLOW HOME. The wind does not cease or moderate till it comes past that
place, blowing continuously over the land and sea with equal velocity.
In a naval sense, it does not blow home when a sea-wind is interrupted
by a mountainous range along shore.

BLOWING GREAT GUNS AND SMALL ARMS. Heavy gales; a hurricane.

BLOWING HARD. Said of the wind when it is strong and steady.

BLOWING THE GRAMPUS. Throwing water over a sleeper on watch.

BLOWING WEATHER. A nautical term for a continuance of strong gales.
(_See_ GALE.)

BLOWN COD. A split cod, half dried by exposure to the wind. _Blown_ is
also frequently applied to bloated herrings, when only partly cured.
Also, a cod-fish rises to the surface, and is easily taken, if blown. By
being hauled nearly up, and the hook breaking, it loses the power for
some time of contracting the air-bladder, and thus dies head out of
water.

BLOWN ITSELF OUT. Said of a falling gale of wind.

BLOW OFF, TO. To clear up in the clouds.

BLOW-OFF-PIPE, in a steamer, is a pipe at the foot of each boiler,
communicating with the sea, and furnished with a cock to open and shut
it.--_Blowing-off_ is the act or operation of using the blow-off-pipe to
cleanse a marine steam-engine of its brine deposit; also, to clear the
boilers of water, to lighten a ship if grounded.

BLOW-OUT. Extravagant feasting regardless of consequences.

BLOW OVER, (IT WILL). Said of a gale which is expected to pass away
quickly.

BLOW-PIPE. An engine of offence used by the Araucanians and Borneans,
and with the latter termed _sumpitan_: the poisoned arrow, _sumpit_,
will wound at the distance of 140 or more yards. The arrow is forced
through (like boys' pea-shooters) by the forcible and sudden exertion of
the lungs. A wafer can be hit at 30 yards to a certainty, and small
birds are unerringly stunned at 30 yards by pellets of clay.

BLOW THE GAFF. To reveal a secret; to expose or inform against a person.

BLOW-THROUGH VALVE. A valve admitting steam into the condenser, in order
to clear it of air and water before starting the engine.

BLOW UP, TO. To abuse angrily.

BLOW-VALVE. A valve by which the first vacuum necessary for starting a
steam-engine is produced.

BLUBBER. The layer of fat in whales between the skin and the flesh,
which is flinched or peeled off, and boiled for oil, varying from 10 to
20 inches in thickness. (_See_ SEA-BLUBBER.)

BLUBBER FORKS AND CHOPPERS. The implements with which blubber is "made
off," or cut for stowing away.

BLUBBER-GUY. A large rope stretched from the main to the fore mast head
of whalers, to which the speck-falls are attached for the operation of
flensing.

BLUE. _Till all's blue_: carried to the utmost--a phrase borrowed from
the idea of a vessel making out of port, and getting into blue
water.--_To look blue_, to be surprised, disappointed, or taken aback,
with a countenance expressive of displeasure.

BLUE-JACKETS. The seamen as distinguished from the marines.

BLUE LIGHT. A pyrotechnical preparation for signals by night. Also
called Bengal light.

BLUE-LIGHTISM. Affected sanctimoniousness.

BLUE MOON. An indefinite period.

BLUE-NOSE. A general term for a native of Nova Scotia.

BLUE PETER. The signal for sailing when hoisted at the fore-topmast
head; this well-known flag has a blue ground with a white square in the
centre.

BLUE PIGEON. A nickname for the sounding lead.

BLUE WATER. The open ocean.

BLUFF. An abrupt high land, projecting almost perpendicularly into the
sea, and presenting a bold front, rather rounded than cliffy in outline,
as with the headland.

BLUFF-BOWED. Applied to a vessel that has broad and flat bows--that is,
full and square-formed: the opposite of lean.

BLUFF-HEADED. When a ship has but a small rake forward on, being built
with her stem too straight up.

BLUNDERBUSS. A short fire-arm, with a large bore and wide mouth, to
scatter a number of musket or pistol bullets or slugs.

BLUNK. A sudden squall, or stormy weather.

BLUSTROUS. Stormy: also said of a braggadocio.

BO. Abbreviation of _boy_. A familiar epithet for a comrade, derived
probably from the negro.

BOADNASH. Buckhemshein coins of Barbary.

BOANGA. A Malay piratical vessel, impelled by oars.

BOARD. Certain offices under the control of the executive government,
where the business of any particular department is carried on: as the
Board of Admiralty, the Navy Board, Board of Ordnance, India Board,
Board of Trade, &c. Also, timber sawn to a less thickness than plank:
all broad stuff of under 1-1/2 inch in thickness. (_See_ PLANK.) Also,
the space comprehended between any two places when the ship changes her
course by tacking; or, it is the line over which she runs between tack
and tack when working to windward, or sailing against the direction of
the wind.--_To make a good board._ To sail in a straight line when
close-hauled, without deviating to leeward.--_To make short boards_, is
to tack frequently before the ship has run any great length of way.--_To
make a stern board_, is when by a current, or any other accident, the
vessel comes head to wind, the helm is shifted, and she has fallen back
on the opposite tack, losing what she had gained, instead of having
advanced beyond it. To make a stern board is frequently a very critical
as well as seamanlike operation, as in very close channels. The vessel
is allowed to run up into the wind until she has shot up to the weather
danger; the helm is then shifted, and with all aback forward, she falls
short off on the opposite tack. Such is also achieved at anchor in
club-hauling (which see).--_To board a ship_, is to enter her in a
hostile manner in order to take forcible possession of her, either from
the attacking ship or by armed boats. The word _board_ has various other
applications among seamen:--_To go aboard_ signifies to go into the
ship.--_To slip by the board_, is to slip down a ship's side.--_To board
it up_, is to beat up, sometimes on one tack and sometimes on
another.--_The weather-board_ is the side of the ship which is to
windward.--_By the board_, close to a ship's deck.

BOARD AND BOARD. Alongside, as when two ships touch each other.

BOARDERS. Sailors appointed to make an attack by boarding, or to repel
such attempt from the enemy. Four men selected from each gun were
generally allotted as boarders, also to trim sails, tend pumps, repair
rigging, &c.

BOARD HIM. A colloquialism for I'll ask, demand, or accost him. Hence
Shakspeare makes Polonius say of Hamlet,

    "I'll board him presently."

To make acquaintance with; to fasten on.

BOARD HIM IN THE SMOKE. To take a person by surprise, as by firing a
broadside, and boarding in the smoke.

BOARDING. An assault made by one vessel on another, by entering her in
battle with a detachment of armed men.

BOARDING-BOOK. A register which has for its object the recording all
particulars relative to every ship boarded, a copy of which is
transmitted to the admiral under whose orders the ship is employed.
(_See_ GUARD-BOOK.)

BOARDING-NETTINGS. A framework of stout rope-netting placed where
necessary, to obstruct an enemy's boarders.

BOARDING-PIKE. A defensive lance against boarders.

BOARDLINGS. Flippant understrappers of the admiralty and navy-boards.

BOARD OF TRADE. A committee of the Privy Council appointed for the
consideration of commercial matters.

BOAT. A small open vessel, conducted on the water by rowing or sailing.
The construction, machinery, and even the names of boats, are very
different, according to the various purposes for which they are
calculated, and the services on which they are employed. Thus we have
the long-boat and the jolly-boat, life-boat and gun-boat, but they will
appear under their respective appellations.--_A bold boat_, one that
will endure a rough sea well.--_Man the boat_, send the crew in to row
and manage it.

BOATABLE. Water navigable for boats and small river-craft.

BOAT-BUOYS. Means added to increase the buoyancy of life-boats, &c.

BOAT-CHOCKS. Clamps of wood upon which a boat rests when stowed on a
vessel's deck.

BOAT-CLOAK. A mantle for the officer going on duty; when left in the
boat it is in the coxswain's charge.

BOAT-DAVIT. A curved piece of timber with a sheave at its outer end,
which projects over the boat's stern, while the inner end is shipped
into a cleat on each side of the bottom of the boat, for weighing
anchors when needed. (_See_ DAVIT.)

BOAT-FAST. _See_ PAINTER.

BOAT-GEER. A general name for the rigging and furniture of a boat.

BOAT-HIRE. Expenses for the use of shore-boats.

BOAT-HOOK. An iron hook with a straight prong at its hinder part; it is
fixed upon a pole, by the help of which a boat is either pulled to, or
pushed off from, any place, and is capable of holding on by anything.

BOATILA. A narrow-sterned, flat-bottomed boat of the Gulf of Manar.

BOATING. Transporting men, munitions, or goods, in boats.

BOAT-KEEPER. One of the boat's crew who remains in charge of her during
the absence of the others. In small vessels he is sometimes called the
boatman.

BOAT-NAILS. Those supplied for the carpenter's use are of various
lengths, generally rose-headed, square at the points, and made both of
copper and iron. (_See_ NAILS.)

BOAT-ROPE. A separate rope veered to the boat to be towed at the ship's
stern.

BOAT'S CREW. The men appointed as the crew of any particular boat, as
the barge's crew, cutter's crew, &c.

BOAT'S-GRIPES. Lashings for the secure stowage of boats. (_See_ GRIPES.)

BOAT-SKIDS. Portable pieces of plank used to prevent chafing when a boat
is hoisted or lowered. (_See_ SKIDS.)

BOATSWAIN. The officer who superintends the boat-sails, ship's-sails,
rigging, canvas, colours, anchors, cables and cordage, committed to his
charge. He ought also to take care that the blocks and running ropes are
regularly placed to answer the purposes for which they are intended, and
that the sails are properly fitted to their yards and stays, and
well-furled or reefed when occasion requires. He pipes the hands to
their several duties, seeing that they attend his call, and ought to be
in every way a thorough seaman. Although termed boatswain, the boats are
not in his charge. They, with the spars, &c., and stores for repair,
belong to the carpenter. The boatswain is the officer of the first
lieutenant; he gives no order, but reports defects, and carries out the
will of his superior.

BOATSWAIN-BIRD. _Phaethon æthereus_, a tropical bird, so called from its
sort of whistle. It is distinguished by two long feathers in the tail,
called the marling-spike.

BOATSWAIN-CAPTAIN. An epithet given by certain popinjays in the service
to such of their betters as fully understand the various duties of their
station.

BOATSWAIN'S MATE. Is an assistant to the boatswain, who had the peculiar
command of the long-boat. He summons the watch or crew by his whistle,
and during his watch looks to the decks, and has peculiar calls for
"grog," "'bout ship," "pipe to breakfast," "sweepers," &c.

BOATSWAIN'S STORE-ROOM. Built expressly for boatswain's stores, on a
platform or light deck.

BOATSWAIN'S YEOMAN. _See_ YEOMAN.

BOAT THE ANCHOR. Place the anchor in-board in the boat.

BOAT THE OARS. Put them in their proper places fore and aft on the
thwarts ready for use.

BOB. A knot of worms on a string, used in fishing for eels; also
colloquially, it means a berth.--_Shift your bob_, to move about, to
dodge, to fish.--_Bear a bob_, make haste, be brisk.

BOB. The ball or balance-weight of a clock's pendulum; the weight
attached to the plumb-line.

BOBBERY. A disturbance, row, or squabble; a term much used in the East
Indies and China.

BOBBING. A particular method of fishing for eels--

    "His hook he bated with a dragon's tail,
    And sat upon a rock, and bobb'd for whale."

BOBBING ABOUT. Heaving and setting without making any way.

BOBBLE. The state of waves when dashing about without any regular set or
direction, as in cross tides or currents.

BOBSTAY-COLLARS. These are made with large rope, and an eye spliced in
each end; they are secured round the bowsprit, on the upper side, with a
rose lashing. They are almost entirely superseded by iron bands.

BOBSTAY-HOLES. Those cut through the fore-part of the knee of the head,
between the cheeks, for the admission of the bobstay; they are not much
used now, as chain bobstays are almost universal, which are secured to
plates by shackles.

BOBSTAY-PLATES. Iron plates by which the lower end of the bobstay is
attached to the stem.

BOBSTAYS. Ropes or chains used to confine the bowsprit downward to the
stem or cut-water. They are fitted in various ways. Their use is to
counteract the strain of the foremast-stays, which draw it upwards. The
bowsprit is also fortified by shrouds from the bows on each side, which
are all very necessary, as the fore-mast and the upper spars on the
main-mast are stayed and greatly supported by the bowsprit.

BOCCA. [Sp. _boca_, mouth.] Is a term used both in the Levant, and on
the north coast of South America, or the Spanish Main, for a mouth or
channel into any port or harbour, or the entrance into a sound which has
a passage out by a contrary way.--_Bocca Tigris_, Canton River.

BODIES. The figure of a ship, abstractedly considered, is divided into
different parts or figures, each of which has the appellation body, as
fore-body, midship-body, square-body, &c.

BODKIN. A dirk or dagger, a word still in use, though Johnson says it is
the oldest acceptation of it. It is the _bodekin_ of Chaucer; and
Shakspeare makes Hamlet ask who would bear the ills of life,

    "When he himself might his quietus make
    With a bare bodkin?"

BODY. The principal corps of an army, or the main strength of a fleet.

BODY, OF A PLACE. In fortification, the space inclosed by the enceinte,
or line of bastions and curtains.

BODY-HOOPS. Those which secure the aris pieces of a made mast.

BODY-PLAN. The draught of a proposed ship, showing the breadth and
timbers; it is a section supposed to cut the vessel through the broadest
part; it is otherwise called the plan of projection.

BODY-POST. An additional stern-post introduced at the fore-part of an
aperture cut in the dead-wood in a ship fitted with a screw-propeller.

BOG. A marsh, or a tract of land, which from its form and impermeable
bottom retains stagnant water. (_See_ QUAGMIRE.)

BOG-BLUTER. A northern name for the bittern, from its habit of thrusting
its bill into marshy places.

BOG-TROTTER. Any one who lives among marshy moors, but generally applied
to the Emeralders.

BOGUE, TO. To drop off from the wind. To edge away to leeward with the
wind; not holding a good wind, and driving very much to leeward. Used
only to clumsy inferior craft.

BOGUE. Mouth of a river; hence disembogue. Bogue forts, China.

BOHEMIAN. A conceited dawdler in his duties. Shakspeare ridicules Simple
as a Bohemian Tartar; both of which terms were applied to gipsies.

BOILER. Of a steam-engine, made of wrought iron, or copper-plates, which
being partly filled with water, and having fire applied to the outside,
generates steam to supply the engine.

BOILERS. Termed coppers; the ship's cooking utensils, of iron or copper.

BOILING. The "whole boiling" means the entire quantity, or whole party;
applied to number or quantity. A contemptuous epithet.

BOLD-BOW. A broad bluff bow.

BOLDERING WEATHER. Cloudy and thundery.

BOLD-SHORE. A steep coast where the water, deepening rapidly, admits the
near approach of shipping without the danger of grounding.

BOLD-TO. Applied to land; the same as steep-to.

BOLE. A small boat.

BOLIDE. A name for aërolite (which see).

BOLINE. _See_ BOWLINE. _Clavus in navi._

BOLLAN. The Manx or Gaelic term for the fish old-wife.

BOLLARD. A thick piece of wood on the head of a whale-boat, round which
the harpooner gives the line a turn, in order to veer it steadily, and
check the animal's velocity. Also a strong timber fixed vertically into
the ground, part being left above it, on which to fasten ropes. Also a
lighter sort of dolphin for attaching vessels to. Wharves have bollards
to which vessels are secured when alongside.

BOLLARD-TIMBERS. Two pieces of oak, usually called knight-heads (which
see).

BOLLING OR BOWLING AWAY. Going with a free wind.

BOLME. An old term for a waterman's pole or boom.

BOLOTO. A small boat of the Philippines and Moluccas.

BOLSTERS. Small cushions or bags of tarred canvas, used to preserve the
stays from being chafed by the motion of the masts, when the ship
pitches at sea. Pieces of soft wood covered with canvas, placed on the
trestle-trees, for the eyes of the rigging to rest upon, and prevent a
sharp nip. Also pieces of oak timber fayed to the curvature of the bow,
under the hawse-holes, and down upon the upper cheek, to prevent the
cable from rubbing against the cheeks.--_Bolsters_ for sheets, tacks,
&c., are small pieces of fir or oak, fayed under the gunwale, or other
part, with the outer surface rounded to prevent chafing.--_Bolsters_,
for the anchor lining. Solid pieces of oak bolted to the ship's side at
the fore part of the fore-chains on which the stanchions are fixed that
receive the anchor lining.

BOLT. A cylindrical pin of iron or copper to unite the different parts
of a vessel, varied in form according to the places where they are
required. In ship-building square ones are used in frame-fastening; the
heads of all bolts are round, saucer, or collared.--_Bolt of the irons_,
which runs through three pairs of shackles.--_Drift_ or _drive-bolts_
are used to drive out others.--_Bay-bolts_, have jags or barbs on each
side, to keep them from flying out of their holes.--_Clench-bolts_ are
clenched with rivetting hammers.--_Fend_ or _fender bolts_, made with
long and thick heads, and struck into the outermost bends of the ship, to
save her sides from bruises.--_Forelock-bolts_ have at the end a forelock
of iron driven in, to keep them from starting back.--_Set-bolts_ are used
for forcing the planks, and bringing them close together.--_Ring-bolts_
are used for the bringing to of the planks, and those parts whereto are
fastened the breeches and tackle of the guns.--_Scarp-bolts_ and
_keel-bolts_, pointed, not clinched, used for false keel or temporary
purposes.--_Bringing-to bolts_, fitted with an eye at one end, and a nut
and screw at the other, for bringing to the ends at the stem, &c.--_To
bolt_, to start off, to run away.

BOLT-BOAT. An old term for a boat which makes good weather in a rough
sea.

BOLTING TIMBERS. Those on each side of the stem, continued up for the
security of the bowsprit. (_See_ KNIGHT-HEADS.)

BOLT OF CANVAS. The piece or roll of 39 yards in which it is supplied,
but which usually measure about 40 yards in length; it is generally from
22 to 30 inches wide.

BOLT-ROPE. A rope sewed all round the edge of the sail, to prevent the
canvas from tearing. The bottom part of it is called the foot-rope, the
sides leech-ropes, and if the sail be oblong or square the upper part is
called the head-rope; the stay or weather rope of fore-and-aft sails is
termed the luff.

BOLTROPE-NEEDLE. A strong needle for stitching the sail to the
bolt-ropes.

BOLT-SPRIT. _See_ BOWSPRIT.

BOLT-STRAKE. Certain strakes of plank which the beam fastenings pass
through.

BOLT-TOE. The cock of a gun-lock.

BOMB [formerly _bomber_, from _bomba_]. The mortar of bomb-vessels.

BOMB OR MORTAR VESSELS. Small ships fortified for throwing bombs into a
fortress; said to be the invention of M. Reyneau, and to have been first
used at the bombardment of Algiers in 1682. Until then it had been
judged impracticable to bombard a place from the sea.

BOMBALO. A delicate kind of sand-eel taken in quantities at Bombay.

BOMBARD. A piece of ordnance, anciently in use before the introduction
of more complete cannon with improved gunpowder, propelling iron balls.
Its bore, for the projection of stone shot, sometimes exceeded 20 inches
in diameter, but was short; its chamber, for containing the
powder-charge, being about as long, but much narrower both within and
without. There were also very diminutive varieties of it. It has been
vaguely called by some writers _basilisk_, and by the Dutch
_donderbass_. Used to assail a town, fortress, or fleet, by the
projection of shells from mortars. It was also the name of a barrel, or
large vessel for liquids; hence, among other choice epithets, Prince
Henry calls that "tun of man," Falstaff, a "huge bombard of sack." Also,
a Mediterranean vessel, with two masts like the English ketch.

BOMB-BED BEAMS. The beams which support the bomb-bed in bomb-vessels.

BOMB-BEDS. _See_ BED OF A MORTAR.

BOMBO. Weak cold punch.

BOMB-SHELL. A large hollow ball of cast-iron, for throwing from mortars
(distinguished by having ears or lugs, by which to lift it with the
shell-hooks into the mortar), and having a hole to receive the fuze,
which communicates ignition to the charge contained in the shell. (_See_
FUZE.)

BOME-SPAR [a corruption of _boom_]. A spar of a larger kind.

BOMKIN. _See_ BUMKIN.

BONA FIDE. In good faith; without subterfuge--_Bona fides_ is a
condition necessary to entitle to the privilege of pre-emption in our
admiralty courts.

BONAVENTURE. The old outer mizen, long disused.

BONDING. _See_ WAREHOUSING SYSTEM.

BONDING-POND. An inclosed space of water where the tide flows, for
keeping timber in.

BOND-MAN. A harsh method in some ships, in keeping one man bound for the
good behaviour of another on leave.

BOND OF BOTTOMRY. An authority to borrow money, by pledging the keel or
bottom of the ship. (_See_ BOTTOMRY.)

BONE, TO. To seize, take, or apprehend. A ship is said to carry a bone
in her mouth and cut a feather, when she makes the water foam before
her.

BON GRACE. Junk-fenders; for booming off obstacles from a ship's sides
or bows. (_See_ BOWGRACE.)

BONITO. The _Thynnus pelamys_, a fish of the scomber family, commonly
about 2 feet long, with a sharp head, small mouth, full eyes, and a
regular semi-lunar tail.

BONI-VOCHIL. The Hebridean name for the great northern diver (_Colymbus
glacialis_).

BONNET. An additional part laced to the foot of the jibs, or other
fore-and-aft sails, in small vessels in moderate weather, to gather more
wind. They are commonly one-third of the depth of the sails they belong
to. Thus we say, "Lace on the bonnet," or "Shake off the bonnet."
Bonnets have lately been introduced to secure the foot of an
upper-topsail to a lower-topsail yard. The unbonnetted sail is for storm
service. Bonnet, in fortification, is a raised portion of the works at
any salient angle, having the same plan, but 10 or 12 feet more command
than the work on which it is based. It assists in protecting from
enfilade, and affords a plunging fire.

BONNET-FLOOK. A name of the well-known flat-fish, brill, pearl, or
mouse-dab; the _Pleuronectes rhombus_.

BONXIE. The Shetland name for the skua-gull (_Cataractes vulgaris_).
Also a very general northern term for sea-birds.

BONY-FISH. One of the names of the hard-head (which see).

BOOBY. A well-known tropical sea-bird, _Sula fusca_, of the family
_Pelecanidæ_. It is fond of resting out of the water at night, even
preferring an unstable perch on the yard of a ship. The name is derived
from the way in which it allows itself to be caught immediately after
settling. The direction in which they fly as evening comes on often
shows where land may be found.

BOOBY-HATCH. A smaller kind of companion, but readily removable; it is
in use for merchantmen's half decks, and lifts off in one piece.

BOOK. A commercial term for a peculiar packing of muslin, bast, and
other stuffs.--_Brought to book_, made to account.

BOOKING. A reprimand.

BOOKS. (_See_ SHIP'S BOOKS.) Official documents.

BOOM. A long spar run out from different places in the ship, to extend
or boom out the foot of a particular sail; as, jib-boom, flying
jib-boom, studding-sail booms, driver or spanker boom, ringtail-boom,
main-boom, square-sail boom, &c. A ship is said to come booming forwards
when she comes with all the sail she can make. Boom also denotes a cable
stretched athwart the mouth of a river or harbour, with yards,
top-masts, or stout spars of wood lashed to it, to prevent the entrance
of an enemy.--_To top one's boom_, is to start off.--_To boom off_, to
shove a boat or vessel away with spars.

BOOMAGE. A duty levied to compound for harbour dues, anchorage, and
soundage.

BOOM-BOATS. Those stowed on the booms.

BOOM-BRACE PENDANT. A rope attached to the extremity of a studding-sail
boom, and leading down on deck; it is used to counteract the pressure of
the sail upon the boom.

BOOM-COVER. The tarpaulin, or painted, cover over the spars.

BOOMING. Sound of distant guns; it is often, but wrongly, applied to the
hissing or whistling of shot.

BOOM-IRONS. Are metal rings fitted on the yard-arms, through which the
studding-sail booms traverse; there is one on each top-sail yard-arm,
but on the lower yards a second, which opens to allow the boom to be
triced up; it is one-fourth from the yard-arms, and holds down the heel
of the boom when it is rigged out.

BOOM-JIGGER. A tackle used in large ships, for rigging out or running in
the top-mast studding-sail booms.

BOOMKIN. _See_ BUMKIN.

BOOM-MAINSAIL. _See_ MAIN-SAIL.

BOOMS. A space where the spare spars are stowed; the launch being
generally stowed between them.

BOOPAH. A Tongatabou canoe with a single out-rigger.

BOOTHYR. An old term, denoting a small river vessel.

BOOT-TOPPING. The old operation of scraping off the grass, slime,
shells, &c., which adhere to the bottom, near the surface of the water,
and daubing it over with a mixture of tallow, sulphur, and resin, as a
temporary protection against worms. This is chiefly performed where
there is no dock or other commodious situation for breaming or
careening, or when the hurry of a voyage renders it inconvenient to have
the whole bottom properly trimmed and cleansed. The term is now applied
to sheathing a vessel with planking over felt.

BOOTY. That sort of prize which may be distributed at the capstan-head,
or at once.

BOOZE. A carouse; hence, _boozy_, elevated by liquor.

BORA. A very violent wind experienced in the upper part of the Adriatic
Sea, but which fortunately is of no great duration.

BORACCHIO [Sp. _borracho_, drunk]. A skin for holding wine or water,
usually a goat's. Used in the Levant. A skin-full; literally, gorged
with wine.

BORASCA. A storm, with thunder and lightning.

BORD. The sea-coast, an old term. Formerly meant the side, edge, or
brim; hence, as applied to a ship, to throw overboard, is to cast
anything over the side of the vessel.

BORDELS. An old word for houses built along a strand. In the old play
called the "Ladies' Privilege," it is said:--"These gentlemen know
better to cut a caper than a cable, or board a pink in the bordels than
a pinnace."

BORDER. A term referring to the nature of the vegetation on the margin
of a stream or lake, or to artificial works constructed along the banks.

BORD YOU. A saying of a man waiting, to one who is drinking, meaning
that he claims the next turn.

BORE. A sudden and rapid flow of tide in certain inlets of the sea; as
the monstrous wave in the river Hooghly, called _bahu_ by the natives,
which rolls in with the noise of distant thunder at flood-tide. It
occurs from February to November, at the new and full moon. Its cause
has not been clearly defined, although it probably arises from the
currents during spring-tides, acting on a peculiar conformation of the
banks and bed of the river; it strikes invariably on the same part of
the banks, majestically rolling over to one side, and passing on
diagonally to the other with impetuous violence. The bore also occurs in
England, near Bristol; and in America, in several rivers, but especially
in the Bay of Fundy, where at the river Petticodiac the tide rises 76
feet. It also occurs in Borneo and several rivers in the East. (_See_
HYGRE.) Also, the interior cavity of a piece of ordnance, generally
cylindrical in shape, except when a part of it is modified into a
chamber.

BOREAS. A classical name for the north wind, still in use; indeed a
brackish proverb for extreme severity of weather says--"Cold and chilly,
like Boreas with an iceberg in each pocket."

BORE DOWN. Sailed down from to windward.

BORHAME. A northern term for the flounder.

BORING. In Arctic seas, the operation of forcing the ship through loose
ice under a heavy press of sail; at least attempting the chance of
advantage of cracks or openings in the pack.

BORN WITH A SILVER SPOON IN HIS MOUTH. Said of a person who, by birth
or connection, has all the usual obstacles to advancement cleared away
for him. Those who toil unceasingly for preferment, and toil in vain,
are said to have been born with a wooden ladle. Again, the silver-spoon
gentry are said to come on board through the cabin windows; those less
favoured, over the bows, or through the hawse-holes.

BORNE. Placed on the books for victuals and wages; also supernumerary
and "for rank."

BORROW, TO. To approach closely either to land or wind; to hug a shoal
or coast in order to avoid adverse tide.

BORT. The name given to a long fishing-line in the Shetland Isles.

BOSS. A head of water, or reservoir. Also the apex of a shield.

BOTARGA. The roe of the mullet pressed flat and dried; that of commerce,
however, is from the tunny, a large fish of passage which is common in
the Mediterranean. The best kind comes from Tunis; it must be chosen dry
and reddish. The usual way of eating it is with olive-oil and
lemon-juice.

BOTCH, TO. To make bungling work.

BOTE'S-CARLE. An old term for the coxswain of a boat.

BOTHERED. Getting among adverse currents, with shifting winds.

BOTH SHEETS AFT. The situation of a square-rigged ship that sails before
the wind, or with the wind right astern. It is said also of a
half-drunken sailor rolling along with his hands in his pockets and
elbows square.

BOTTE. An old English term for boat, and assuredly the damaged boat into
which Prospero is turned adrift by Shakspeare.

BOTTLE-BUMP. The bittern, so called on our east coast.

BOTTLE-CHARTS. Those on which the set of surface currents are exhibited,
derived from papers found in bottles which have been thrown overboard
for that purpose, and washed up on the beach, or picked up by other
ships.

BOTTLE-NOSE, OR BOTTLE-NOSED WHALE. A name applied to several of the
smaller cetaceans of the northern seas, more especially to the
_Hyperoodon rostratus_.

BOTTOM. A name for rich low land formed by alluvial deposits: but in a
general sense it denotes the lowest part of a thing, in
contradistinction to the top or uppermost part. In navigation, it is
used to denote as well the channel of rivers and harbours as the body or
hull of a ship. Thus, in the former sense we say "a gravelly bottom,
clayey bottom," &c., and in the latter sense "a British bottom, a Dutch
bottom," &c. By statute, certain commodities imported in foreign bottoms
pay a duty called "petty customs," over and above what they are liable
to if imported in British bottoms. Bottom of a ship or boat is that part
which is below the wales.

BOTTOM-CLEAN. Thoroughly clean, free from weeds, &c.

BOTTOM-PLANK. That which is placed between the garboard-strake and lower
back-strake.

BOTTOMREE, OR BOTTOMRY-BOND. The contract of bottomry is a negotiable
instrument, which may be put in suit by the person to whom it is
transferred: it is in use in all countries of maritime commerce and
interests. A contract in the nature of a mortgage of a ship, when the
owner of it borrows money to enable him to carry on the voyage, and
pledge the keel, or bottom of the ship, as a security for the repayment.
If the ship be lost the lender also loses his whole money; but if it
return in safety then he shall receive back his principal, and also the
premium stipulated to be paid, however it may exceed the usual or legal
rate of interest. The affair is, however, only regarded as valid upon
the ground of necessity; and thus exacting more than the interest
allowed by law is not deemed usury.

BOTTOMRY PREMIUM. A high rate of interest charged on the safety of the
ship--the lender losing his whole money if she be lost.

BOTTOM-WIND. A phenomenon that occurs on the lakes in the north of
England, especially Derwent Water, which is often agitated by swelling
waves without any apparent cause.

BOUCHE. _See_ BUSH.

BOUGE OR BOWGE AND CHINE, OR BILGE AND CHIMB. The end of one cask stowed
against the bilge of another. To prepare a ship for the purpose of
sinking it.

BOUILLI. Termed by seamen bully-beef; disliked because all the substance
is boiled away to enrich the cook's grease-tub, and the meat is useless
as food; rejected even by dogs. In one ship of war it produced mutiny;
vide Adams' account of the _Bounty_ miseries. It is also the name given
to highly cooked meat in hermetically sealed tin canisters.

BOULDER-HEAD. A work against the encroachment of the sea, made of wooden
stakes.

BOULDERS. Stones worn and rounded by the attrition of the waves of the
sea: the word, on the authority of Hunter, was considered a technical
term in the fourteenth century, as appears in a warrant of John of Gaunt
for the repair of Pontefract Castle--"De peres, appelés buldres, a n're
dit chastel come nous semblerez resonables pur la defense de meisme."

BOULEPONGES. A drink to which many of the deaths of Europeans in India
were ascribed; but in Bernier's "Travels," in the train of Aurungzebe,
in 1664, we are informed that "bouleponge is a beverage made of arrack,
sugar, lemon-juice, and a little muscadine." Probably a corruption of
bowls of punch. (_See_ PUNCH.)

BOUNCE. The larger dog-fish.

BOUNCER. A gun which kicks violently when fired.

BOUND. Destined for a particular service. Intended voyage to a
place.--_Ice-bound._ Totally surrounded with ice.--_Tide-bound_, or
be-neaped. (_See_ NEAPED.)--_Wind-bound._ Prevented from sailing by
contrary wind.--_Where are you bound to?_--_i.e._ To what place are you
going?--_Bound on a cruise._ A corruption of the old word _bowne_, which
is still in use on the northern coasts, and means to make ready, to
prepare.

BOUNTY. A sum of money given by government, authorized by act of
parliament or royal proclamation, to men who voluntarily enter into the
army or navy; and the widow of such volunteer seaman killed or drowned
in the service was entitled to a bounty equal to a year's pay.

BOUNTY-BOATS. Those which fished under the encouragement of a bounty
from government.

BOUNTY-LIST. A register of all persons who have received the bounty to
which they are entitled after having passed three musters in the
service.

BOURN. _See_ BURN.

BOURSE. A place where merchants congregate. An exchange.

BOUSE. _See_ BOWSE.

BOUT. A turn, trial, or round. An attack of illness; a convivial
meeting.--_'Bout ship_, the brief order for "about ship."

BOW. The fore-end of a ship or boat; being the rounding part of a vessel
forward, beginning on both sides where the planks arch inwards, and
terminating where they close, at the rabbet of the stem or prow, being
larboard or starboard from that division. A bold bow is broad and round;
a lean bow, narrow and thin.--_On the bow._ An arc of the horizon (not
exceeding 45°) comprehended between some distant object and that point
of the compass which is right ahead. Four points on either bow is met by
four points before the beam.

BOW. An astronomical instrument formerly used at sea, consisting of only
one large graduated arc of 90°, three vanes, and a shank or staff. Also
the bow of yew, a weapon of our early fleets.

BOW. _She bows to the breeze_; when the sails belly out full, and the
ship inclines and goes ahead, pitching or bowing over the blue waves.

BOW-BYE. The situation of a ship when, in stays, she falls back off the
wind again, and gets into irons, which demands practical seamanship for
her extrication. This was deemed a lubberly act in our fleets of old.

BOW-CHASERS. Two long chase-guns placed forward in the bow-ports to fire
directly ahead, and being of small bore for their length, carry shot to
a great distance.

BOWD-EATEN. An old expression for eaten by weevils.

BOWER-ANCHORS. Those at the bows and in constant working use. They are
called best and small, not from a difference of size, but as to the bow
on which they are placed; starboard being the best bower, and port the
small bower. The appropriated cables assume the respective names. (_See
also_ SPARE ANCHOR, SHEET, STREAM, COASTING, KEDGE, &c.)

BOW-FAST. A rope or chain for securing a vessel by the bow. (_See_
FAST.)

BOWGE, OR BOUGE. An old term for bilge.

BOWGER. A name given in the Hebrides to the coulter-neb, or puffin
(_Fratercula arctica_).

BOWGRACE. A kind of frame or fender of old junk, placed round the bows
and sides of a ship to prevent her receiving injury from floating ice or
timbers. (_See_ BON GRACE.)

BOWING. An injury done to yards by too much topping, and letting their
weights hang by the lifts. The state of a top-sail yard when it arches
in the centre from hoisting it too tautly. Also of the mast when it
bellies or is crippled by injudiciously setting up the rigging too taut.

BOWING THE SEA. Meeting a turbulent swell in coming to the wind.

BOWLINE. A rope leading forward which is fastened to a space connected
by bridles to cringles on the leech or perpendicular edge of the square
sails: it is used to keep the weather-edge of the sail tight forward and
steady when the ship is close hauled to the wind; and which, indeed,
being hauled taut, enables the ship to come nearer to the wind. Hence
the ship sails on a bowline, or stands on a taut bowline.--_To check or
come up a bowline_ is to slacken it when the wind becomes large or
free.--_To sharp or set taut a bowline_ is to pull it as taut as it can
well bear.

BOWLINE-BEND. The mode of bending warps or hawsers together by taking a
bowline in the end of one rope, and passing the end of the other through
the bight, and making a bowline upon it.

BOWLINE-BRIDLE. The span attached to the cringles on the leech of a
square sail to which the bowline is toggled or clinched.

BOWLINE-CRINGLE. An eye worked into the leech-rope of a sail; usually in
that of a fore-sail two, a main-sail three, and the fore-topsails three,
but the main-topsail four. By these the sails are found in the dark, by
feeling alone.

BOWLINE HAUL. A hearty and simultaneous bowse. (_See_ ONE! TWO!!
THREE!!!) In hauling the bowline it is customary for the leading man to
veer, and then haul, three times in succession, singing out one, two,
three--at the last the weight of all the men is thrown in together:
this is followed by "belay, oh!" When the bowlines are reported
"bowlines hauled, sir," by the officer in command of the fore-part of
the ship, the hands, or the watch, return to their duties.

BOWLINE-KNOT. That by which the bowline-bridles were fastened to the
cringles: the bowline-knot is made by an involution of the end and a
bight upon the standing part of a rope. A further involution makes what
is termed a bowline on a bight. It is very difficult to explain by
words:--holding the rope some distance from the end by the left hand,
the end held in the right is laid on the main part, and by a twist given
screw-fashion to the right, a loop or kink is formed inclosing this end,
which is then passed behind, and back in the same direction with the
former, and then jammed home. It is rapidly done, easily undone, and one
of the most seamanlike acts, exhibiting grace as well as power. It can
be made by a man with but one arm.

BOW-LINES. In ship-building, longitudinal curves representing the ship's
fore-body cut in a vertical section.

BOWLING-ALONG. Going with a free wind.

BOW-LOG TIMBERS. A provincial name for hawse-wood.

BOWMAN. In a single-banked boat he who rows the foremost oar and manages
the boat-hook; called by the French "brigadier de l'embarcation." In
double-banked boats there are always two bowmen. Also an archer,
differently pronounced.

BOW-OAR. The foremost oar or oars, in pulling a boat.

BOW-PIECES. The ordnance in the bows; also in building.

BOW-RAIL. A rail round the bows.

BOWSE, TO. To pull upon any body with a tackle, or complication of
pulleys, in order to remove it, &c. Hauling upon a tack is called
"bowsing upon a tack," and when they would have the men pull all
together, they cry, "Bowse away." Also used in setting up rigging, as
"Bowse away, starboard;" "Bowse away, port." It is, however, mostly a
gun-tackle term.--_Bowse up the jib_, a colloquialism to denote the act
of tippling: it is an old phrase, and was probably derived from the
Dutch _buyzen_, to booze.

BOWSPRIT, OR BOLT-SPRIT. A large spar, ranking with a lower-mast,
projecting over the stem; beyond it extends the jib-boom, and beyond
that again the flying jib-boom. To these spars are secured the stays of
the fore-mast and of the spars above it; on these stays are set the fore
and fore-topmast staysails, the jib, and flying-jib, which have a most
useful influence in counter-balancing the pressure of the after-sails,
thereby tending to force the ship ahead instead of merely turning her
round. In former times underneath these spars were set a sprit-sail,
sprit-topsail, &c.

BOWSPRIT, RUNNING. In cutter-rigged vessels. (_See_ CUTTER.)

BOWSPRIT-BITTS. Are strong upright timbers secured to the beams below
the deck; they have a cross-piece bolted to them, the inner end of the
bowsprit steps between them, and is thus prevented from slipping in. The
cross-piece prevents it from canting up.

BOWSPRIT-CAP. The crance or cap on the outer end of the bowsprit,
through which the jib-boom traverses.

BOWSPRIT-GEAR. A term denoting the ropes, blocks, &c., belonging to the
bowsprit.

BOWSPRIT-HEART. The heart or block of wood used to secure the lower end
of the fore-stay, through which the inner end of the jib-boom is
inserted. It is seldom, if ever, used now, an iron band round the
bowsprit, with an eye on each side for the fore-stays, being preferred.

BOWSPRIT-HORSES. The ridge-ropes which extend from the bowsprit-cap to
the knight-heads.

BOWSPRIT-LADDER. Skids over the bowsprit from the beak-head in some
ships, to enable men to run out upon the bowsprit.

BOWSPRIT-NETTING. The netting placed just above a vessel's bowsprit, for
stowing away the fore-topmast staysail; it is usually lashed between the
ridge-ropes.

BOWSPRIT-SHROUDS. Strong ropes or chains leading from nearly the outer
end of the bowsprit to the luff of the bow, giving lateral support to
that spar.

BOW-STAVES. Early supplied to our men-of-war.

BOW-TIMBERS. Those which form the bow of the ship.

BOX. The space between the back-board and the stern-post of a boat,
where the coxswain sits.

BOXES OF THE PUMPS. Each ordinary pump has an upper and lower box, the
one a fixture in the lower part of its chamber, the other attached to
the end of the spear or piston-rod; in the centre of each box is a valve
opening upwards.

BOXHAULING. Is an evolution by which a ship is veered sharp round on her
heel, when the object is to avoid making a great sweep. The helm is put
a-lee, the head-yards braced flat aback, the after-yards squared, the
driver taken in, and the head-sheets hauled to windward; when she begins
to gather stern-way the helm is shifted and sails trimmed. It is only
resorted to in emergencies, as a seaman never likes to see his ship have
stern-way. With much wind and sea this evolution would be dangerous.

BOXING. A square piece of dry hard wood, used in connecting the frame
timbers. Also, the projection formerly left at the hawse-pieces, in the
wake of the hawse-holes, where the planks do not run through; now
disused. The stem is said to be boxed when it is joined to the fore end
of the keel by a side scarph. (_See_ BOXING OF RUDDER.)

BOXING OFF. Is performed by hauling the head-sheets to windward, and
laying the head-yards flat aback, to pay the ship's head out of the
wind, when the action of the helm alone is not sufficient for that
purpose; as when she is got "in irons."

BOX THE COMPASS, TO. Not only to repeat the names of the thirty-two
points in order and backwards, but also to be able to answer any and all
questions respecting its divisions.

BOYART. An old term for a hoy.

BOYAUX. The zig-zags or tortuous trenches in the approach of a besieger.

BOYER. A sloop of Flemish construction, with a raised work at each end.

BRAB. The sheaf of the young leaves of the Palmyra palm (and also of the
cocoa-nut), from which sinnet or plait for hats is made.

BRAB-TREE. The Palmyra palm.

BRACE. The braces are ropes belonging to all the yards of a ship; two to
each yard, rove through blocks that are stropped to the yards, or
fastened to pendants, seized to the yard-arms. Their use is either to
square or traverse the yards horizontally; hence, _to brace the yard_,
is to bring it to either side by means of the braces. In ship-building,
braces are plates of iron, copper, or mixed metal, which are used to
bind efficiently a weakness in a vessel; as also to receive the pintles
by which the rudder is hung.

BRACE ABACK. To brace the yards in, so as to lay the sails aback.--_To
brace about_, to turn the yards round for the contrary tack, or in
consequence of a change of wind.--_To brace abox_, a man[oe]uvre to
insure casting the right way, by bracing the head-yards flat aback (not
square).--_To brace by_, to brace the yards in contrary directions to
each other on the different masts, to effect the stopping of the vessel.
(_See_ COUNTER-BRACE.)--_To brace in_, to lay the yard less oblique, as
for a free wind, or nearly square.--_To brace round_, synonymous with
brace about.--_To brace sharp_, to cause the yards to have the smallest
possible angle with the keel, for the ship to have head-way: deemed
generally to form an angle of 20° with the keel.--_To brace to_, is to
check or ease off the lee braces, and round in the weather ones, to
assist in the man[oe]uvre of tacking or wearing.--_To brace up_, or
_brace sharp up_, to lay the yards more obliquely fore and aft, by
easing off the weather-braces and hauling in the lee ones, which enables
a ship to lie as close to the wind as possible.

BRACE OF SHAKES. A moment: taken from the flapping of a sail. I will be
with you before it shakes thrice.

BRACE PENDANTS. Are lengths of rope, or now more generally chain, into
which the yard-arm brace-blocks are spliced. They are used in the
merchant service to save rope, to give the blocks more freedom for
slewing to their work, but chiefly because when the brace is let go, the
falling chain will overhaul it, making it easier to haul in the other
brace.

BRACE UP AND HAUL AFT! The order usually given after being hove-to, with
fore or main top-sail square or aback, and jib-sheet flowing, _i.e._
haul aft jib-sheet, brace up the yards which had been squared, for the
purpose of heaving to.

BRACK. The Manx or Gaelic name for mackerel.

BRACKETS. Short crooked timbers resembling knees, fixed in the frame of
a ship's head to support the gratings; they likewise served to support
and ornament the gallery. Also, the two vertical side-pieces of the
carriage of any piece of ordnance, which support it by the trunnions.
Called also cheeks. Also, triangular supports to miscellaneous things.

BRACKISH. Water not fresh; from the Icelandic _breke_, the sea.

BRADS. Small nails.

BRAE. A declivity or precipice.

BRAGGIR. The name given in the Western Islands of Scotland to the broad
leaves growing on the top of the _Alga marina_, or sea-grass.

BRAILS. Ropes passing through leading blocks on the hoops of the
mizen-mast and gaff, and fastened to the outermost leech of the sail, in
different places, to truss it close up as occasion requires; all
trysails and several of the staysails also have brails.

BRAIL UP! The order to pull upon the brails, and thereby spill and haul
in the sail. The mizen, or spanker, or driver, or any of the gaff-sails,
as they may be termed, when brailed up, are deemed furled; unless it
blows hard, when they are farther secured by gaskets.

BRAKE. The handle or lever by which a common ship-pump is usually
worked. It operates by means of two iron bolts, one thrust through the
inner hole of it, which bolted through forms the lever axis in the iron
crutch of the pump, and serves as the fulcrum for the brake, supporting
it between the cheeks. The other bolt connects the extremity of the
brake to the pump-spear, which draws up the spear box or piston, charged
with the water in the tube; derived from _brachium_, an arm or lever.
Also, used to check the speed of machinery by frictional force pressing
on the circumference of the largest wheel acted on by leverage of the
brake.

BRAN, TO. To go on; to lie under a floe edge, in foggy weather, in a
boat in Arctic seas, to watch the approach of whales.

BRANCH. The diploma of those pilots who have passed at the Trinity
House, as competent to navigate vessels in particular places. The word
branch is also metaphorically used for river divergents, but its
application to affluents is improper. Any branch or ramification, as in
estuaries, where they traverse, river-like, miles of territory, in
labyrinthine mazes.

BRANCH-PILOT. One approved by the Trinity House, and holding a branch,
for a particular navigation.

BRAND. The Anglo-Saxon for a burnished sword. A burned device or
character, especially that of the broad arrow on government stores, to
deface or erase which is felony.

BRANDED TICKET. A discharge given to an infamous man, on which his
character is written, and the reason he is turned out of the service. In
the army, deserters are branded with D; also B for bad character. In the
navy, a corner of the ticket is cut off.

BRANDLING. A supposed fry of the salmon species, found on the north of
England coasts. Also, the angler's dew-worm.

BRANDY-PAWNEE. A cant term for brandy and water in India.

BRANLAIG. The Manx or Gaelic term for a cove or creek on a shore between
rocks.

BRANLIE, OR BRANLIN. A northern name for the samlet or par.

BRAN-NEW. Quite new: said of a sail which has never been bent.

BRASH. Small fragments of crushed ice, collected by wind or currents,
near the shore; or such that the ship can easily force through.

BRASS. Impudent assurance.

BRASSARTS. Pieces between the elbow and the top of the shoulder in
ancient armour.

BRASSER. A defensive bit of armour for the arm.

BRAT. A northern name for a turbot.

BRAVE. This word was not only used to express courage by our early
seamen, but was also applied to strength; as, "we had a brave wind."

BRAWET. A kind of eel in the north.

BRAY, TO. To beat and bruise in a mortar.

BREACH. Formerly, what is made by the breaking in of the sea, now
applied also to the openings or gaps made in the works of fortified
places battered by an enemy's cannon. Also, an old term for a heavy surf
or broken water on a sea-coast; by some called _brist_.

BREACHING. The act of leaping out of the water; applied to whales.

BREACH OF THE SEA. Waves breaking over the hull of a vessel in bad
weather, or when stranded.--_A clear breach_ implies the waves rolling
clean over without breaking. Shakspeare in "Twelfth Night" uses the term
for the breaking of the waves.--_Clean-breach_, when masts and every
object on deck is swept away.

BREACHY. Brackish, as applied to water, probably originating in the sea
breaking in.

BREAD. The usual name given to biscuit.

BREAD-BARGE. The tray in which biscuit is handed round.

BREAD-FRUIT (_Artocarpus incisa_). This most useful tree has a wide
range of growth, but the seedless variety produced in Tahiti and some of
the South Sea Islands is superior to others; it has an historical
interest from its connection with the voyage of the _Bounty_ in 1787.

BREAD-ROOM. The lowest and aftermost part of the orlop deck, where the
biscuit is kept, separated by a bulk-head from the rest; but any place
parted off from below deck for containing the bread is so designated.

BREAD-ROOM JACK. The purser's steward's help.

BREADTH. The measure of a vessel from side to side in any particular
place athwart-ships. (_See_ STRAIGHT OF BREADTH, HEIGHT OF BREADTH,
TOP-TIMBER BREADTH, &c.)--_Breadth of beam_, extreme breadth of a ship.

BREADTH EXTREME. _See_ EXTREME BREADTH OR BEAM.

BREADTH LINE. A curved line of the ship lengthwise, intersecting the
timbers at their greatest extent from the middle line of the ship.

BREADTH-MOULDED. _See_ MOULDED BREADTH.

BREADTH-RIDERS. Timbers placed nearly in the broadest part of the ship,
and diagonally, so as to strengthen two or more timbers.

BREAK, TO. To deprive of commission, warrant, or rating, by
court-martial.

BREAK. The sudden rise of a deck when not flush; when the aft, and
sometimes the fore part, of a vessel's deck is kept up to give more
height below, and at the drifts.--_Break of the poop_, where it ends at
the foremost part.

BREAKAGE. The leaving of empty spaces in stowing the hold. In marine
insurance, the term alludes to damage occurring to goods.

BREAK-BEAMS. Beams introduced at the break of a deck, or any sudden
termination of planking.

BREAK-BULK. To open the hold, to begin unloading and disposing of the
goods therein, under legal provisions.

BREAKERS. Small barrels for containing water or other liquids; they are
also used in watering the ship as gang-casks. (_See_ BAREKA.) Also,
those billows which break violently over reefs, rocks, or shallows,
lying immediately at, or under, the surface of the sea. They are
distinguished both by their appearance and sound, as they cover that
part of the sea with a perpetual foam, and produce loud roaring, very
different from what the waves usually have over a deeper bottom. Also, a
name given to those rocks which occasion the waves to break over
them.--_Breakers ahead!_ the common pass-word to warn the officer of
broken water in the direction of the course. (_See also_ SHIP-BREAKER.)

BREAK-GROUND. Beginning to weigh, or to lift the anchor from the
bottom. On shore it means to begin the works for besieging a place, or
opening the trenches.

BREAKING. Breaking out stores or cargo in the hold. The act of
extricating casks or other objects from the hold-stowage.

BREAKING LIBERTY. Not returning at the appointed time.

BREAKING OF A GALE. Indications of a return of fine weather; short gusts
at intervals; moaning or whistling of the wind through the rigging.

BREAKING-PLATE DISTANCE. The point within which iron-plated ships, under
concentrated fire, may be damaged.

BREAKING THE EY. _See_ EYGHT.

BREAKING-UP OF THE MONSOON. A nautical term for the violent storms that
attend the shifting of periodical winds.

BREAK-OFF. (_See_ BROKEN-OFF). "She breaks off from her course," applied
only when the wind will not allow of keeping the course; applies only to
"close-hauled" or "on a wind."--_Break-off!_ an order to quit one
department of duty, to clap on to another.

BREAK-SHEER, TO. When a ship at anchor is laid in a proper position to
keep clear of her anchor, but is forced by the wind or current out of
that position, she is said to break her sheer. Also, for a vessel to
break her sheer, or her back, means destroying the gradual sweep
lengthways.

BREAK-UP, TO. To take a ship to pieces when she becomes old and
unserviceable.

BREAK-WATER. Any erection or object so placed as to prevent the sea from
rolling inwards. Where there is no mole or jetty the hull of an old ship
may be sunk at the entrance of a small harbour, to break off or diminish
the force of the waves as they advance towards the vessels moored
within. Every bar to a river or harbour, intended to secure smooth water
within, acts as a break-water.

BREAM. A common fresh as well as salt water fish (_Abramis brama_),
little esteemed as food.

BREAMING. Cleaning a ship's bottom by burning off the grass, ooze,
shells, or sea-weed, which it has contracted by lying long in harbour;
it is performed by holding kindled furze, faggots, or reeds to the
bottom, which, by melting the pitch that formerly covered it, loosens
whatever filth may have adhered to the planks; the bottom is then
covered anew with a composition of sulphur, tallow, &c., which not only
makes it smooth and slippery, so as to divide the fluid more readily,
but also poisons and destroys those worms which eat through the planks
in the course of a voyage. This operation may be performed either by
laying the ship aground after the tide has ebbed from her or by docking
or careening.

BREAST, TO. To run abeam of a cape or object. To cut through a sea, the
surface of which is poetically termed breast.--_To breast the sea_, to
meet it by the bow on a wind.--_To breast the surf_, to brave it, and
overcome it swimming.--_To breast a bar_, to heave at the capstan.--_To
breast to_, the act of giving a sheer to a boat.

BREAST-BACKSTAYS. They extend from the head of an upper-mast, through an
out-rigger, down to the channels before the standing backstays, for
supporting the upper spars from to windward. When to leeward, they are
borne abaft the top-rim. (_See_ BACKSTAYS.)

BREAST-BEAMS. Those beams at the fore-part of the quarter-deck, and the
after-part of the forecastle, in those vessels which have a poop and a
top-gallant forecastle.

BREAST-FAST. A large rope or chain, used to confine a ship's broadside
to a wharf or quay, or to some other ship, as the head-fast confines her
forward, and the stern-fast abaft.

BREAST-GASKETS. An old term for bunt-gaskets.

BREAST-HOOKS. Thick pieces of timber, incurvated into the form of knees,
and used to strengthen the fore-part of a ship, where they are placed at
different heights, directly across the stem internally, so as to unite
it with the bows on each side, and form the principal security,
supporting the hawse-pieces and strain of the cables. The breast-hooks
are strongly connected to the stem and hawse-pieces by tree-nails, and
by bolts driven from without through all, and forelocked or clinched
upon rings inside.

BREAST-RAIL. The upper rail of the balcony; formerly it was applied to a
railing in front of the quarter-deck, and at the after-part of the
forecastle-deck. Also, fife-rail.

BREAST-ROPE. The lashing or laniard of the yard-parrels. (_See also_
HORSE.) Also, the bight of a mat-worked band fastened between the
shrouds for the safety of the lad's-man in the chains, when sounding, so
that he may hang over the water, and let the lead swing clear.

BREAST-WORK. A sort of balustrade of rails, mouldings, or stanchions,
which terminates the quarter-deck and poop at the fore ends, and also
incloses the forecastles both before and behind. (_See_ PARAPET.) Now
applicable to the poop-rails only. In fortification, it signifies a
parapet thrown up as high as the breasts of the men defending it.

BREATHER. A tropical squall.

BREATH OF WIND. All but a dead calm.

BREECHING. A strong rope passing through at the cascable of a gun, used
to secure it to the ship's side, and prevent it recoiling too much in
time of battle, also to secure it when the ship labours; it is fixed by
reeving it through a thimble stropped upon the cascable or knob at the
breech of the gun; one end is rove and clinched, and the other is
passed through the ring-bolt in the ship's side, and seized back. The
breeching is of sufficient length to let the muzzle of the cannon come
within the ship's side to be charged, or to be housed and lashed.
Clinch-shackles have superseded the ring-bolts, so that guns may be
instantly unshackled and shifted.

BREECHING-BOLT. Applies to the above.

BREECH-LOADER. A gun, large or small, charged at the breech. The method
is a very old one revived, but with such scientific modifications as to
have enormously increased the effectiveness of small-arms; with cannon
its successful practical application to the larger natures has not yet
been arrived at, but with field-guns it has added largely to accuracy of
practice and facility of loading.

BREECH OF A CANNON. The after-end, next the vent or touch-hole. It is
the most massive part of a gun; strictly speaking, it is all the solid
metal behind the bottom of the bore. Also, the outside angle formed by
the knee-timber, the inside of which is the throat.

BREECH-SIGHT. The notch cut on the base ring of a gun.

BREEZE. This word is widely understood as a pleasant zephyr; but among
seamen it is usually applied as synonymous with wind in general, whether
weak or strong.

BREEZE, SEA OR LAND. A shifting wind blowing from sea and land
alternately at certain hours, and sensibly only near the coasts; they
are occasioned by the action of the sun raising the temperature of the
land so as to draw an aërial current from sea-ward by day, which is
returned as the earth cools at night.

BREEZE, TO KICK UP A. To excite disturbance, and promote a quarrelsome
row.

BREEZING UP. The gale freshening.

BREEZO. A toast given by the presiding person at a mess-table; derived
from _brisée générale_.

BREVET. A rank in the army higher than the regimental commission held by
an officer, affording him a precedence in garrison and brigade duties.
Something approaching this has been attempted afloat, under the term
"staff."

BREWING. The appearance of a collection of black and tempestuous clouds,
rising gradually from a particular part of the hemisphere, as the
forerunner of a storm.

BRICKLAYER'S CLERK. A contemptuous expression for lubberly pretenders to
having seen "better days," but who were forced to betake themselves to
sea-life.

BRIDGE. A narrow gangway between two hatchways, sometimes termed a
bridge. Military bridges to afford a passage across a river for troops,
are constructed with boats, pontoons, casks, trusses, trestles, &c.
Bridge in steam-vessels is the connection between the paddle-boxes, from
which the officer in charge directs the motion of the vessel. Also, the
middle part of the fire-bars in a marine boiler, on either side of which
the fires are banked. Also, a narrow ridge of rock, sand, or shingle,
across the bottom of a channel, so as to occasion a shoal over which the
tide ripples. That between Mount Edgecombe and St. Nicholas' Isle, at
Plymouth, has occasioned much loss of life.

BRIDGE-ISLET. A portion of land which becomes insular at high-water--as
Old Woman's Isle at Bombay, and among others, the celebrated
Lindisfarne, thus _tidally_ sung by Scott:--

    "The tide did now his flood-mark gain,
    And girdled in the saint's domain:
    For, with the flow and ebb, its style
    Varies from continent to isle;
    Dry-shod, o'er sands, twice ev'ry day
    The pilgrims to the shrine find way;
    Twice every day the waves efface
    Of staves and sandall'd feet the trace."

BRIDGE-TRAIN. An equipment for insuring the passage of troops over a
river. Pontooners. (_See_ PONTOON.)

BRIDLE. _See_ MOORING-BRIDLE and BOWLINE-BRIDLE.

BRIDLE-PORT. A square port in the bows of a ship, for taking in mooring
bridles. They are also used for guns removed from the port abaft, and
required to fire as near a line ahead as possible. They are main-deck
chase-ports.

BRIDLES. The upper part of the moorings laid in the queen's harbours, to
ride ships or vessels of war. (_See_ MOORINGS.)

BRIG. A two-masted square-rigged vessel, without a square main-sail, or
a trysail-mast abaft the main-mast. This properly constituted the snow,
but both classes are latterly blended, and the terms therefore
synonymous.

BRIGADE. A party or body of men detached for a special service. A
division of troops under the command of a general officer. In artillery
organization on land, a brigade is a force usually composed of more than
a battery; in the field it commonly consists of two or three batteries;
on paper, and for administrative purposes, of eight.

BRIGADE-MAJOR. A staff officer attached to a brigade, and is the channel
through which all orders are received from the general and communicated
to the troops.

BRIGADE-ORDERS. Those issued by the general officer commanding troops
which are brigaded.

BRIGADIER. An officer commanding a brigade, and somewhat the same as
commodore for a squadron of ships.

BRIGANDINE. A pliant scale-like coat of mail.

BRIGANTINE. A square-rigged vessel with two masts. A term variously
applied by the mariners of different European nations to a peculiar sort
of vessel of their own marine. Amongst British seamen this vessel is
distinguished by having her main-sail set nearly in the plane of her
keel, whereas the main-sails of larger ships are spread athwart the
ship's length, and made fast to a yard which hangs parallel to the deck;
but in a brig, the foremost side of the main-sail is fastened at
different heights to hoops which encircle the main-mast, and slide up
and down it as the sail is hoisted or lowered: it is extended by a gaff
above and a boom below. Brigantine is a derivative from brig, first
applied to passage-boats; in the Celtic meaning "passage over the
water." (_See_ HERMAPHRODITE OR BRIG-SCHOONER.)

BRIGANTS. Formerly, natives of the northern parts of England.

BRIGDIE. A northern name for the basking shark (_Squalus maximus_).

BRIGHT LOOK-OUT. A vigilant one.

BRIG-SCHOONER. (_See_ HERMAPHRODITE and BRIGANTINE, by which, term she
is at present classed in law.) Square-rigged on the fore-mast, schooner
on the main-mast.

BRILL. The _Pleuronectes rhombus_, a common fish, allied to, but rather
smaller than, the turbot.

BRIM. The margin or bank of a stream, lake, or river.

BRIMSTONE. _See_ SULPHUR.

BRINE, OR PICKLE. Water replete with saline particles, as brine-pickle
for salt meat. The briny wave.

BRINE-GAUGE. _See_ SALINOMETER.

BRINE-PUMPS. When inconvenient to blow off the brine which collects at
the bottom of a steamer's boilers, the brine-pump is used for clearing
away the deposit.

BRING BY THE LEE, TO. To incline so rapidly to leeward of the course
when the ship sails large, or nearly before the wind, as in scudding
before a gale, that the lee-side is unexpectedly brought to windward,
and by laying the sails all aback, exposes her to the danger of
over-setting. (_See_ BROACH-TO.)

BRING 'EM NEAR. The day-and-night telescope.

BRINGERS UP. The last men in a boarding or small-arm party. Among
soldiers, it means the whole last rank of a battalion drawn up, being
the hindmost men of every file.

BRING HOME THE ANCHOR, TO, is to weigh it. It applies also when the
flukes slip or will not hold; a ship then brings home her
anchor.--_Bring home the log_. When the pin slips out of the log ship
and it slides through the water.

BRINGING IN. The detention of a vessel on the high seas, and bringing
her into port for adjudication.

BRINGING-TO THE YARD. Hoisting up a sail, and bending it to its yard.

BRING-TO, TO. To bend, as to bring-to a sail to the yard. Also, to check
the course of a ship by trimming the sails so that they shall counteract
each other, and keep her nearly stationary, when she is said to lie by,
or lie-to, or heave-to.--_Bring to!_ The order from one ship to another
to put herself in that situation in order to her being boarded, spoken
to, or examined. Firing a blank gun across the bows of a ship is the
forcible signal to shorten sail and bring-to until further
pleasure.--_Bring-to_ is also used in applying a rope to the capstan, as
"bring-to the messenger."

BRING-TO AN ANCHOR, TO. To let go the anchor in the intended port. "All
hands bring ship to an anchor!" The order by which the people are
summoned for that duty, by the pipes of the boatswain and his mates.

BRING UP, TO. To cast anchor.

BRING UP WITH A ROUND TURN. Suddenly arresting a running rope by taking
a round turn round a bollard, bitt-head, or cleat. Said of doing a thing
effectually though abruptly. It is used to bring one up to his senses by
a severe rating.

BRISAS. A north-east wind which blows on the coast of South America
during the trades.

BRISMAK. A name among the Shetlanders for the excellent fish called tusk
or torsk, the best of the cod kind (_Brosmius vulgaris_).

BRISTOL FASHION AND SHIP-SHAPE. Said when Bristol was in its palmy
commercial days, unannoyed by Liverpool, and its shipping was all in
proper good order.

BRITISH-BUILT SHIP. Such as has been built in Great Britain or Ireland,
Guernsey, Jersey, the Isle of Man, or some of the colonies, plantations,
islands, or territories in Asia, Africa, or America, which, at the time
of building the ship, belonged to or were in possession of Her Majesty;
or any ship whatsoever which has been, taken and condemned as lawful
prize.

BRITISH SEAS. _See_ QUATUOR MARIA.

BRITISH SHIP. May be foreign built, or rebuilt on a foreign keel which
belonged to any of the people of Great Britain and Ireland, Guernsey,
Jersey, or the Isle of Man, or of any colony, island, or territory in
Asia, Africa, or America, or was registered before the 1st of May, 1786.

BRITISH SUBJECT. Settled in an enemy's country, may not trade in any
contraband goods.

BRITTLE-STAR. The common name of a long-rayed star-fish (_Ophiocoma
rosula_).

BROACH A BUSINESS, TO. To begin it.

BROACH-TO, TO. To fly up into the wind. It generally happens when a ship
is carrying a press of canvas with the wind on the quarter, and a good
deal of after-sail set. The masts are endangered by the course being so
altered, as to bring it more in opposition to, and thereby increasing
the pressure of the wind. In extreme cases the sails are caught flat
aback, when the masts would be likely to give way, or the ship might go
down stern foremost.

BROAD ARROW. The royal mark for government stores of every description.
To obliterate, deface, or remove this mark is felony; or even to be in
possession of any goods so marked without sufficient grounds. It is no
doubt one of the Ditmarsh runes.

BROAD AXE. Formerly a warlike instrument; also for beheading; specially
applied to the axe of carpenters for mast-making, and sometimes cutting
away the masts or cable.

BROAD CLOTH. Square sails.

BROAD OF WATER. An extensive lake with a channel communicating with the
sea, or a wide opening of a river after passing a narrow entrance.

BROAD PENNANT. A swallow-tailed piece of buntin at the mast-head of a
man-of-war; the distinctive mark of a commodore. The term is frequently
used for the officer himself. It tapers, in contradistinction to a
cornet, which has only the triangle cut out of it.

BROAD R. _See_ BROAD ARROW.

BROADS. Fresh-water lakes, in contradistinction to rivers or narrow
waters.

BROADSIDE. The whole array, or the simultaneous discharge of the
artillery on one side of a ship of war above and below. It also implies
the whole of that side of a ship above the water which is situate
between the bow and quarter, and is in a position nearly perpendicular
to the horizon. Also, a name given to the old folio sheets whereon
ballads and proclamations were printed of old (broad-sheet).

BROADSIDE-ON. The whole side of a vessel; the opposite of _end-on_.

BROADSIDE WEIGHT OF METAL. The weight of iron which the guns of a ship
can project, when single-shotted, from one side. (_See_ WEIGHT OF
METAL.)

BROADSWORD. _See_ CUTLAS.

BROCAGE. The same with _brokerage_ (which see).

BROCLES. _See_ STRAKE-NAILS.

BRODIE. The fry of the rock-tangle, or Hettle-codling, a fish caught on
the Hettle Bank, in the Firth of Forth.

BROGGING. A north-country method of catching eels, by means of small
sticks called brogs.

BROGUES. Among seamen, coarse sandals made of green hide; but Shakspeare
makes Arviragus put "his clouted brogues from off his feet," for
"answering his steps too loud." This would rather refer to shoes
strengthened with hob-nails.

BROKE. Sentence of a court-martial, depriving an officer of his
commission.

BROKEN. An old army word, used for _reduced_; as, a broken lieutenant,
&c. The word is also applied to troops in line when not dressed. The
heart of a gale is said to be broken; parole is broken; also, leave,
bulk, &c. (which see).

BROKEN-BACKED. The state of a ship so loosened in her frame, either by
age, weakness, or some great strain from grounding amidships, as to
droop at each end, causing the lines of her sheer to be interrupted, and
termed _hogged_. It may result from fault of construction, in the
midship portions having more buoyancy, and the extreme ends too much
weight, as anchors, boats, guns, &c., to sustain.

BROKEN-OFF. Fallen off, in azimuth, from the course. Also, men taken
from one duty to be put on another.

BROKEN SQUALL. When the clouds separate in divisions, passing ahead and
astern of a ship, and affecting her but little, if at all.

BROKEN WATER. The contention of currents in a narrow channel. Also, the
waves breaking on and near shallows, occasionally the result of vast
shoals of fish, as porpoise, skip-jacks, &c., which worry untutored
seamen.

BROKER. Originally a broken tradesman, from the Anglo-Saxon _broc_, a
misfortune; but, in later times, a person who usually transacts the
business of negotiating between the merchants and ship-owners respecting
cargoes and clearances: he also effects insurances with the
underwriters; and while on the one hand he is looked to as to the
regularity of the contract, on the other he is expected to make a candid
disclosure of all the circumstances which may affect the risk.

BROKET. A small brook; the sea-lark is so called at the Farne Islands.

BROKE-UP. Said of a gale of wind passing away; or a ship which has gone
to pieces on a reef, &c.

BROND. An old spelling of _brand_, a sword.

BRONGIE. A name given to the cormorant in the Shetland Islands.

BROOD. Oysters of about two years old, which are dredged up at sea, for
placing on the oyster-beds.

BROOD-HEN STAR. The cluster of the Pleiades.

BROOK, OR BROOKLET. Streams of fresh or salt water, less than a rivulet,
creeping through narrow and shallow passages. The clouds _brook-up_,
when they draw together and threaten rain.

BROOM. A besom at the mast-head signifies that the ship is to be sold:
derived probably from the old practice of displaying boughs at shops and
taverns. Also, a sort of _spartium_, of which ropes are made.

BROOMING. _See_ BREAMING.

BROTHER-OFFICERS. Those of the same ship or regiment.

BROTH OF A BOY. An excellent, though roystering fellow.

BROUGHT BY THE LEE. _See_ BRING BY THE LEE.

BROUGHT-TO. A chase made to stop, and heave-to. Also, the cable is
brought-to when fastened to the messenger by nippers. The messenger is
brought to the capstan, or the cable to the windlass.

BROUGHT TO HIS BEARINGS. Reduced to obedience.

BROUGHT TO THE GANGWAY. Punished.

BROW. An inclined plane of planks, on one or both sides of a ship, to
communicate internally; a stage-gangway for the accommodation of the
shipwrights, in conveying plank, timber, and weighty articles on board.
Also, the face of a rising ground. An old term for a gang-board.

BROWN BESS. A nickname for the old government regulation bronzed musket,
although till recently it was brightly burnished.

BROWN BILL. The old weapon of the English infantry: hence, perhaps the
expression "Brown Bess" for a musket.

BROWN GEORGE. A hard and coarse biscuit.

BROWNIE. The Polar bear, so called by the whalers. It is also a northern
term for goblin.

BROWN JANET. A cant phrase for a knapsack.

BROWN-PAPER WARRANT. _See_ WARRANT.

BROWSE. A light kind of dunnage.

BRUISE-WATER. A ship with very bluff bows, built more for carrying than
sailing.

BRUISING WATER. Pitching heavily to a head-sea, and making but little
head-way.

BRUN-SWYNE. An early name for a seal.

BRUSH. A move; a skirmish.

BRYDPORT. An old word signifying cable. The best hemp grew at Bridport,
in Dorsetshire; and there was a statute, that the cables and hawsers for
the Royal Navy were to be made thereabouts.

BUB. A liquor or drink. _Bub_ and _grub_ meaning inversely meat and
drink.

BUBBLE. Another term for spirit-level, used for astronomical
instruments.

BUBBLER. A fish found in the waters of the Ohio, thus named from the
bubbling noise it makes.

BUCCANEER. A name given to certain piratical rovers, of various
European nations, who formerly infested the coasts of Spanish America.
They were originally inoffensive settlers in Hispaniola, but were
inhumanly driven from their habitations by the jealous policy of the
Spaniards; whence originated their implacable hatred to that nation.
Also, a large musketoon, about 8 feet in length, so called from having
been used by those marauders.

BUCENTAUR. A large and splendid galley of the doge of Venice, in which
he received the great lords and persons of quality who went there,
accompanied by the ambassadors and councillors of state, and all the
senators seated on benches by him. The same vessel served also in the
magnificent ceremony on Ascension-day, when the doge threw a ring into
the sea to espouse it, and to denote his dominion over the Gulf of
Venice.

BUCHAN BOILERS. The heavy breaking billows among the rocks on the coast
of Buchan.

BUCHT. A Shetland term for lines of 55 fathoms.

BUCK, TO. To wash a sail.

BUCKALL. An earthen wine-cup used in the sea-ports of Portugal, Spain,
and Italy. [From _bocale_, It.]

BUCKER. A name for the grampus in the Hebrides. It is also applied, on
some of our northern coasts, to the porpoise.

BUCKET. A small globe of hoops, covered with canvas, used as a recall
for the boats of whalers.

BUCKET-ROPE. That which is tied to a bucket for drawing water up from
alongside.

BUCKETS. Are made either of canvas, of leather, or of wood; the latter
are used principally for washing the decks, and therefore answer the
purposes of pails.

BUCKET-VALVE. In a steamer's engine, is a flat metal plate filling up
the passage between the air-pump and the condenser, and acted upon by
both in admitting or repressing the passage of water.

BUCKHORN. Whitings, haddocks, thorn-backs, gurnet, and other fish,
cleaned, gently salted, and dried in the sun.

BUCKIE. A northern name for the whelk.

BUCKIE-INGRAM. A name for the hermit-crab.

BUCKIE-PRINS. A northern designation for a periwinkle.

BUCKLE. A mast buckles when it suffers by compression, so that the fibre
takes a sinuous form, and the grain is _upset_. Also, in Polar regions,
the bending or arching of the ice upwards, preceding a nip.

BUCKLERS. Two blocks of wood fitted together to stop the hawse-holes,
leaving only sufficient space between them for the cable to pass, and
thereby preventing the ship taking in much water in a heavy head-sea.
They are either _riding_ or _blind bucklers_ (which see).

BUCKRA. A term for white man, used by the blacks in the West Indies,
Southern States of America, and the African coast.

BUCK-WEEL. A bow-net for fish.

BUDE. An old name for the biscuit-weevil.

BUDGE-BARREL. A small cask with copper and wooden hoops, and one head
formed by a leather hose or bag, drawing close by a string, for carrying
powder in safety from sparks. In heraldry, the common bucket is called a
water bouget or budget.

BUDGEROW. A cabined passage-boat of the Ganges and Hooghly.

BUFFET A BILLOW, TO. To work against wind and tide.

BUG. An old term for a vessel more remarkable in size than efficiency.
Thus, when Drake fell upon Cadiz, his sailors regarded the huge galleys
opposed to them as mere "great bugges."

BUGALILO. A large trading-boat of the Gulf of Persia; the _buglo_ of our
seamen.

BUGAZEENS. An old commercial term for calicoes.

BUILD. A vessel's form or construction.

BUILD A CHAPEL, TO. To turn a ship suddenly by negligent steerage.

BUILDER'S CERTIFICATE. A necessary document in admiralty courts,
containing a true account of a ship's denomination, tonnage, trim, where
built, and for whom.

BUILDING. The work of constructing ships, as distinguished from naval
architecture, which may rather be considered as the art or theory of
delineating ships on a plane. The pieces by which this complicated
machine is framed, are joined together in various places by scarfing,
rabbeting, tenanting, and scoring.

BUILT. A prefix to denote the construction of a vessel, as carvel or
clinker-built, bluff-built, frigate-built, sharp-built, &c.; English,
French, or American built, &c.

BUILT-BLOCK. Synonymous with _made-block_ (which see). The lower masts
of large ships are built or made.

BUILT-UP GUNS. Recently invented guns of great strength, specially
adapted to meet the requirements of rifled artillery and of the attack
of iron plating. They are usually composed of an inner core or barrel
(which may be of coiled and welded iron, but is now generally preferred
of tough steel), with a breech-piece, trunnion-piece, and various outer
strengthening hoops or coils of wrought iron, shrunk or otherwise forced
on; having their parts put together at such predetermined relative
tensions, as to support one another under the shock of explosion, and
thereby avoiding the faults of solid cast or forged guns, whereof the
inner parts are liable to be destroyed before the outer can take their
share of the strain. The first practical example of the method was
afforded by the Armstrong gun, the "building up" which obtained in
ancient days, before the casting of solid guns, having been apparently
resorted to as an easy means of producing large masses of metal, without
realizing the principle of the mutual support of the various parts.

BUIRAN. A Gaelic word signifying the sea coming in, with a noise as of
the roar of a bull.

BULCH, TO. To bilge a ship.

BULGE. (_See_ BILGE.) That part of the ship she bears upon when on the
ground.

BULGE-WAYS. Otherwise _bilge-ways_ (which see).

BULK. In bulk; things stowed without cases or packages. (_See_ BULK-HEAD
and LADEN IN BULK.)

BULKER. A person employed to measure goods, and ascertain the amount of
freight with which they are chargeable.

BULK-HEAD, THE. Afore, is the partition between the forecastle and
gratings in the head, and in which are the chase-ports.

BULK-HEADS. Partitions built up in several parts of a ship, to form and
separate the various cabins from each other. Some are particularly
strong, as those in the hold, which are mostly built with rabbeted or
cyphered plank; others are light, and removable at pleasure. Indeed the
word is applied to any division made with boards, to separate one
portion of the 'tween decks from another.

BULK OF A SHIP. Implies the whole cargo when stowed in the hold.

BULL. An old male whale. Also, a small keg; also the weak grog made by
pouring water into a spirit-cask nearly empty.

BULL-DANCE. At sea it is performed by men only, when without women. It
is sometimes called a stag-dance.

BULL-DOG, OR MUZZLED BULL-DOG. The great gun which stands "housed" in
the officer's ward-room cabin. General term for main-deck guns.

BULLETIN. Any official account of a public transaction.

BULLET-MOULD. An implement for casting bullets.

BULLETS. Leaden balls with which all kinds of fire-arms are loaded.

BULL-HEAD, OR BULL-JUB. A name of the fish called miller's thumb
(_Cottus gobio_).

BULLOCK-BLOCKS. Blocks secured under the top-mast trestle-trees, which
receive the top-sail ties through them, in order to increase the
mechanical power used in hoisting them up.

BULLOCK-SLINGS. Used to hoist in live bullocks.

BULL'S-EYE. A sort of block without a sheave, for a rope to reeve
through; it is grooved for stropping. Also, the central mark of a
target. Also, a hemispherical piece of ground glass of great thickness,
inserted into small openings in the decks, port-lids, and
scuttle-hatches, for the admission of light below.

BULL'S-EYE CRINGLE. A piece of wood in the form of a ring, which answers
the purpose of an iron thimble; it is seldom used by English seamen, and
then only for the fore and main bowline-bridles.

BULL-TROUT. The salmon-trout of the Tweed. A large species of trout
taken in the waters of Northumberland.

BULLYRAG, TO. To reproach contemptuously, and in a hectoring manner; to
bluster, to abuse, and to insult noisily. Shakspeare makes mine host of
the Garter dub Falstaff a bully-rook.

BULWARK. The planking or wood-work round a vessel above her deck, and
fastened externally to the stanchions and timber-heads. In this form it
is a synonym of berthing. Also, the old name for a bastion.

BULWARK-NETTING. An ornamental frame of netting answering the purpose of
a bulwark.

BUMBARD. A cask or large vessel for liquids. (_See_ BOMBARD.) Trinculo,
in the "Tempest," thinks an impending storm-cloud "looks like a foul
bumbard."

BUM-BOAT. A boat employed to carry provisions, vegetables, and small
merchandise for sale to ships, either in port or lying at a distance
from the shore; thus serving to communicate with the adjacent town. The
name is corrupted from bombard, the vessels in which beer was formerly
carried to soldiers on duty.

BUMKIN, BUMPKIN, OR BOOMKIN. A short boom or beam of timber projecting
from each bow of a ship, where it is fayed down upon the false rail. Its
use is to extend the clue or lower corner of the fore-sail to windward,
for which purpose there is a large block fixed on its outer end, through
which the tack is passed, and when hauled tight down is said to be
aboard. The name is also applied to the pieces on each quarter, for the
main-brace blocks.

BUMKIN. A small out-rigger over the stern of a boat, usually serving to
extend the mizen.

BUMMAREE. A word synonymous with _bottomry_, in maritime law. It is also
a name given to a class of speculating salesmen of fish, not recognized
as regular tradesmen.

BUMP, TO. To bump a boat, is to pull astern of her in another, and
insultingly or inimically give her the stem; a practice in rivers and
narrow channels.

BUMP-ASHORE. Running stem-on to a beach or bank. A ship bumps by the
action of the waves lifting and dropping her on the bottom when she is
aground.

BUMPERS. Logs of wood placed over a ship's side to keep off ice.

BUND. In India, an embankment; whence, Bunda head, and Bunda boat.

BUNDLE-UP! The call to the men below to hurry up on deck.

BUNDLING THINGS INTO A BOAT. Loading it in a slovenly way.

BUNGLE, TO. To perform a duty in a slovenly manner.

BUNGO, OR BONGA. A sort of boat used in the Southern States of America,
made of the bonga-tree hollowed out.

BUNG-STARTER. A stave shaped like a bat, which, applied to either side
of the bung, causes it to start out. Also, a soubriquet for the captain
of the hold. Also, a name given to the master's assistant serving his
apprenticeship for hold duties.

BUNG-UP AND BILGE-FREE. A cask so placed that its bung-stave is
uppermost, and it rests entirely on its beds.

BUNK. A sleeping-place in the fore-peak of merchantmen; standing
bed-places fixed on the sides between decks.

BUNKER. For stowing coal in steamers. Cellular spaces on each side which
deliver the coal to the engine-room.--_Wing-bunkers_ below the decks,
cutting off the angular side-spaces of the hold, and hatched over, are
usually filled with sand, holy-stones, brooms, junk-blocks, &c., saving
stowage.

BUNT OF A SAIL. The middle part of it, formed designedly into a bag or
cavity, that the sail may gather more wind. It is used mostly in
top-sails, because courses are generally cut square, or with but small
allowance for bunt or compass. "The bunt holds much leeward wind;" that
is, it hangs much to leeward. In "handed" or "furled" sails, the bunt is
the middle gathering which is tossed up on the centre of the yard.--_To
bunt a sail_ is to haul up the middle part of it in furling, and secure
it by the bunt-gasket.

BUNTERS. The men on the yard who gather in the bunt when furling sails.

BUNT-FAIR. Before the wind.

BUNT-GASKET. _See_ GASKET.

BUNTING. A name on our southern shores for the shrimp.

BUNTING, OR BUNTIN. A thin woollen stuff, of which the ship's colours,
flags, and signals are usually made.

BUNT-JIGGER. A small gun-tackle purchase, of two single blocks, one
fitted with two tails, used in large vessels for bowsing up the bunt of
a sail when furling: a peculiar combination of two points, fitted to a
spar to which it is hooked.

BUNTLINE-CLOTH. The lining sewed up the fore-part of the sail in the
direction of the buntline to prevent that rope from chafing the sail.

BUNTLINE-CRINGLE. An eye worked into the bolt-rope of a sail, to receive
a buntline. This is only in top-gallant sails, and is seldom used now.
In the merchant service all buntlines are generally passed through an
eyelet-hole in the sail, and clinched round its own part.

BUNTLINES. Ropes attached to the foot-ropes of top-sails and courses,
which, passing over and before the canvas, turn it up forward, and thus
disarm the force of the wind; at one-third from each clue, eyelet-holes
are worked in the canvas, and by grummets passed through, a toggle is
secured on both bights: to this buntline-toggle the buntline attaches by
an eye or loop. When the sails are loosed to dry, the bowlines, unbent
from the bridles, are attached to these toggles, and haul out the sails
by the foot-ropes like table-cloths. The buntline is rove through a
block at the mast-head, passes through the buntline span attached to the
tye-blocks on the yard to retain them in the bunt, or amidships, down
before all, and looped to the toggles aforesaid. By aid of the
clue-lines, reef-tackles, and buntlines, a top-sail is taken in or
quieted if the sheets carry away, but more especially by the buntlines,
as the wind has no hold then to belly the canvas.

BUNTLINE-SPANS. Short pieces of rope with a thimble in one end, the
other whipped; the buntlines are rove through these thimbles: they are
attached to the tie-blocks to keep the sail in the bunt when hauled up.

BUNTLINE-TOGGLES. _See_ BUNTLINES and TOGGLE.

BUNT SLAB-LINES. Reeve through a block on the slings of the yard or
under the top, and pass abaft the sail, making fast to its foot. Their
object is to lift the foot of a course so as to see underneath it, or to
prevent it from chafing. Something of the same kind is used for
top-sails, to keep them from rubbing on the stays when flapping in a
calm.

BUOY. A sort of close cask, or block of wood, fastened by a rope to the
anchor, to show its situation after being cast, that the ship may not
come so near it as to entangle her cable about its stock or flukes.--_To
buoy a cable_ is to make fast a spar, cask, or the like, to the bight of
the cable, in order to prevent its galling or rubbing on the bottom.
When a buoy floats on the water it is said to watch. When a vessel slips
her cable she attaches a buoy to it in order afterwards to recover it.
Thus the blockading squadrons off Brest and in Basque Roads frequently
slipped, by signal, and each in beautiful order returned and picked up
their cables.--_To stream the buoy_ is to let it fall from the ship's
side into the water, which is always done before the anchor is let go,
that it may not be fouled by the buoy-rope as it sinks to the
bottom.--_Buoys_ of various kinds are also placed upon rocks or
sand-banks to direct mariners where to avoid danger.

BUOYANCY. Capacity for floating lightly.--_Centre of buoyancy_, in naval
architecture, the mean centre of that part of the vessel which is
immersed in the water. (_See_ CENTRE OF CAVITY.)

BUOYANT. The property of floating lightly on the water.

BUOY-ROPE. The rope which attaches the buoy to the anchor, which should
always be of sufficient strength to lift the anchor should the cable
part; it should also be little more in length than equal to the depth of
the water (at high-water) where the anchor lies.--_To bend the
buoy-rope_, pass the running eye over one fluke, take a hitch over the
other arm, and seize. Or, take a clove-hitch over the crown on each arm
or fluke, stopping the end to its own part, or to the shank.

BUOY-ROPE KNOT. Used where the end is lashed to the shank. A knot made
by unlaying the strands of a cable-laid rope, and also the small strand
of each large strand; and after single and double walling them, as for a
stopper-knot, worm the divisions, and round the rope.

BURBOT. A fresh-water fish (_Molva lota_) in esteem with fishermen.

BURDEN. Is the quantity of contents or number of tons weight of goods or
munitions which a ship will carry, when loaded to a proper sea-trim: and
this is ascertained by certain fixed rules of measurement. The precise
burden or burthen is about twice the tonnage, but then a vessel would be
deemed deeply laden.

BURG [the Anglo-Saxon _burh_]. A word connected with fortification in
German, as in almost all the Teutonic languages of Europe. In Arabic the
same term, with the alteration of a letter, _burj_, signifies primarily
a bastion, and by extension any fortified place on a rising ground. This
meaning has been retained by all northern nations who have borrowed the
word; and we, with the rest, name our towns, once fortified, burghs or
boroughs.

BURGALL. A fish of the American coasts, from 6 to 12 inches long: it is
also called the blue-perch, the chogset, and the nibbler--the last from
its habit of nibbling off the bait thrown for other fishes.

BURGEE. A swallow-tailed or tapered broad pendant; in the merchant
service it generally has the ship's name on it.

BURGOMASTER. In the Arctic Sea, a large species of gull (_Larus
glaucus_).

BURGONET. A steel head-piece, or kind of helmet. Shakspeare makes
Cleopatra, alluding to Antony, exclaim--

    "The demi-Atlas of this earth, the arm
    And burgonet of men."

In the second part of "Henry VI." Clifford threatens Warwick--

    "And from thy burgonet I'll rend thy bear,
    And tread it underfoot with all contempt."

BURGOO. A seafaring dish made of boiled oatmeal seasoned with salt,
butter, and sugar. (_See_ LOBLOLLY and SKILLY.)

BURLEY. The butt-end of a lance.

BURLEY-TWINE. A strong and coarse twine or small string.

BURN, OR BOURNE. The Anglo-Saxon term for a small stream or brook,
originating from springs, and winding through meadows, thus differing
from a beck. Shakspeare makes Edgar say in "King Lear"--

    "Come o'er the bourn, Bessy, to me."

The word also signifies a boundary.

BURNETTIZE, TO. To impregnate canvas, timber, or cordage with Sir
William Burnett's fluid, a solution of chloride of zinc.

BURN THE WATER. A phrase denoting the act of killing salmon in the
night, with a lister and lighted torch in the boat.

BURN-TROUT. A northern term for a small species of river-trout.

BURR. The iris or hazy circle which appears round the moon before rain.
Also, a Manx or Gaelic term for the wind blowing across on the tide.
Also, the sound made by the Newcastle men in pronouncing the letter R.

BURREL. A langrage shot, consisting of bits of iron, bullets, nails, and
other matters, got together in haste for a sudden emergency.

BURROCK. A small weir over a river, where weals are laid for taking
fish.

BURR-PUMP. A name of the bilge-pump.

BURSER. _See_ PURSER.

BURST. The explosion of a shell or any gun.

BURTHEN. _See_ BURDEN.

BURTON. A small tackle rove in a particular manner; it is formed by two
blocks or pulleys, with a hook-block in the bight of the running part;
it is generally used to set up or tighten the shrouds, whence it is
frequently termed a top-burton tackle; but it is equally useful to move
or draw along any weighty body in the hold or on the deck, as anchors,
bales of goods, large casks, &c. (_See_ SPANISH-BURTON.) The burton
purchase, also _runner-purchase_ (which see).

BUSH, OR BOUCHE. A circular shouldered piece of metal, usually of brass,
let into the lignum vitæ sheaves of such blocks as have iron pins,
thereby preventing the sheave from wearing, without adding much to its
weight. The operation of placing it in the wood is called bushing or
coaking, though the last name is usually given to smaller bushes of a
square shape. Brass bushes are also extensively applied in the marine
steam-engine work. Also, in artillery, the plug (generally of copper, on
account of the superior resistance of that metal to the flame of
exploded gunpowder), having a diameter of about an inch, and a length
equal to the intended length of the vent, screwed into the metal of the
gun at the place of the vent, which is then drilled in it. Guns may be
re-bushed when the vent has worn too large, by the substitution of a new
bush.

BUSH. The forests in the West Indies, Australia, &c.

BUSHED. Cased with harder metal, as that inserted into the holes of some
rudder braces or sheaves in general, to prevent their wearing.

BUSHED-BLOCK. _See_ COAK.

BUSKING. Piratical cruising; also, used generally, for beating to
windward along a coast, or cruising off and on.

BUSS. A small strong-built Dutch vessel with two masts, used in the
herring and mackerel fisheries, being generally of 50 to 70 tons burden.

BUST-HEAD. _See_ HEAD.

BUSY AS THE DEVIL IN A GALE OF WIND. Fidgety restlessness, or double
diligence in a bad cause; the imp being supposed to be mischievous in
hard gales.

BUT. A northern name for a flounder or plaice. Also, a conical basket
for catching fish.

BUTCHER'S BILL. A nickname for the official return of killed and wounded
which follows an action.

BUTESCARLI. The early name for the sea-officers in the British Navy
(_see the_ EQUIPMENT OF).

BUTT. The joining of two timbers or planks endways. Also, the opening
between the ends of two planks when worked. Also, the extremities of the
planks themselves when they are united, or abut against each other. The
word likewise is used to denote the largest end of all timber. Planks
under water as they rise are joined one end to another. In large ships
butt-ends are most carefully bolted, for if any one of them should
spring, or give way, the leak would be very dangerous and difficult to
stop.--_To start_ or _spring a butt_ is to loosen the end of a plank by
the ship's weakness or labouring.--_Butt-heads_ are the same with
butt-ends.--_Butt_ is also a mark for shooting at, and the hind part of
a musket or pistol. Also, a wine-measure of 126 gallons.

BUTT-AND-BUTT. A term denoting that the butt ends of two planks come
together, but do not overlay each other. (_See_ HOOK AND BUTT and
HOOK-SCARPH.)

BUTT-END. The shoulder part of a fire-lock.

BUTTER-BOX. A name given to the brig-traders of lumpy form, from London,
Bristol, and other English ports. A cant term for a Dutchman.

BUTTER-BUMP. A name of the bittern in the north.

BUTTER-FINGERED. Having a careless habit of allowing things to drop
through the fingers.

BUTTLE. An eastern-county name for the bittern.

BUTTOCK. The breadth of the ship astern from the tuck upwards: it is
terminated by the counter above, by the bilge below, by the stern-post
in the middle, and by the quarter on the side. That part abaft the after
body, which is bounded by the fashion pieces, and by the wing transom,
and the upper or second water-line. A ship is said to have a broad, or
narrow, buttock according to her transom convexity under the stern.

BUTTOCK-LINES. In ship-building, the longitudinal curves at the rounding
part of the after body in a vertical section.

BUTTON. The knob of metal which terminates the breech end of most guns,
and which affords a convenient bearing for the application of
handspikes, breechings, &c.

BUTTONS, TO MAKE. A common time-honoured, but strange expression, for
sudden apprehension or misgiving.

BUTTRESS. In fortification. (_See_ COUNTERFORTS.)

BUTT-SHAFT, OR BUTT-BOLT. An arrow without a barb, used for shooting at
a butt.

BUTT-SLINGING A BOWSPRIT. _See_ SLINGS.

BUXSISH. A gratuity, in oriental trading.

BUZZING. Sometimes used for _booming_ (which see).

BY. On or close to the wind.--_Full and by_, not to lift or shiver the
sails; rap-full.

BY AND LARGE. To the wind and off it; within six points.

BYKAT. A northern term for a male salmon of a certain age, because of
the beak which then grows on its under-jaw.

BYLLIS. An old spelling for _bill_ (which see).

BYRNIE. Early English for body-armour.

BYRTH. The old expression for tonnage. (_See_ BURDEN or BURTHEN.)

BYSSA. An ancient gun for discharging stones at the enemy.

BYSSUS. The silken filaments of any of the bivalved molluscs which
adhere to rocks, as the _Pinna_, _Mytilus_, &c. The silken byssus of the
great pinna, or wing-shell, is woven into dresses. In the _Chama gigas_
it will sustain 1000 lbs. Also, the woolly substance found in damp parts
of a ship.

BY THE BOARD. Over the ship's side. When a mast is carried away near the
deck it is said to go by the board.

BY THE HEAD. When a ship is deeper forward than abaft.

BY THE LEE. The situation of a vessel going free, when she has fallen
off so much as to bring the wind round her stern, and to take her sails
aback on the other side.

BY THE STERN. When the ship draws more water abaft than forward. (_See_
BY THE HEAD.)

BY THE WIND. Is when a ship sails as nearly to the direction of the wind
as possible. (_See_ FULL AND BY.) In general terms, within six points;
or the axis of the ship is 67-1/2 degrees from the direction of the
wind.

BY-WASH. The outlet of water from a dam or discharge channel.




C.


CAAG. _See_ KAAG.

CABANE. A flat-bottomed passage-boat of the Loire.

CABBAGE. Those principally useful to the seaman are the esculent
cabbage-tree (_Areca oleracea_), which attains to a great height in the
W. Indies. The sheaths of the leaves are very close, and form the green
top of the trunk a foot and a half in length; this is cut off, and its
white heart eaten. Also, the _Crambe maritima_, sea-kail, or marine
cabbage, growing in the west of England.

CABIN. A room or compartment partitioned off in a ship, where the
officers and passengers reside. In a man-of-war, the principal cabin, in
which the captain or admiral lives, is the upper after-part of the
vessel.

CABIN-BOY. A boy whose duty is to attend and serve the officers and
passengers in the cabin.

CABIN-LECTURE. _See_ JOBATION.

CABIN-MATE. A companion, when two occupy a cabin furnished with two
bed-places.

CABLE. A thick, strong rope or chain which serves to keep a ship at
anchor; the rope is cable-laid, 10 inches in circumference and upwards
(those below this size being hawsers), commonly of hemp or coir, which
latter is still used by the Calcutta pilot-brigs on account of its
lightness and elasticity. But cables have recently, and all but
exclusively, been superseded by iron chain.--_A shot of cable_, two
cables spliced together.

CABLE, TO COIL A. To lay it in fakes and tiers one over the other.--_To
lay a cable._ (_See_ LAYING.)--_To pay cheap the cable_, to hand it out
apace; to throw it over.--_To pay out more cable_, to let more out of
the ship.--_To serve or plait the cable_, to bind it about with ropes,
canvas, &c.; to keep it from galling in the hawse-pipe. (_See_ ROUNDING,
KECKLING, &c.)--_To splice a cable_, to make two pieces fast together,
by working the several yarns of the rope into each other; with chain it
is done by means of shackles.--_To veer more cable_, to let more out.

CABLE-BENDS. Two small ropes for lashing the end of a hempen cable to
its own part, in order to secure the clinch by which it is fastened to
the anchor-ring.

CABLE-BITTED. So bitted as to enable the cable to be nipped or rendered
with ease.

CABLE-BITTS. _See_ BITTS.

CABLE-BUOYS. Peculiar casks employed to buoy up rope cables in a rocky
anchorage, to prevent their rubbing against the rocks; they are also
attached to the end of a cable when it is slipped, with the object of
finding it again.

CABLE-ENOUGH. The call when cable enough is veered to permit of the
anchor being brought to the cat-head.

CABLE-HANGER. A term applied to any person catching oysters in the river
Medway, not free of the fishery, and who is liable to such penalty as
the mayor and citizens of Rochester shall impose upon him.

CABLE-LAID ROPE. Is a rope of which each strand is a hawser-laid rope.
Hawser-laid ropes are simple three-strand ropes, and range up to the
same size as cablets, as from 3/4 to 9 inches. (_See_ ROPE.)

CABLE-SHEET, SHEET-CABLE. The spare bower cable belonging to a ship.
Sheet is deemed stand-by, and is also applied to its anchor.

CABLE'S LENGTH. A measure of about 100 fathoms, by which the distances
of ships in a fleet are frequently estimated. This term is frequently
misunderstood. In all marine charts a cable is deemed 607·56 feet, or
one-tenth of a sea mile. In rope-making the cable varies from 100 to 115
fathoms; cablet, 120 fathoms; hawser-laid, 130 fathoms, as determined by
the admiralty in 1830.

CABLE-STAGE. A place constructed in the hold, or cable-tier, for coiling
cables and hawsers on.

CABLE-STREAM, STREAM-CABLE. A hawser or rope something smaller than the
bower, used to move or hold the ship temporarily during a calm in a
river or haven, sheltered from the wind and sea, &c.

CABLE-TIER. The place in a hold, or between decks, where the cables are
coiled away.

CABOBBLED. Confused or puzzled.

CABOBS, OR KEBAUB. The Turkish name for small fillets of meat broiled on
wooden spits; the use of the term has been extended eastward, and in
India signifies a hot spiced dish of fish, flesh, or fowl.

CABONS. _See_ KABURNS.

CABOOSE, OR CAMBOOSE. The cook-room or kitchen of merchantmen on deck;
a diminutive substitute for the galley of a man-of-war. It is generally
furnished with cast-iron apparatus for cooking.

CABOTAGE [Ital.] Sailing from cape to cape along a coast; or the details
of coast pilotage.

CABURNS. Spun rope-yarn lines, for worming a cable, seizing, winding
tacks, and the like.

CACAO [Sp.] The plant _Theobroma_, from which what is commonly termed
cocoa is derived.

CACCLE, OR KECCLE. To apply a particular kind of service to the cable.
(_See_ KECKLING.)

CACHE. A hidden reservoir of provision (to secure it from bears) in
Arctic travel. Also, a deposit of despatches, &c.

CADE. A small barrel of about 500 herrings, or 1000 sprats.

CADENCE. The uniform time and space for marching, more indispensable to
large bodies of troops than to parties of small-arm men; yet an
important part even of their drill. The regularity requisite in pulling.

CADET. A volunteer, who, serving at his own charge, to learn experience,
waits for preferment; a designation, recently introduced, for young
gentlemen formerly rated volunteers of the first class. Properly, the
younger son in French.

CADGE, TO. To carry.--_Cadger_, a carrier. Kedge may be a corruption, as
being carriable.

CÆSAR'S PENNY. The tip given by a recruiting sergeant.

CAFFILA. _See_ KAFILA.

CAGE. An iron cage formed of hoops on the top of a pole, and filled with
combustibles to blaze for two hours. It is lighted one hour before
high-water, and marks an intricate channel navigable for the period it
burns; much used formerly by fishermen.

CAGE-WROCK. An old term for a ship's upper works.

CAIQUE, OR KAIQUE. A small Levantine vessel. Also, a graceful skiff seen
in perfection at Constantinople, where it almost monopolizes the boat
traffic. It is fast, but crank, being so narrow that the oars or sculls
have their looms enlarged into ball-shaped masses to counter-balance
their out-board length. It has borne for ages the wave-line now brought
out in England as the highest result of marine architecture. It may have
from one to ten or twelve rowers.

CAIRBAN. A name in the Hebrides for the basking-shark.

CAIRN. Piles of stones used as marks in surveying.

CAISSON, OR CAISSOON. An adopted term for a sort of float sunk to a
required depth by letting water into it, when it is hauled under the
ship's bottom, receives her steadily, and on pumping out the water
floats her. These were long used in Holland, afterwards at Venice, and
in Russia, where they were known as _camels_ (which see). Caisson is
also a vessel fitted with valves, to act instead of gates for a dry
dock. Used also in _pontoons_ (which see).

CAKE-ICE. Ice formed in the early part of the season.

CALABASH. _Cucurbita_, a gourd abundant within the tropics, furnishing
drinking and washing utensils. At Tahiti and the Sandwich Islands they
attain a diameter of 2 feet. There is also a calabash-tree, the fruit
not exceeding the size of oranges.

CALABASS. An early kind of light musket with a wheel-lock. Bourne
mentions it in 1578.

CALALOO. A dish of fish and vegetables.

CALAMUS. _See_ RATTAN.

CALANCA. A creek or cove on Italian and Spanish coasts.

CALAVANCES [_Phaseolus vulgaris._ _Haricot_, Fr.] Small beans sometimes
used for soup, instead of pease.

CALCULATE, TO. This word, though disrated from respectability by
American misuse, signified to foretell or prophesy; it is thus used by
Shakspeare in the first act of "Julius Cæsar." To calculate the ship's
position, either from astronomical observations or rate of the log.

CALENDAR. A distribution of time. (_See_ ALMANAC.)

CALENDAR-TIME. On which officers' bills are drawn.

CALF. A word generally applied to the young of marine mammalia, as the
whale.--_Calf_, in the Arctic regions, a mass of floe ice breaking from
under a floe, which when disengaged rises with violence to the surface
of the water; it differs from a tongue, which is the same body kept
fixed beneath the main floe. The iceberg is formed by the repeated
freezing of thawed snow running down over the slopes, until at length
the wave from beneath and weight above causes it to break off and fall
into the sea, or, as termed in Greenland, to calve. Thus, berg, is
fresh-water ice, the work of years. The floe, is salt water frozen
suddenly each winter, and dissolving in the summer.

CALF, OR CALVA. A Norwegian name, also used in the Hebrides, for islets
lying off islands, and bearing a similar relation to them in size that a
calf does to a cow. As the Calf at Mull and the Calf of Man.

CALFAT. The old word for caulking. [_Calfater_, Fr.; probably from
_cale_, wedge, and _faire_, to make.] To wedge up an opening with any
soft material, as oakum. [_Calafatear_, Sp.]

CALIBER, OR CALIBRE. The diameter of the bore of a gun, cannon, shot, or
bullet. A ship's caliber means the known weight her armament represents.

CALIPASH. The upper shell of a turtle.

CALIPEE. The under shell of a turtle.

CALIVER. A hand-gun or arquebuss; probably the old name of the
matchlock or carabine, precursors of the modern fire-lock, or Enfield
rifle. (_See_ CALABASS.)

CALL. A peculiar silver pipe or whistle, used by the boatswain and his
mates to attract attention, and summon the sailors to their meals or
duties by various strains, each of them appropriated to some particular
purpose, such as hoisting, heaving, lowering, veering away, belaying,
letting go a tackle-fall, sweeping, &c. This piping is as attentively
observed by sailors, as the bugle or beat of drum is obeyed by soldiers.
The coxswains of the boats of French ships of war are supplied with
calls to "in bow oar," or "of all," "oars," &c.

CALLIPERS. Bow-legged compasses, used to measure the girth of timber,
the external diameter of masts, shot, and other circular or cylindrical
substances. Also, an instrument with a sliding leg, used for measuring
the packages constituting a ship's cargo, which is paid for by its
cubical contents.

CALL THE WATCH. This is done every four hours, except at the
dog-watches, to relieve those on deck, also by pipe. "All the watch," or
all the starboard, or the port, first, second, third, or fourth watches.

CALM. There being no wind stirring it is designated flat, dead, or
stark, under each of which the surface of the sea is unruffled.

CALM LATITUDES. That tropical tract of ocean which lies between the
north-east and south-east trade-winds; its situation varies several
degrees, depending upon the season of the year. The term is also applied
to a part of the sea on the Polar side of the trades, between them and
the westerly winds.

CALVERED SALMON. Salmon prepared in a peculiar manner in early times.

CALVE'S TONGUE. A sort of moulding usually made at the caps and bases of
round pillars, to taper or hance the round part to the square.

CAMBER. The part of a dockyard where cambering is performed, and timber
kept. Also, a small dock in the royal yards, for the convenience of
loading and discharging timber. Also, anything that curves upwards.--_To
camber_, to curve ship-planks.

CAMBER-KEELED. Keel slightly arched upwards in the middle of the length,
but not actually hogged.

CAMBOOSE. A form of _caboose_ (which see).

CAMELS. All large ships are built, at St. Petersburg, in a dockyard off
the Granite Quay, where the water is shallow; therefore a number of
camels or caissons are kept at Cronstadt, for the purpose of carrying
them down the river. Camels are hollow cases of wood, constructed in two
halves, so as to embrace the keel, and lay hold of the hull of a ship on
both sides. They are first filled with water and sunk, in order to be
fixed on. The water is then pumped out, when the vessel gradually rises,
and the process is continued until the ship is enabled to pass over the
shoal. Similar camels were used at Rotterdam about 1690.

CAME-TO. Brought to an anchor.

CAMFER. _See_ CHAMFER.

CAMISADO. A sudden surprise or assault of the enemy.

CAMOCK. A very early term for crooked timber.

CAMP. The whole extent of ground on which an army pitches its tents and
lodges. (_See_ DECAMP.)

CAMP, OR CAMP-OUT, TO. In American travel, to rest for the night without
a standing roof; whether under a light tent, a screen of boughs, or any
makeshift that the neighbourhood may afford.

CAMPAIGN. A series of connected operations by an army in the field,
unbroken by its retiring into quarters.

CAMPAIGNER. A veteran soldier.

CAMP-EQUIPAGE. _See_ EQUIPAGE.

CAMPER. _See_ KEMP.

CAMPESON. _See_ GAMBISON.

CAMP-FIGHT. _See_ ACRE.

CAN. A tin vessel used by sailors to drink out of.

CANAICHE, OR CANASH. An inner port, as at Granada in the West Indies.

CANAL-BOAT. A barge generally towed by horses, but furnished with a
large square-sail for occasional use.

CAN-BODIES. The old term for anchor-buoys, now can-buoys.

CAN-BUOYS. Are in the form of a cone, and therefore would countenance
the term cone-buoys. They are floated over sands and other obstructions
in navigation, as marks to be avoided; they are made very large, to be
seen at a distance; where there are several, they are distinguished by
their colour, as black, red, white, or chequered; &c.

CANCELLED TICKET. One rendered useless by some subsequent arrangement or
clerk's error. In either case the word "cancelled" is to be written
across in large characters, and due record made. The corner cut off
cancels good character, yet they are a certificate for time.

CANCER. The Crab; the fourth sign of the zodiac, which the sun enters
about the 21st of June, and commences the summer solstice.

CANDLE-BARK. A cylindrical tin box for candles.

CANE. The rattan (_Calamus rudentum_), is extensively used in the East
for rigging, rope, and cables. The latter have remained for years at the
bottom of the sea uninjured by teredo, or any destructive crustacea. The
cables, too, resist any but the sharpest axes, when used to connect logs
as booms, to stop the navigation of rivers.

CANEVAS. The old word for hempen canvas; but many races, even the
Chinese, make sails entirely of cane. The Americans frequently use
cotton, and term that cloth duck. In the islands of the South Pacific it
is made from the bark of various trees, grasses, &c.

CAN-HOOKS. They are used to sling a cask by the chimes, or ends of its
staves, and are formed by reeving the two ends of a piece of rope or
chain through the eyes of two flat hooks, and there making them fast.
The tackle is then hooked to the middle of the bight.

CANISTER SHOT. _See_ CASE-SHOT.

CANNIKIN. A small drinking-vessel.

CANNON. The well-known piece of artillery, mounted in battery on board
or on shore, and made either of brass or iron. The principal parts
are:--1st. The breech, together with the cascable and its button, called
by seamen the pommelion. The breech is of solid metal, from the bottom
of the concave cylinder or chamber to the cascable. 2d. The trunnions,
which project on each side, and serve to support the cannon, hold it
almost in equilibrio. 3d. The bore or caliber, is the interior of the
cylinder, wherein the powder and shot are lodged when the cannon is
loaded. The entrance of the bore is called the mouth or muzzle. It may
be generally described as gradually tapering, with the various
modifications of first and second reinforce and swell, to the muzzle or
forward end. (_See_ GUN.)

CANNONADE. The opening and continuance of the fire of artillery on any
object attacked. Battering with cannon-shot.

CANNON-PERER. An ancient piece of ordnance used in ships of war for
throwing stone shot.

CANNON-PETRONEL. A piece of ordnance with a 6-inch bore which carried a
24-lb. ball.

CANNON, RIFLED. Introduced by Captain Blakely, Sir W. Armstrong, and
others.

CANNON ROYAL. A 60-pounder of eight and a half inches bore. (_See_
CARTHOUN.)

CANNON-SERPENTINE. An old name for a gun of 7-inches bore.

CANOE. A peculiar boat used by several uncivilized nations, formed of
the trunk of a tree hollowed out, and sometimes of several pieces of
bark joined together, and again of hide. They are of various sizes,
according to the uses for which they are designed, or the countries to
which they belong. Some carry sail, but they are commonly rowed with
paddles, somewhat resembling a corn-shovel; and instead of rowing with
it horizontally, as with an oar, they manage it perpendicularly. In
Greenland and Hudson Bay, the Esquimaux limits of America, skin-boats
are chiefly in use, under the name of kaiack, oomiak, baidar, &c.

CANOPUS. The lucida of Argo Navis, and a Greenwich star. Also, a city of
classical importance, visited by the heroes of the Trojan war, the
reputed burial-place of the pilot of Menelaus, &c. But, as some ancient
places have been so fortunate as to renew their classical importance in
modern times, so this, under the modern name of Abukeir, has received a
new "stamp of fate," by its overlooking, like Salamis, the scene of a
naval battle, which also led to a decision of the fate of nations. In
this bay Nelson, at one blow, destroyed the fleet of the enemy, and cut
off the veteran army of France from the shores of Egypt. The Canopian
mouth of the Nile was the most westerly of all the branches of that
celebrated river.

CANOPY. A light awning over the stern-sheets of a boat.

CANT, TO. To turn anything about, or so that it does not stand square.
To diverge from a central right line. Cant the boat or ship; _i.e._ for
careening her.

CANT. A cut made in a whale between the neck and the fins, to which the
cant-purchase is made fast, for turning the animal round in the
operation of flensing.

CANTARA. A watering-place.

CANT-BLOCKS. The large purchase-blocks used by whalers to cant the
whales round under the process of flensing.

CANT-BODY. An imaginary figure of that part of a ship's body which forms
the shape forward and aft, and whose planes make obtuse angles with the
midship line of the ship.

CANTEEN. A small tin vessel for men on service to carry liquids. Also, a
small chest containing utensils for an officer's messing. Also, a kind
of sutling-house in garrisons.

CANTERA. A Spanish fishing-boat.

CANT-FALLS. _See_ SPIKE-TACKLE.

CANT-HOOK. A lever with a hook at one end for heavy articles.

CANTICK-QUOINS. Short three-edged pieces of wood to steady casks from
labouring against each other.

CANTING BALLAST. Is when by a sudden gust or stress of weather a ship is
thrown so far over that the ballast settles to leeward, and prevents the
ship from righting.

CANTING-LIVRE. _See_ CONSOLE-BRACKET.

CANT-LINE. Synonymous with _girt-line_, as to cant the top over the
lowermast-head.

CANTONMENTS. Troops detached and quartered in different towns and
villages near each other.

CANT-PURCHASE. This is formed by a block suspended from the
mainmast-head, and another block made fast to the cant cut in the whale.
(_See_ CANT-BLOCKS.)

CANT-RIBBONS. Those ribbons that do not lie in a horizontal or level
direction.

CANT-ROPE. _See_ FOUR-CANT.

CANT-SPAR. A hand-mast pole, fit for making small masts or yards, booms,
&c.

CANT-TIMBERS. They derive their name from being canted or raised
obliquely from the keel. The upper ends of those on the bow are inclined
to the stem, as those in the after-part incline to the stern-post above.
In a word, cant-timbers are those which do not stand square with the
middle line of the ship. They may be deemed radial bow or stern-timbers.

CANVAS [from _cannabis_, hemp]. A cloth made of hemp, and used for the
sails of ships. It is purchased in bolts, and numbered from 1 to 8,
rarely to 9 and 10. Number 1 being the coarsest and strongest, is used
for the lower sails, as fore-sail and main-sail in large ships. When a
vessel is in motion by means of her sails she is said to be under
canvas.

CANVAS-BACK DUCK. An American wild duck (_Fuligula valisneria_), which
takes this name from the colour of the back feathers; much esteemed as a
delicacy.

CANVAS-CLIMBER. A word used by Marston for a sailor who goes aloft;
hence Marina tells Leonine--

    "And, clasping to a mast, endur'd a sea
    That almost burst the deck, and from the ladder-tackle
    Wash'd off a canvas-climber."

CAP. A strong thick block of wood having two large holes through it, the
one square, the other round, used to confine two masts together, when
one is erected at the head of the other, in order to lengthen it. The
principal caps of a ship are those of the lower masts, which are fitted
with a strong eye-bolt on each side, wherein to hook the block by which
the top-mast is drawn up through the cap. In the same manner as the top
mast slides up through the cap of the lower mast, the topgallant-mast
slides up through the cap of the top-masts. When made of iron the cap
used to be called a crance.--_To cap_ a mast-head is placing tarpaulin
guards against weather. The term is applied to any covering such as lead
put over iron bolts to prevent corrosion by sea-water, canvas covers
over the ends of rigging, &c. &c. Also, pieces of oak laid on the upper
blocks on which a vessel is built, to receive the keel. They are split
out for the addition of the false keel, and therefore should be of the
most free-grained timber. Also, the coating which guards the top of a
quill tube. Also, the percussion priming for fire-arms.--_Cap-a-pied_,
armed from head to foot.

CAP, TO. To puzzle or beat in argument. To salute by touching the
head-covering, as Shakspeare makes Iago's friends act to Othello. It is
now more an academic than a sea-term.

CAPABARRE. An old term for misappropriating government stores. (_See_
Marryat's _Novels_.)

CAPACISE. A corrupt form of _capsize_.

CAPACITY. Burden, tonnage, fitness for the service, rating.

CAPE. A projecting point of land jutting out from the coast-line; the
extremity of a promontory, of which last it is the secondary rank. It
differs from a headland, since a cape may be low. The Cape of Good Hope
is always familiarly known as "The Cape." _Cape_ was also used for a
rhumb-line.

CAPE, TO. To keep a course. How does she cape? how does she lie her
course?

CAPE FLY-AWAY. A cloud-bank on the horizon, mistaken for land, which
disappears as the ship advances. (_See_ FOG.)

CAPE-HEN. _See_ MOLLY-MAWK.

CAPELLA. The lucida of Auriga, and a nautical star.

CAPE-MERCHANT [_capo_]. An old name for super-cargo in early voyages, as
also the head merchant in a factory.

CAPE-PIGEON, OR CAPE-PETREL. A sea-bird which follows a ship in her
passage round the cape; the _Procellaria capensis_. (_See_ PINTADOS.)

CAPER. A light-armed vessel of the 17th century, used by the Dutch for
privateering.

CAPER CORNER-WAY. Diagonally.

CAPFUL OF WIND. A light flaw, which suddenly careens a vessel and passes
off.

CAPITAL OF A WORK. In fortification, an imaginary line bisecting its
most prominent salient angle.

CAPITANA. Formerly the principal galley in a Mediterranean fleet: the
admiral's ship.

CAPITULATION. The conditions on which a subdued force surrenders, agreed
upon between the contending parties.

CAPLIN, OR CAPELIN. A fish of the family _Clupeidæ_, very similar to a
smelt; frequently imported from Newfoundland dried. It is the general
bait for cod-fish there.

CAP'N. The way in which some address the commanders of merchant vessels.

CAPON. A jeering name for the red-herring.

CAPONNIERE. In fortification, a passage across the bottom of the ditch,
covered, at the least, by a parapet on each side, and very generally
also with a bomb-proof roof, when it may be furnished with many guns,
which are of great importance in the defence of a fortress, as the
besieger can hardly silence them till he has constructed batteries on
the brink of the ditch.

CAPOTE. A good storm-coat with a hood, much worn in the Levant, and made
of a special manufacture.

CAPPANUS. The worm which adheres to, and gnaws the bottom of a ship, to
prevent which all ships should be sheathed with copper.

CAPPED. A ship making against a race or very strong currents.

CAPRICORNUS. The tenth sign of the zodiac, which the sun enters about
the 21st of December, and opens the winter solstice.

CAP-SCUTTLE. A framing composed of coamings and head-ledges raised above
the deck, with a top which shuts closely over into a rabbet.

CAP-SHORE. A supporting spar between the cap and the trestle-tree.

CAPSIZE, TO. To upset or overturn anything.

CAP-SQUARE. The clamp of iron which shuts over the trunnions of a gun to
secure them to the carriage, having a curve to receive one-third part of
the trunnion, the other two being sunk in the carriage; it is closed by
forelocks.

CAPSTAN, CABESTAN, CAPSTERN, CAPSTON, &c. A mechanical arrangement for
lifting great weights. There is a variety of capsterns, but they agree
in having a horizontal circular head, which has square holes around its
edge, and in these long bars are shipped, and are said to be "swifted"
when their outer ends are traced together; beneath is a perpendicular
barrel, round which is wrapped the rope or chain used to lift the anchor
or other great weight, even to the heaving a ship off a shoal. Now, in
most ships where a capstern is used to lift the anchor, the chain cable
is itself brought to the capstern. The purchase or lifting power is
gained by the great sweep of the bars. A perpendicular iron spindle
passes through the whole capstern, and is stepped into a socket on the
deck below the one on which it stands. In some cases capsterns are
double in height, so that bars may be worked on two decks, giving more
room for the men.

CAPSTAN, TO COME UP THE. In one sense is to lift the pauls and walk
back, or turn the capstan the contrary way, thereby slackening, or
letting out some of the rope on which they have been heaving. The sudden
order would be obeyed by surging, or letting go any rope on which they
were heaving. Synonymous to "Come up the purchase."

CAPSTAN, TO HEAVE AT THE. To urge it round, by pushing against the bars,
as already described.

CAPSTAN, TO MAN THE. To place the sailors at it in readiness to heave.

CAPSTAN, TO PAUL THE. To drop all the pauls into their sockets, to
prevent the capstan from recoiling during any pause of heaving.

CAPSTAN, TO RIG THE. To fix the bars in their respective holes, thrust
in the pins to confine them, and reeve the swifter through the ends.

CAPSTAN, SURGE THE. Is the order to slacken the rope which is wound
round the barrel while heaving, to prevent it from riding or fouling.
This term specially applies to surging the messenger when it rides, or
when the two lashing eyes foul on the whelps or the barrel.

CAPSTAN-BAR PINS. Pins inserted through their ends to prevent their
unshipping.

CAPSTAN-BARRING. An obsolete sea-punishment, in which the offender was
sentenced to carry a capstan-bar during a watch.

CAPSTAN-BARS. Long pieces of wood of the best ash or hickory, one end of
which is thrust into the square holes in the drumhead, like the spokes
of a wheel. They are used to heave the capstan round, by the men setting
their hands and chests against them, and walking round. They are also
held in their places in the drumhead holes, by little iron bolts called
capstan or safety pins, to prevent their flying out when the surging
overcomes the force of the men. Many men have been killed by this
action, and more by the omission to "pin and swift."

CAPSTAN-ROOM. _See_ ROOM.

CAPSTAN-STEP. (_See_ STEP OF THE CAPSTAN.) The men march round to the
tune of a fiddle or fife, and the phrase of excitement is, "Step out,
lads, make your feet tell."

CAPSTAN-SWIFTER. A rope passed horizontally through notches in the outer
ends of the bars, and drawn very tight: the intent is to steady the men
as they walk round when the ship rolls, and to give room for a greater
number to assist, by manning the swifters both within and without.

CAPTAIN. This title is said to be derived from the eastern military
magistrate _katapan_, meaning "over everything;" but the term _capitano_
was in use among the Italians nearly 200 years before Basilius II.
appointed his katapan of Apulia and Calabria, A.D. 984. Hence, the
corruption of the Apulian province into _capitanata_. Among the
Anglo-Saxons the captain was _schipp-hláford_, or ship's lord. The
captain, strictly speaking, is the officer commanding a line-of-battle
ship, or a frigate carrying twenty or more cannon. A captain in the
royal navy is answerable for any bad conduct in the military government,
navigation, and equipment of his ship; also for any neglect of duty in
his inferior officers, whose several charges he is appointed to
regulate. It is also a title, though incorrectly, given to the masters
of all vessels whatever, they having no commissions. It is also applied
in the navy itself to the chief sailor of particular gangs of men; in
rank, captain of the forecastle, admiral's coxswain, captain's
coxswain, captain of the hold, captain of main-top, captain of fore-top,
&c.

CAPTAIN. A name given to the crooner, crowner, or gray gurnard (_Trigla
gurnardus_).

CAPTAIN OF A MERCHANT SHIP. Is a certificated officer in the mercantile
marine, intrusted with the entire charge of a ship, both as regards life
and property. He is in no way invested with special powers to meet his
peculiar circumstances, but has chiefly to depend upon moral influence
for maintaining order amongst his passengers and crew during the many
weeks or even months that he is cut off from appeal to the laws of his
country, only resorting to force on extreme occasions. Great tact and
judgment is required to fulfil this duty properly.

CAPTAIN OF A SHIP OF WAR. Is the commanding officer; as well the
post-captain (a title now disused) as those whose proper title is
commander.

CAPTAIN OF THE FLEET. Is a temporary admiralty appointment; he is
entitled to be considered as a flag-officer, and to a share in the
prize-money accordingly. He carries out all orders issued by the
commander-in-chief, but his special duty is to keep up the discipline of
the fleet, in which he is supreme. He is the adjutant-general of the
force, hoisting the flag and wearing the uniform of rear-admiral.

CAPTAIN OF THE HEAD. Not a recognized rating, but an ordinary man
appointed to attend to the swabs, and to keep the ship's head clean.

CAPTAIN OF THE HOLD. The last of the captains in rank, as a first-class
petty officer.

CAPTAIN OF THE PORT. The captain of the port is probably better
explained by referring to that situation at Gibraltar. He belongs to the
Board of Health; he controls the entries and departures, the berthing at
the anchorage, and general marine duties, but possesses no naval
authority. Hence, the port-captain is quite another officer. (_See_
PORT-CAPTAIN.)

CAPTAIN-GENERAL. The highest army rank.

CAPTAIN'S CLERK. One whose duty is strictly to keep all books and
official papers necessary for passing the captain's accounts at the
admiralty.

CAPTAIN'S CLOAK. The jocose name given to the last sweeping clause, the
thirty-sixth article of war:--"All other crimes not capital, and for
which no punishment is hereby directed to be inflicted, shall be
punished according to the laws and customs in such cases used at sea."

CAPTAIN'S GIG. _See_ GIG.

CAPTAIN'S STORE-ROOM. A place of reserve on the platform deck, for the
captain's wines and sea-stores.

CAPTIVE. A prisoner of war.

CAPTORS. The conquerors of and sharers in the proceeds of a prize.
Captors are not at liberty to release prisoners belonging to the ships
of the enemy. The last survivor is in law the only captor.

CAPTURE. A prize taken by a ship of war at sea; is the taking forcible
possession of vessels or goods belonging to one nation by those of a
hostile nation. Vessels are looked on as prizes if they fight under any
other standard than that of the state from which they have their
commission; if they have no charty-party, manifest, or bill of lading,
or if loaded with effects belonging to the king's enemies, or even
contraband goods. Whether the capture be lawful or unlawful, the insurer
is rendered liable to the loss.

CAR. A north-country word, denoting any swampy land surrounded by
inclosures, and occasionally under water.

CARABINEER. One who uses the carbine.

CARACK, CARRAK, OR CARRICK. A large ship of burden, the same with those
called galleons. Hippus, the Tyrian, is said to have first devised
caracks, and onerary vessels of prodigious bulk for traffic or offence.

CARACORA. A proa of Borneo, Ternate, and the Eastern Isles; also called
caracol by early voyagers.

CARAMOUSSAL. A Turkish merchant ship with a pink-stern.

CARAVEL, OR CARAVELA. A Portuguese despatch boat, lateen-rigged,
formerly in use; it had square sails only on the fore-mast, though
dignified as a caravela.

CARAVELAO. A light pink-sterned vessel of the Azores.

CARBASSE. _See_ KARBATZ.

CARBIN. A name in our northern isles for the basking shark.

CARBINE, OR CARABINE. A fire-arm of less length and weight than a
musket, originally carrying a smaller ball, though latterly, for the
convenience of the supply of ammunition, throwing the same bullet as the
musket, though with a smaller charge. It has been proper to mounted
troops since about A.D. 1556, and has been preferred to the musket as a
weapon for the tops of ships as well as boats.

CARCASS. An iron shell for incendiary purposes, filled with a very
fiercely flaming composition of saltpetre, sulphur, resin, turpentine,
antimony, and tallow. It has three vents for the flame, and sometimes is
equipped with pistol barrels, so fitted in its interior as to discharge
their bullets at various times.

CARCASS OF A SHIP. The ribs, with keel, stem, and stern-post, after the
planks are stripped off.

CARCATUS [from _caricato_, It.] A law-term for a freighted ship.

CARD. The dial or face of the magnetic compass-card.

    "Reason the card, but passion is the gale."--_Pope._

Probably derived from _cardinal_.

CARDINAL POINTS. The general name by which the north, east, south, and
west rhumbs of the horizon are distinguished.

CARDINAL POINTS OF THE ECLIPTIC. The equinoctial and solstitial points;
namely, the commencement of Aries and Libra, and of Cancer and
Capricornus.

CARDINAL SIGNS. The zodiacal signs which the sun enters at the equinoxes
and solstices.

CARDINAL WINDS. Those from the due north, east, south, and west points
of the compass.

CAREEN, TO. A ship is said to careen when she inclines to one side, or
lies over when sailing on a wind; off her keel or carina.

CAREENING. The operation of heaving the ship down on one side, by
arranging the ballast, or the application of a strong purchase to her
masts, which require to be expressly supported for the occasion to
prevent their springing; by these means one side of the bottom, elevated
above the surface of the water, may be cleansed or repaired. (_See_
BREAMING.) But this operation is now nearly superseded by sheathing
ships with copper, whereby they keep a clean bottom for several years.

CAREENING BEACH. A part of the strand prepared for the purpose of a
ship's being grounded on a list or careen, to repair defects.

CARFINDO. One of the carpenter's crew.

CARGO. The merchandise a ship is freighted with.

CARGO-BOOK. The master of every coasting-vessel is required to keep a
cargo-book, stating the name of the ship, of the master, of the port to
which she belongs, and that to which she is bound; with a roll of all
goods, shippers, and consignees. In all other merchant ships the
cargo-book is a clean copy of all cargo entered in the gangway-book, and
shows the mark, number, quality, and (if measurement goods) the
dimensions of such packages of a ship's cargo.

CARICATORE. Places where the traders of Sicily take in their goods, from
_caricare_, to load.

CARINA. An old term, from the Latin, for the keel, or a ship's bottom.
The north-country term keel means an entire vessel: "So many keels
touched the strand." (_See_ KEEL.)

CARL, OR MALE HEMP. _See_ FIMBLE or FEMALE HEMP.

CARLE-CRAB. The male of the black-clawed crab, _Cancer pagurus_; also of
the partan or common crab.

CARLINE-KNEES. Timbers going athwart the ship, from the sides to the
hatchway, serving to sustain the deck on both sides.

CARLINES, OR CARLINGS. Pieces of timber about five inches square, lying
fore and aft, along from one beam to another. On and athwart these the
ledges rest, whereon the planks of the deck and other portions of
carpentry are made fast. The carlines have their end let into the beams,
called "culver-tail-wise," or scored in pigeon-fashion. There are other
carlines of a subordinate character.

CARLINO, OR CAROLINE. A small silver coin of Naples, value 4_d._
English. Ten carlini make a ducat in commerce.

CARN-TANGLE. A long and large fucus, thrown on our northern beaches
after a gale of wind in the offing.

CAROUS. A sort of gallery in ancient ships, which turned on a pivot. It
was hoisted to a given height by tackles, and thus brought to project
over, or into, the vessel of an adversary, furnishing a bridge for
boarding.

CARP. A well-known fresh-water fish of the Cyprinidæ family, considered
to have been introduced into England in the time of Henry VIII.; but in
Dame Berner's book on angling, published in 1486, it is described as the
"daynteous fysshe" in England.

CARPENTER, SHIP. A ship-builder. An officer appointed to examine and
keep in order the hull of a ship, and all her appurtenances, likewise
the stores committed to him by indenture from the store-keeper of the
dockyard. The absence of other tradesmen whilst a ship is at sea, and
the numerous emergencies in which ships are placed requiring invention,
render a good ship's carpenter one of the most valuable artizans on
board.

CARPENTER'S CREW. Consists of a portion of the crew, provided for
ship-carpentry and ship-building. In ships of war there are two
carpenter's mates and one caulker, one blacksmith, and a carpenter's
crew, according to the size of the ship.

CARPENTER'S STORE-ROOM. An apartment built below, on the platform-deck,
for keeping the carpenter's stores and spare tools in.

CARPENTER'S YEOMAN. _See_ YEOMAN.

CARPET-KNIGHT. A man who obtains knighthood on a pretence for services
in which he never participated.

CARPET-MEN. Those officers who, without services or merit, obtain rapid
promotion through political or other interest, and are yet declared
"highly meritorious and distinguished."

CARR. _See_ CAR.

CARRAC, CARRACA, CARRACK, OR CARRICKE. A name given by the Spaniards and
Portuguese to the vessels they sent to Brazil and the East Indies;
large, round built, and fitted for fight as well as burden. Their
capacity lay in their depth, which was extraordinary. English vessels of
size and value were sometimes also so called.

CARRARA. The great northern diver, _Colymbus glacialis_.

CARREE. A Manx or Gaelic term for the scud or small clouds that drive
with the wind.

CARRIAGE OF A GUN. The frame on which it is mounted for firing,
constructed either exclusively for this purpose, or also for travelling
in the field. Carriages for its transport only, are not included under
this term. The first kind only is in general use afloat, where it
usually consists of two thick planks (called brackets or cheeks) laid on
edge to support the trunnions, and resting, besides other transverse
connections, on two axle-trees, which are borne on low solid wooden
wheels called trucks, or sometimes, to diminish the recoil, on flat
blocks called chocks. The hind axle-tree takes, with the intervention of
various elevating arrangements, the preponderance of the breech. The
second kind is adapted for field and siege work: the shallow brackets
are raised in front on high wheels, but unite behind into a solid beam
called the trail, which tapers downwards, and rests on the ground when
in action, but for travel is connected to a two-wheeled carriage called
a _limber_ (which see). Gun-carriages are chiefly made of elm for
ship-board, as less given to splinter from shot, and of oak on shore;
wrought-iron, however, is being applied for the carriages of the large
guns recently introduced, and even cast-iron is economically used in
some fortresses little liable to sudden counter-battery.

CARRICK. An old Gaelic term for a castle or fortress, as well as for a
rock in the sea.

CARRICK-BEND. A kind of knot, formed on a bight by putting the end of a
rope over its standing part, and then passing it.

CARRICK-BITTS. The bitts which support the ends or spindles of the
windlass, whence they are also called windlass-bitts.

CARRIED. Taken, applied to the capture of forts and ships.

CARRONADE. A short gun, capable of carrying a large ball, and useful in
close engagements at sea. It takes its name from the large iron-foundry
on the banks of the Carron, near Falkirk, in Scotland, where this sort
of ordnance was first made, or the principle applied to an improved
construction. Shorter and lighter than the common cannon, and having a
chamber for the powder like a mortar, they are generally of large
calibre, and carried on the upper works, as the poop and forecastle.

CARRONADE SLIDE. Composed of two wide balks of elm on which the
carronade carriage slides. As the slide is bolted to the ship's side,
and is a radius from that bolt or pivot, carronades were once the only
guns which could be truly concentrated on a given object.

CARRY, TO. To subdue a vessel by boarding her. To move anything along
the decks. (_See_ LASH AND CARRY, as relating to hammocks.) Also, to
obtain possession of a fort or place by force. Also, the direction or
movement of the clouds. Also, a gun is said to carry its shot so many
yards. Also, a ship carries her canvas, and her cargo.

CARRY AWAY, TO. To break; as, "That ship has carried away her
fore-topmast," _i.e._ has broken it off. It is customary to say, we
carried away this or that, when knocked, shot, or blown away. It is also
used when a rope has been parted by violence.

CARRYING ON DUTY. The operations of the officer in charge of the deck or
watch.

CARRYING ON THE WAR. Making suitable arrangements for carrying on the
lark or amusement.

CARRY ON, TO. To spread all sail; also, beyond discretion, or at all
hazards. In galley-slang, to joke a person even to anger; also riotous
frolicking.

CARRY THE KEG. _See_ KEG.

CARTE BLANCHE. In the service sense of the term, implies an authority to
act at discretion.

CARTEL. A ship commissioned in time of war to exchange the prisoners of
any two hostile powers, or to carry a proposal from one to the other;
for this reason she has only one gun, for the purpose of firing signals,
as the officer who commands her is particularly ordered to carry no
cargo, ammunition, or implements of war. Cartel also signifies an
agreement between two hostile powers for a mutual exchange of prisoners.
In late wars, ships of war fully armed, but under cartel, carried
commissions for settling peace, as flags of truce. Cartel-ships, by
trading in any way, are liable to confiscation.

CARTHOUN. The ancient cannon royal, carrying a 66-lb. ball, with a point
blank range of 185 paces, and an extreme one of about 2000. It was 12
feet long and of 8-1/2 inches diameter of bore.

CARTOUCH-BOX. The accoutrement which contains the musket-cartridges: now
generally called a pouch.

CARTOW. _See_ CART-PIECE.

CART-PIECE. An early battering cannon mounted on a peculiar cart.

CARTRIDGE. The case in which the exact charge of powder for fire-arms is
made up--of paper for small-arms, of flannel for great guns, or of sheet
metal for breech-loading muskets. For small-arms generally the cartridge
contains the bullet as well as the powder, and in the case of most
breech-loaders, the percussion priming also; in the case of some very
light pieces the shot is included, and then named a round of "fixed
ammunition;" and for breech-loading guns some sort of lubricator is
generally inclosed in the forward end of the cartridge.

CARTRIDGE-BOX. A cylindrical wooden box with a lid sliding upon a handle
of small rope, just containing one cartridge, and used for its safe
conveyance from the magazine to the gun--borne to and fro by
powder-monkeys (boys) of old. The term is loosely applied to the
ammunition pouch.

CARUEL. _See_ CARVEL.

CARVED WORK. The ornaments of a ship which are wrought by the carver.

CARVEL. A light lateen-rigged vessel of small burden, formerly used by
the Spaniards and Portuguese. Also, a coarse sea-blubber, on which
turtles are said to feed.

CARVEL-BUILT. A vessel or boat, the planks of which are all flush and
smooth, the edges laid close to each other, and caulked to make them
water-tight: in contradistinction to clinker-built, where they overlap
each other.

CARY. _See_ MOTHER CARY'S CHICKEN. _Procellaria pelagica_.

CASCABLE. That generally convex part of a gun which terminates the
breech end of it. The term includes the usual button which is connected
to it by the neck of the cascable.

CASCADE. A fall of water from a considerable height, rather by
successive stages than in a single mass, as with a cataract.

CASCO. A rubbish-lighter of the Philippine Islands.

CASE. The outside planking of the ship.

CASE-BOOK. A register or journal in which the surgeon records the cases
of all the sick and wounded, who are placed under medical treatment.

CASEMATE. In fortification, a chamber having a vaulted roof capable of
resisting vertical fire, and affording embrasures or loop-holes to
contribute to the defence of the place: without these it would be merely
a bomb-proof.

CASERNES. Often considered as synonymous with _barracks_; but more
correctly small lodgments erected between the ramparts and houses of a
fortified town, to ease the inhabitants by quartering soldiers there,
who are also in better condition for duty than if living in various
parts.

CASE-SHOT, COMMON. Called also canister-shot. Adapted for close quarters
if the enemy be uncovered. It consists of a number of small iron balls,
varying in weight and number, packed in a cylindrical tin case fitting
the bore of the gun from which it is to be fired. Burrel, langrage, and
other irregular substitutes, may be included under the term. Spherical
case-shot are officially called _shrapnel shell_ (which see).

CASHIERED. Sentenced by a court-martial to be dismissed the service. By
such sentence an officer is rendered ever after incapable of serving the
sovereign in any position, naval or military.

CASING. The lining, veneering, or planking over a ship's timbers,
especially for the cabin-beams; the sheathing of her. Also a bulk-head
round a mast to prevent the interference of cargo, or shifting
materials.

CASING-COVER. In the marine steam-engine is a steam-tight opening for
the slide-valve rod to pass through.

CASK. A barrel for fluid or solid provisions. (_See_ STOWAGE.)

CASKETS (properly GASKETS). Small ropes made of sinnet, and fastened to
grummets or little rings upon the yards. Their use is to make the sail
fast to the yard when it is to be furled.

CASSAVA, OR CASSADA. A species of the genus _Jatropha janipha_, well
known to seamen as the cassava bread of the West Indies. Tapioca is
produced from the _Jatropha manihot_. Caution is necessary in the use of
these roots, as the juice is poisonous. The root used as chewsticks, to
cleanse the teeth and gums, by the negroes, produces a copious flow of
frothy saliva.

CAST. A coast term meaning four, as applied to haddocks, herrings, &c.
Also, the appearance of the sky when day begins to break. A cast of
pots, &c.--_A'cast_, when a ship's yards are braced a'cast preparatory
to weighing. Also condemned, cast by survey, &c.

CAST, TO. To fall off, so as to bring the direction of the wind on one
side of the ship, which before was right ahead. This term is
particularly applied to a ship riding head to wind, when her anchor
first loosens from the ground. To pay a vessel's head off, or turn it,
is getting under weigh on the tack she is to sail upon, and it is
casting to starboard, or port, according to the intention.--_To cast
anchor._ To drop or let go the anchor for riding by--synonymous with to
anchor.--_To cast a traverse._ To calculate and lay off the courses and
distances run over upon a chart.--_To cast off._ To let go at once. To
loosen from.

CAST. A short boat passage.

CAST-AWAY. Shipwrecked.

CAST-AWAYS. People belonging to vessels stranded by stress of weather.
Men who have hidden themselves, or are purposely left behind, when their
vessel quits port.

CASTING ACCOUNTS. Sea-sickness.

CAST-KNEES. Those hanging knees which compass or arch over the angle of
a man-of-war's ports, rider, &c.

CASTLE. A place strong by art or nature, or by both. A sort of little
citadel. (_See_ FORECASTLE, AFT-CASTLE, &c.)

CASTLE-WRIGHTS. Particular artificers employed in the erection of the
early ship's castles.

CAST-OFFS. Landsmen's clothes.

CAST OF THE LEAD. The act of heaving the lead into the sea to ascertain
what depth of water there is. (_See also_ HEAVE THE LEAD and SOUNDING.)
The result is a cast--"Get a cast of the lead."

CASTOR. {a} Gemini, a well-known nautical star in the zodiac, which has
proved to be a double star.

CASTOR AND POLLUX. Fiery balls which appear at the mast-heads,
yard-arms, or sticking to the rigging of vessels in a gale at sea.
(_See_ COMPASANT and CORPOSANT.)

CASTRAMETATION. The art of planning camps, and selecting an appropriate
position, in which the main requirement is that the troops of all arms
should be so planted in camp as immediately to cover their proper
positions in the line of battle.

CAST THE WRONG WAY. _See_ WRONG WAY.

CASUALTIES. In a military sense, comprehends all men who die, are
wounded, desert, or are discharged as unfit for service.

CAT. A ship formed on the Norwegian model, and usually employed in the
coal and timber trade. These vessels are generally built remarkably
strong, and may carry six hundred tons; or in the language of their own
mariners, from 20 to 30 keels of coals. A cat is distinguished by a
narrow stern, projecting quarters, a deep waist, and no ornamental
figure on the prow.

CATALAN. A small Spanish fishing-boat.

CATAMARAN. A sort of raft used in the East Indies, Brazils, and
elsewhere: those of the island of Ceylon, like those of Madras and other
parts of that coast, are formed of three logs; the timber preferred for
their construction is the _Dúp_ wood, or _Cherne-Maram_, the pine
varnish-tree. Their length is from 20 to 25 feet, and breadth 2-1/2 to
3-1/2 feet, secured together by means of three spreaders and cross
lashings, through small holes; the centre log is much the largest, with
a curved surface at the fore-end, which tends and finishes upwards to a
point. The side logs are very similar in form, and fitted to the centre
log. These floats are navigated with great skill by one or two men, in a
kneeling position; they think nothing of passing through the surf which
lashes the beach at Madras and at other parts of these coasts, when even
the boats of the country could not live upon the waves; they are also
propelled out to the shipping at anchor when boats of the best
construction and form would be swamped. In the monsoons, when a sail can
be got on them, a small out-rigger is placed at the end of two poles, as
a balance, with a bamboo mast and yard, and a mat or cotton-cloth sail,
all three parts of which are connected; and when the tack and sheet of
the sail are let go, it all falls fore and aft alongside, and being
light, is easily managed. In carrying a press of sail, they are trimmed
by the balance-lever, by going out on the poles so as to keep the log
on the surface of the water, and not impede its velocity, which, in a
strong wind, is very great.

CATANADROMI. Migratory fishes, which have their stated times of going
from fresh-water to salt and returning, as the salmon, &c.

CATAPULT. A military engine used by the ancients for throwing stones,
spears, &c.

CATARACT. The sudden fall of a large body of water from a higher to a
lower level, and rather in a single sheet than by successive leaps, as
in a cascade.

CATASCOPIA. Small vessels anciently used for reconnoitring and carrying
despatches.

CAT-BEAM. This, called also the beak-head beam, is the broadest beam in
the ship, and is generally made of two beams tabled and bolted together.

CAT-BLOCK. A two or three fold block, with an iron strop and large hook
to it, which is employed to cat or draw the anchor up to the cat-head,
which is also fitted with three great sheaves to correspond.

CATCH. A term used among fishermen to denote a quantity of fish taken at
one time.

CATCH A CRAB. In rowing, when an oar gets so far beneath the surface of
the water, that the rower cannot recover it in time to prevent his being
knocked backwards.

CATCH A TURN THERE. Belay quickly.

CATCH-FAKE. An unseemly doubling in a badly coiled rope.

CATERER. A purveyor and provider of provisions: now used for the person
who takes charge of and regulates the economy of a mess. (_See_ ACATER.)

CAT-FALL. The rope rove for the cat-purchase, by which the anchor is
raised to the cat-head or catted.

CAT-FISH. A name for the sea-wolf (_Anarrhicas lupus_).

CAT-GUT. A term applied to the sea-laces or _Fucus filum_. (_See_
SEA-CATGUT.)

CAT-HARPINGS, OR CATHARPIN LEGS. Ropes under the tops at the lower end
of the futtock-shrouds, serving to brace in the shrouds tighter, and
affording room to brace the yards more obliquely when the ship is
close-hauled. They keep the shrouds taut for the better ease and safety
of the mast.

CAT-HEAD. The cat-head passes through the bow-bulwark obliquely forward
on a radial line from the fore-mast, rests on the timbers even with the
water-way, passes through the deck, and is secured to the side-timbers.
It is selected from curved timber. Its upper head is on a level with the
upper rail; it is furnished with three great sheaves, and externally
strengthened by a cat-head knee. It not only is used to lift the anchor
from the surface of the water, but as it "looks forward," the cat-block
is frequently lashed to the cable to aid by its powerful purchase when
the capstan fails to make an impression. The cat-fall rove through the
sheaves, and the cat-block furnish the cat-purchase. The cat-head thus
serves to suspend the anchor clear of the bow, when it is necessary to
let it go: the knee by which it is supported is generally ornamented
with carving. Termed also _cat-head bracket_.

CAT-HOLES. Places or spaces made in the quarter, for carrying out fasts
or springs for steadying or heaving astern.

CAT-HOOK. A strong hook which is a continuation of the iron strop of the
cat-block, used to hook the ring of the anchor when it is to be drawn up
or catted.

CAT-LAP. A common phrase for tea or weak drink.

CAT O' NINE TAILS. An instrument of punishment used on board ships in
the navy; it is commonly of nine pieces of line or cord, about half a
yard long, fixed upon a piece of thick rope for a handle, and having
three knots on each, at small intervals, nearest one end; with this the
seamen who transgress are flogged upon the bare back.

CATRAIA. The catraia of Lisbon and Oporto, or pilot surf-boats, are
about 56 feet long, by 15 feet beam, impelled by sixteen oars.

CAT-RIG. A rig which in smooth water surpasses every other, but, being
utterly unsuited for sea or heavy weather, is only applicable to
pleasure-boats who can choose their weather. It allows one sail only--an
enormous fore-and-aft main-sail, spread by a gaff at the head and a boom
at the foot, hoisted on a stout mast, which is stepped close to the
stem.

CAT-ROPE. A line for hauling the cat-hook about: also cat-back-rope,
which hauls the block to the ring of the anchor in order to hook it.

CAT'S-PAW. A light air perceived at a distance in a calm, by the
impressions made on the surface of the sea, which it sweeps very gently,
and then passes away, being equally partial and transitory. Old
superstitious seamen are seen to scratch the backstays with their nails,
and whistle to invoke even these cat's-paws, the general forerunner of
the steadier breeze. Cat's-paw is also a name given to a particular
twisting hitch, made in the bight of a rope, so as to induce two small
bights, in order to hook a tackle on them both. Also, good-looking
seamen employed to entice volunteers.

CAT'S-SKIN. A light partial current of air, as with the cat's-paw.

CAT'S-TAIL. The inner part of the cat-head, that fays down upon the
cat-beam.

CAT-STOPPER, OR CATHEAD-STOPPER. A piece of rope or chain rove through
the ring of an anchor, to secure it for sea, or singled before letting
it go.

CAT-TACKLE. A strong tackle, used to draw the anchor perpendicularly up
to the cat-head, which latter is sometimes called cat.

CATTAN. _See_ KATAN.

CAT THE ANCHOR. When the cat is hooked and "cable enough" veered and
stoppered, the anchor hangs below the cat-head, swings beneath it; it is
then hauled close up to the cat-head by the purchase called the
cat-fall. The cat-stopper is then passed, and the cat-block unhooked.

CATTING. The act of heaving the anchor by the cat-tackle. Also,
sea-sickness.

CATTY. A Chinese commercial weight of 18 ozs. English. Tea is packed in
one or two or more catty boxes, hence most likely our word tea-caddy.

CAUDAL FIN. The vertical median fin terminating the tail of fishes.

CAUDICARIÆ. A kind of lighter used by the Romans on the Tiber.

CAUL. The membrane encompassing the head of some infants when born, and
from early antiquity esteemed an omen of good fortune, and a
preservative against drowning; it was sought by the Roman lawyers with
as much avidity as by modern voyagers. Also, a northern name for a
dam-dike. Also, an oriental license. (_See_ KAULE.)

CAULK, TO. (_See_ CAULKING.) To lie down on deck and sleep, with clothes
on.

CAULKER. He who caulks and pays the seams. This word is mistaken by many
for _cawker_ (which see).

CAULKER'S SEAT. A box slung to a ship's side whereon a caulker can sit
and use his irons; it contains his tools and oakum.

CAULKING OF A SHIP. Forcing a quantity of oakum, or old ropes untwisted
and drawn asunder, into the seams of the planks, or into the intervals
where the planks are joined together in the ship's decks or sides, or
rends in the planks, in order to prevent the entrance of water. After
the oakum is driven in very hard, hot melted pitch or rosin is poured
into the groove, to keep the water from rotting it. Among the ancients
the first who made use of pitch in caulking were the inhabitants of
Phæacia, afterwards called Corfu. Wax and rosin appear to have been
commonly used before that period; and the Poles still substitute an
unctuous clay for the same purpose for the vessels on their navigable
rivers.

CAULKING-BUTT. The opening between ends or joints of the planks when
worked for caulking.

CAULKING-IRONS. The peculiar chisels used for the purpose of caulking:
they are the caulking-iron, the making-iron, the reeming-iron, and the
rasing-iron.

CAULKING-MALLET. The wooden beetle or instrument with which the
caulking-irons are driven.

CAURY. Worm-eaten.

CAVALIER. In fortification, a work raised considerably higher than its
neighbours, but generally of similar plan. Its object is to afford a
plunging fire, especially into the near approaches of a besieger, and to
shelter adjacent faces from enfilade. Its most frequent position in
fortresses is at the salient of the ravelin, or within the bastion; and
in siege-works in the advanced trenches, for the purpose of enabling the
musketry of the attack to drive the defenders out of the covered way.

CAVALLO, by some CARVALHAS. An oceanic fish, well-known as the bonito or
horse-mackerel.

CAVALOT. A gun carrying a ball of one pound.

CAVALRY. That body of soldiers which serves and fights on horseback.

CAVER. _See_ KAVER.

CAVIARE. A preparation of the roe of sturgeons and other fish salted. It
forms a lucrative branch of commerce in Italy and Russia.

CAVIL. A large cleat for belaying the fore and main tacks, sheets, and
braces to. (_See_ KEVELS.)

CAVITY. In naval architecture signifies the displacement formed in the
water by the immersed bottom and sides of the vessel.

CAWE, OR CAWFE. An east-country eel-box, or a floating perforated cage
in which lobsters are kept.

CAWKER. An old term signifying a glass of strong spirits taken in the
morning.

CAY, OR CAYOS. Little insulated sandy spots and rocks. The Spaniards in
the West Indies called the Bahamas _Los Cayos_, which we wrote
_Lucayos_. (_See_ KEY.)

CAZE-MATTE. _See_ CASEMATE.

CAZERNS. _See_ CASERNES.

C.B. The uncials of Companion of the most honourable Order of the Bath.
This grade was recently distributed so profusely that an undecorated
veteran testily remarked that if government went on thus there would
soon be more C.B.'s than A.B.'s in the navy.

CEASE FIRING. The order to leave off.

CEILING. The lining or planks on the inside of a ship's frame: these are
placed on the flat of the floor, and carried up to the hold-beams. The
term is a synonym of _foot-waling_ (which see).

CELLS. _See_ SILLS.

CELOCES, OR CELETES. Light row-boats, formerly used in piracy, and also
for conveying advice.

CEMENT, ROMAN. For docks, piers, &c. _See_ POZZOLANA.

CENTIME. _See_ FRANC.

CENTINEL. _See_ SENTINEL.

CENTRAL ECLIPSE. _See_ ECLIPSE.

CENTRE (usually CENTER). The division of a fleet between the van and the
rear of the line of battle, and between the weather and lee divisions in
the order of sailing.

CENTRE OF CAVITY, OF DISPLACEMENT, OF IMMERSION, AND OF BUOYANCY, are
synonymous terms in naval architecture for the mean centre of that part
of a vessel which is immersed in the water.

CENTRE OF GRAVITY, OR BALANCING POINT. _See_ GRAVITY.

CENTRE OF MOTION. _See_ MOTION (CENTRE OF).

CENTURION. A military officer who commanded one hundred men, in the
Roman armies.

CEOLA. A very old term for a large ship.

CERADENE. A large fresh-water mussel.

CERCURI. Ancient ships of burden fitted with both sails and oars.

CERTIFICATE. A voucher or written testimony to the truth of any
statement. An attestation of servitude, signed by the captain, is given
with all discharges of men in the navy.

CERTIFY, TO. To bear official testimony.

CESSATION OF ARMS. A discontinuation or suspension of hostilities.

CETINE. An ancient large float, says Hesychius, "in bulk like a whale;"
derived from _cetus_, which applied both to whale and ship.

C.G. Coast-guard (which see).

CHAD. A fish like a small bream, abundant on the south-west coasts of
England.

CHAFE, TO. To rub or fret the surface of a cable, mast, or yard, by the
motion of the ship or otherwise, against anything that is too hard for
it.--_Chafing-gear_, is the stuff put upon the rigging and spars to
prevent their being chafed.

CHAFFER. A name for a whale or grampus of the northern seas.

CHAFING-CHEEKS. A name given by old sailors to the sheaves instead of
blocks on the yards in light-rigged vessels.

CHAFING-GEAR. Mats, sinnet, spun-yarn, strands, battens, scotchmen, and
the like.

CHAIN. When mountains, hills, lakes, and islands are linked together, or
follow each other in succession, so that their whole length greatly
exceeds their breadth, they form what is termed a chain. A measuring
chain is divided into links, &c., made of stout wire, because line is
apt to shrink on wet ground and give way. The chain measure is 66 feet.

CHAINAGE OF SHIP. An old right of the admiral.

CHAIN-BOLT. A large bolt to secure the chains of the dead-eyes through
the toe-link, for the purpose of securing the masts by the shrouds.
Also, the bolts which fasten the channel-plates to the ship's side.

CHAIN-CABLE COMPRESSOR. A curved arm of iron which revolves on a bolt
through an eye at one end, at the other is a larger eye in which a
tackle is hooked; it is used to bind the cable against the pipe through
which it is passing, and check it from running out too quickly.

CHAIN-CABLE CONTROLLER. A contrivance for the prevention of one part of
the chain riding on another while heaving in.

CHAIN-CABLES. Are not new; Cæsar found them on the shores of the British
Channel. In 1818 I saw upwards of eighty sail of vessels with them at
Desenzano, on the Lago di Garda. They have all but superseded hemp
cables in recent times; they are divided into parts 15 fathoms in
length, which are connected by shackles, any one of which may be slipped
in emergency; at each 7-1/2 fathoms a swivel used to be inserted, but in
many cases they are now dispensed with.

CHAIN-CABLE SHACKLES. Used for coupling the parts of a chain-cable at
various lengths, so that they may be disconnected when circumstance
demands it.

CHAIN-HOOK. An iron rod with a handling-eye at one end, and a hook at
the other, for hauling the chain-cables about.

CHAIN-PIPE. An aperture through which a chain-cable passes from the
chain-well to the deck above.

CHAIN-PLATES. Plates of iron with their lower ends bolted to the ship's
sides under the channels, and to these plates the dead-eyes are
fastened; other plates lap over and secure them below. Formerly, and
still in great ships, the dead-eyes were linked to chain-pieces, and
from their being occasionally made in one plate they have obtained this
appellation.

CHAIN-PUMP. This is composed of two long metal tubes let down through
the decks somewhat apart from each other, but joined at their lower
ends, which are pierced with holes for the admission of water. Above the
upper part of the tubes is a sprocket-wheel worked by crank handles;
over this wheel, and passing through both tubes, is an endless chain,
furnished at certain distances with bucket valves or pistons, turning
round a friction-roller. The whole, when set in motion by means of the
crank handles, passing down one tube and up the other, raises the water
very rapidly.

CHAINS, properly CHAIN-WALES, or CHANNELS. Broad and thick planks
projecting horizontally from the ship's outside, to which they are fayed
and bolted, abreast of and somewhat behind the masts. They are formed to
project the chain-plate, and give the lower rigging greater out-rig or
spread, free from the top-sides of the ship, thus affording greater
security and support to the masts, as well as to prevent the shrouds
from damaging the gunwale, or being hurt by rubbing against it. Of
course they are respectively designated fore, main, and mizen. They are
now discontinued in many ships, the eyes being secured to the
timber-heads, and frequently within the gunwale to the stringers or
lower shelf-pieces above the water-way.--_In the chains_, applies to the
leadsman who stands on the channels between two shrouds to heave the
hand-lead.

CHAIN-SHOT. Two balls connected either by a bar or chain, for cutting
and destroying the spars and rigging of an enemy's ship.

CHAIN-SLINGS. Chains attached to the sling-hoop and mast-head, by which
a lower yard is hung. Used for boat or any other slings demanded.

CHAIN-STOPPER. There are various kinds of stoppers for chain-cables,
mostly acting by clamping or compression.

CHAIN, TOP. A chain to sling the lower yards in time of battle, to
prevent them from falling down when the ropes by which they are hung are
shot away.

CHAIN-WELL, OR LOCKER. A receptacle below deck for containing the
chain-cable, which is passed thither through the deck-pipe.

CHALAND. A large flat-bottomed boat of the Loire.

CHALDERS. Synonymous with _gudgeons_ of the rudder.

CHALDRICK. An Orkney name for the sea-pie (_Hæmatopus ostralegus_).

CHALDRON. A measure of coals, consisting of 36 bushels; a cubic yard =
19 cwts. 19 lbs.

CHALINK. A kind of Massoolah boat.

CHALK, TO. To cut.--_To walk one's chalks_, to run off; also, an ordeal
for drunkenness, to see whether the suspected person can move along the
line. "Walking a deck-seam" is to the same purpose, as the man is to
proceed without overstepping it on either side.

CHALKS. Marks. "Better by chalks:" wagers were sometimes determined by
he who could reach furthest or highest, and there make a
chalk-mark.--_Long chalks_, great odds.

CHALLENGE. The demand of a sentinel to any one who approaches his post.
Also, the defiance to fight.

CHAMADE. To challenge attention. A signal made by beat of drum when a
conference is desired by the enemy on having matter to propose. It is
also termed beating a parley.

CHAMBER, OR CHAMBER-PIECE. A charge piece in old ordnance, like a
_paterero_, to put into the breech of a gun prepared for it. (_See_
MURDERER.) Used by the Chinese, as in _gingals_ (which see).

CHAMBER OF A MINE. The seat or receptacle prepared for the
powder-charge, usually at the end of the gallery, and out of the direct
line of it; and, if possible, tamped or buried with tight packing of
earth, &c., to increase the force of explosion.

CHAMBER OF A PIECE OF ORDNANCE. The end of the bore modified to receive
the charge of powder. In mortars, howitzers, and shell-guns, they are of
smaller diameter than the bore, for the charges being comparatively
small, more effect is thus expected. The gomer chamber (which see) is
generally adopted in our service. In rifled guns the powder-chamber is
not rifled; it and the bullet-chamber differ in other minute respects
from the rest of the bore. Patereroes for festive occasions are
sometimes called chambers; as the small mortars, formerly used for
firing salutes in the parks, termed also pint-pots from their shape and
handles.

CHAMBERS. Clear spaces between the riders, in those vessels which have
floor and futtock riders.

CHAMFER. The cutting or taking off a sharp edge or angle from a plank or
timber. It is also called camfering.

CHAMPION. The great champion of England, who at the coronation of the
sovereign throws down his gauntlet, and defies all comers. Held at the
coronations of George IV., William IV., and Victoria, by a naval
officer, a middy in 1821.

CHANCERY, IN. When a ship gets into irons. (_See_ IRONS.)

CHANCY. Dangerous.

CHANDLER, SHIP. Dealer in general stores for ships.

CHANGE. In warrantry, is the voluntary substitution of a different
voyage for a merchant ship than the one originally specified or agreed
upon, an act which discharges the insurers. (_See_ DEVIATION.)

CHANGEY-FOR-CHANGEY. A rude barter among men-of-war's men, as bread for
vegetables, or any "swap."

CHANNEL. In hydrography, the fair-way, or deepest part of a river,
harbour, or strait, which is most convenient for the track of shipping.
Also, an arm of the sea, or water communication running between an
island or islands and the main or continent, as the British Channel. In
an extended sense it implies any passage which separates lands, and
leads from one ocean into another, without distinction as to shape.

CHANNEL-BOLTS. The long bolts which pass through all the planks, and
connect the channel to the side.

CHANNEL-GROPERS. The home-station ships cruising in the Channel; usually
small vessels to watch the coast in former times, and to arrest
smugglers.

CHANNEL-GROPING. The carrying despatches, and cruising from port to port
in soundings.

CHANNEL-PLATES. _See_ CHAIN-PLATES.

CHANNEL-WALES. Strakes worked between the gun-deck and the upper deck
ports of large ships. Also, the outside plank which receives the bolts
of the chain-plates. The wale-plank extends fore and aft to support the
channels.

CHANTICLEER. A name in the Frith of Forth for the dragonet or gowdie
(_Callionymus lyra_). The early or vigilant cock, from which several
English vessels of war have derived their names.

CHAP. A general term for a man of any age after boyhood; but it is not
generally meant as a compliment.

CHAPE. The top locket of a sword scabbard.

CHAPELLING A SHIP. The act of turning her round in a light breeze, when
she is close hauled, without bracing the head-yards, so that she will
lie the same way that she did before. This is commonly occasioned by the
negligence of the steersman, or by a sudden change of the wind.

CHAPLAIN. The priest appointed to perform divine service on board ships
in the royal navy.

CHAPMAN. A small merchant or trader; a ship's super-cargo.

CHAR. A fine species of trout taken in our northern lakes.

CHARACTERS. Certain marks invented for shortening the expression of
mathematical calculations, as +, -, ×, ÷, =, : :: :, [sq], &c.

CHARGE. The proportional quantity of powder and ball wherewith a gun is
loaded for execution. The rules for loading large ordnance are: that the
piece be first cleaned or scoured inside; that the proper quantity of
powder be next driven in and rammed down, care however being taken that
the powder in ramming be not bruised, because that weakens its effect;
that a little quantity of paper, lint, or the like, be rammed over it,
and then the ball be intruded. If the ball be red hot, a tompion, or
trencher of green wood, is to be driven in before it. Also, in martial
law, an indictment or specification of the crime of which a prisoner
stands accused. Also, in evolutions, the brisk advance of a body to
attack an enemy, with bayonets fixed at the charge, or firmly held at
the hip. Also, the command on duty, every man's office.--_A ship of
charge_, is one so deeply immersed as to steer badly.--_To charge a
piece_, is to put in the proper quantity of ammunition.

CHARGER. The horse ridden by an officer in action; a term loosely
applied to any war-horse.

CHARITY-SLOOPS. Certain 10-gun brigs built towards the end of Napoleon's
war, something smaller than the 18-gun brigs; these were rated sloops,
and scandal whispers "in order that so many commanders might charitably
be employed."

CHARLES'S WAIN. The seven conspicuous stars in Ursa Major, of which two
are called the pointers, from showing a line to the pole-star.

CHART, OR SEA-CHART. A hydrographical map, or a projection of some part
of the earth's superficies _in plano_, for the use of navigators,
further distinguished as plane-charts, Mercator's charts, globular
charts, and the bottle or current chart, to aid in the investigation of
surface currents (all which see). A selenographic chart represents the
moon, especially as seen by the aid of photography and Mr. De la Rue's
arrangement.

CHARTER. To charter a vessel is to take her to freight, under a
charter-party. The charter or written instrument by which she is hired
to carry freight.

CHARTERED SHIP. One let to hire to one or more, or to a company. A
_general_ ship is where persons, unconnected, load goods.

CHARTERER. The person hiring or chartering a ship, or the government or
a company by their agents.

CHARTER-PARTY. The deed or written contract between the owners and the
merchants for the hire of a ship, and safe delivery of the cargo; thus
differing from a bill of lading, which relates only to a portion of the
cargo. It is the same in civil law with an indenture at the common law.
It ought to contain the name and burden of the vessel, the names of the
master and freighters, the place and time of lading and unlading, and
stipulations as to demurrage. The charter-party is dissolved by a
complete embargo, though not by the temporary stopping of a port. It is
thus colloquially termed a pair of indentures.

CHASE, TO. To pursue a ship, which is also called giving chase.--_A
stern chase_ is when the chaser follows the chased astern, directly upon
the same point of the compass.--_To lie with a ship's fore-foot in a
chase_, is to sail and meet with her by the nearest distance, and so to
cross her in her way, as to come across her fore-foot. A ship is said to
have a good chase when she is so built forward or astern that she can
carry many guns to shoot forwards or backwards; according to which she
is said to have a good forward or good stern chase. Chasing to windward,
is often termed chasing in the wind's eye.

CHASE. The vessel pursued by some other, that pursuing being the chaser.
This word is also applied to a receptacle for deer and game, between a
forest and a park in size, and stored with a larger stock of timber than
the latter.

CHASE, BOW. Cannon situated in the fore part of the ship to fire upon
any object ahead of her. Chasing ahead, or varying on either bow.

CHASE OF A GUN. That part of the conical external surface extending from
the moulding in front of the trunnions to that which marks the
commencement of the muzzle; that is, in old pattern guns, from the ogee
of the second reinforce, to the neck or muzzle astragal.

CHASE-GUNS. Such guns as are removed to the chase-ports ahead or astern,
if not pivot-guns.

CHASE-PORTS. The gun-ports at the bows and through the stern of a
war-ship.

CHASER. The ship which is pursuing another.

CHASE-SIGHT. Where the sight is usually placed.

CHASE-STERN. The cannon which are placed in the after-part of a ship,
pointing astern.

CHASSE MAREES. The coasting vessels of the French shores of the Channel;
generally lugger-rigged; either with two or three masts, and sometimes a
top-sail; the hull being bluffer when used for burden only, are thus
distinguished from luggers. They seldom venture off shore, but coast it.

CHATHAM. _See_ CHEST OF CHATHAM.

CHATS. Lice. Also lazy fellows.

CHATTA, OR CHATTY. An Indian term for an earthen vessel sometimes used
for cooking.

CHAW. _See_ QUID.

CHEATING THE DEVIL. Softenings of very profane phrases, the mere
euphemisms of hard swearing, as _od rot it_, _od's blood_, _dash it_,
_dang you_, _see you blowed first_, _deuce take it_, _by gosh_, _be
darned_, and the like profane preludes, such as boatswains and their
mates are wont to use.

CHEAT THE GLASS. _See_ FLOGGING THE GLASS.

CHEBACCO BOAT. A description of fishing-vessel employed in the
Newfoundland fisheries. It is probably named from Chebucto Bay.

CHECK. (_See_ BOWLINE.) To slack off a little upon it, and belay it
again. Usually done when the wind is by, or as long as she can lay her
course without the aid of the bowline.--_To check_ is to slacken or ease
off a brace, which is found to be too stiffly extended, or when the wind
is drawing aft. It is also used in a contrary sense when applied to the
cable running out, and then implies to stopper the cable.--_Check her_,
stop her way.

CHECKERS. A game much used by seamen, especially in the tops, where
usually a checker-board will be found carved.

CHECKING-LINES. These are rove through thimbles at the eyes of the
top-mast and top-gallant rigging, one end bent to the lift and brace,
the other into the top. They are used to haul them in to the mast-head,
instead of sending men aloft.

CHEEK. Insolent language.--_Own cheek_, one's self.--_Cheeky_, flippant.

CHEEK-BLOCKS. Usually fitted to the fore-topmast head, for the purpose
of leading the jib-stay, halliards, &c.

CHEEKS. A general term among mechanics for those pieces of timber in any
machine which are double, and perfectly corresponding to each other. The
projections at the throat-end of a gaff which embrace the mast are
termed jaws. Also, the sides of a gun-carriage. (_See_ BRACKETS.) Also,
the sides of a block. Also, an old soubriquet for a marine, derived from
a rough pun on his uniform in olden days.

CHEEKS, OR CHEEK-KNEES. Pieces of compass-timber on the ship's bows, for
the security of the beak-head, or knee of the head, whence the term
_head-knee_. Two pieces of timber fitted on each side of a mast, from
beneath the hounds and its uppermost end. Also, the circular pieces on
the aft-side of the carrick-bitts.

CHEEKS OF AN EMBRASURE. The interior faces or sides of an embrasure.

CHEEKS OF THE MAST. The faces or projecting parts on each side of the
masts, formed to sustain the trestle-trees upon which the frame of the
top, together with the top-mast, immediately rest. (_See_ HOUNDS and
BIBBS.)

CHEER, TO. To salute a ship _en passant_, by the people all coming on
deck and huzzahing three times; it also implies to encourage or animate.
(_See also_ HEARTY and MAN SHIP!)

CHEERING. The result of an animated excitement in action, which often
incites to valour. Also, practised on ships parting at sea, on joining
an admiral, &c. In piratical vessels, to frighten their prey with a
semblance of valour.

CHEERLY. Quickly; with a hearty will. "Cheerly, boys, cheerly," when the
rope comes in slowly, or hoisting a sail with a few hands.

CHEESE. A circle of wads covered with painted canvas.

CHELYNGE. An early name of the cod-fish.

CHEQUE, OR CHECK. An office in dockyards. Cheque for muster, pay,
provision, desertion, discharged, or dead--under DDD. or DSq^d.

CHEQUE, CLERK OF THE. An officer in the royal dockyards, who goes on
board to muster the ship's company, of whom he keeps a register, thereby
to check false musters, the penalty of which is cashiering.

CHEQUERED SIDES. Those painted so as to show all the ports; more
particularly applicable to two or more rows.

CHERIMERI. In the East, a bribe in making a contract or bargain.

CHERRY. A species of smelt or spurling, taken in the Frith of Tay.

CHESIL. From the Anglo-Saxon word _ceosl_, still used for a bank or
shingle, as that remarkable one connecting the Isle of Portland with the
mainland, called the Chesil Beach.

CHESS-TREE. A piece of oak fastened with iron bolts on each top-side of
the ship. Used for boarding the main-tack to, or hauling home the clues
of the main-sail, for which purpose there is a hole in the upper part,
through which the tack passes, that extends the clue of the sail to
windward. Where chain has been substituted of late for rope, iron plates
with thimble-eyes are used for chess-trees.

CHEST OF CHATHAM. An ancient institution, restored and established by an
order in council of Queen Elizabeth, in 1590, supported by a
contribution from each seaman and apprentice, according to the amount of
his wages, for the wounded and hurt seamen of the royal navy, under the
name of smart-money.

CHEST-ROPE. The same with the guest or gift rope, and is added to the
boat-rope when the boat is towed astern of the ship, to keep her from
sheering, _i.e._ from swinging to and fro. (_See_ GUESS-WARP.)

CHEVAUX DE FRISE. An adopted term for pickets pointed with iron, and
standing through beams, to stop an enemy: this defence is also called a
turn-pike or pike-turn.

CHEVENDER. An old name for the chevin or chub.

CHEVILS. _See_ KEVELS.

CHEVIN. An old name for the chub.

CHEVRON. The distinguishing mark on the sleeves of sergeants' and
corporals' coats, the insignia of a non-commissioned officer. Also, a
mark recently instituted as a testimony of good conduct in a private.
Further, now worn by seamen getting good-service pay.

CHEWING OF OAKUM OR PITCH. When a ship suffers leakage from inefficient
caulking. (_See_ SEAM.)

CHEZ-VOUS. A kind of "All Souls" night in Bengal, when meats and fruits
are placed in every corner of a native's house. Hence _shevoe_, for a
ship-gala.

CHICO [Sp. for small].--_Boca-chica_, small mouth of a river.

CHIEF. _See_ COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF. A common abbreviation.

CHIEF MATE, OR CHIEF OFFICER. The next to a commander in a merchantman,
and who, in the absence of the latter, acts as his deputy.

CHIGRE, CHAGOE, CHIGGRE, OR JIGGER. A very minute insect of tropical
countries, which pierces the thick skin of the foot, and breeds there,
producing great pain. It is neatly extricated with its sac entire by
clever negroes.

CHILLED SHOT. Shot of very rapidly cooled cast-iron, _i.e._ cast in iron
moulds, and thus found to acquire a hardness which renders them of
nearly equal efficiency with steel shot for penetrating iron plates, yet
produced at about one-quarter the price. They invariably break up on
passing through the plates, and their fragments are very destructive on
crowded decks; though in the attack of iron war vessels, where the
demolishment of guns, carriages, machinery, turrets, &c., is required,
the palm must still be awarded to steel shot and shell.

CHIMBE [Anglo-Saxon]. The prominent part or end of the staves, where
they project beyond the head of a cask.

CHIME. _See_ CHINE.

CHIME IN, TO. To join a mess meal or treat. To chime in to a chorus or
song.

CHINCKLE. A small bight in a line.

CHINE. The backbone of a cliff, from the backbones of animals; a name
given in the Isle of Wight, as Black Gang Chine, and along the coasts of
Hampshire. Also, that part of the water-way which is left the thickest,
so as to project above the deck-plank; and it is notched or gouged
hollow in front, to let the water run free.

CHINE AND CHINE. Casks stowed end to end.

CHINED. Timber or plank slightly hollowed out.

CHINGLE. Gravel. (_See_ SHINGLE.)

CHINGUERITO. A hot and dangerous sort of white corn brandy, made in
Spanish America.

CHINSE, TO. To stop small seams, by working in oakum with a knife or
chisel--a temporary expedient. To caulk slightly those openings that
will not bear the force required for caulking.

CHINSING-IRON. A caulker's tool for chinsing seams with.

CHIP, TO. To trim a gun when first taken from the mould or castings.

CHIPS. The familiar soubriquet of the carpenter on board ship. The
fragments of timber and the planings of plank are included among
chips.--_Chip of the old block_, a son like his father.

CHIRURGEON. [Fr.] The old name for surgeon.

CHISEL. A well-known edged tool for cutting away wood, iron, &c.

CHIT. A note. Formerly the note for slops given by the officer of a
division to be presented to the purser.

CHIULES. The Saxon ships so called.

CHIVEY. A knife.

CHLET. An old Manx term for a rock in the sea.

CHOCK. A sort of wedge used to rest or confine any weighty body, and
prevent it from fetching way when the ship is in motion. Also, pieces
fitted to supply a deficiency or defect after the manner of filling.
Also, blocks of timber latterly substituted beneath the beams for knees,
and wedged by iron keys. (_See_ BOAT-CHOCKS.)--_Chock of the bowsprit._
_See_ BEND.--_Chocks of the rudder_, large accurately adapted pieces of
timber kept in readiness to choak the rudder, by filling up the
excavation on the side of the rudder hole, in case of any accident. It
is also choaked or chocked, when a ship is likely to get strong
stern-way, when tiller-ropes break, &c.--_To chock_, is to put a wedge
under anything to prevent its rolling. (_See_ CHUCK.)

CHOCK-A-BLOCK, OR CHOCK AND BLOCK. Is the same with _block-a-block_ and
_two-blocks_ (which see). When the lower block of a tackle is run close
up to the upper one, so that you can hoist no higher, the blocks being
together.

CHOCK-AFT, CHOCK-FULL, CHOCK-HOME, CHOCK-UP, &c. Denote as far aft,
full, home, up, &c., as possible, or that which fits closely to one
another.

CHOCK-CHANNELS. Those filled in with wood between the chain-plates,
according to a plan introduced by Captain Couch, R.N.

CHOCOLATE-GALE. A brisk N.W. wind of the West Indies and Spanish main.

CHOGSET. _See_ BURGALL.

CHOKE. The nip of a rocket.

CHOKED. When a running rope sticks in a block, either by slipping
between the cheeks and the shiver, or any other accident, so that it
cannot run.

CHOKE-FULL. Entirely full; top full.

CHOKE THE LUFF. To place suddenly the fall of a tackle close to the
block across the jaw of the next turn of the rope in the block, so as to
prevent the leading part from rendering. Familiarly said of having a
meal to assuage hunger; to be silenced.

CHOKEY. An East Indian guard-house and prison.

CHOMMERY. _See_ CHASSE MAREES, for which this is the men's term.

CHOP. A permit or license of departure for merchant ships in the China
trade. A Chinese word signifying quality. Also, an imperial chop or
mandate; a proclamation.

CHOP, OR CHAPP. The entrance of a channel, as the Chops of the English
Channel.

CHOP-ABOUT, TO. Is applied to the wind when it varies and changes
suddenly, and at short intervals of time.

CHOPPING-SEA. A synonym of _cockling sea_ (which see).

CHOPT. Done suddenly in exigence; as, _chopt_ to an anchor.

CHORD. In geometry, is a line which joins the extremities of any arc of
a circle.

CHOW-CHOW. Eatables; a word borrowed from the Chinese. It is supposed to
be derived from _chou-chou_, the tender parts of cabbage-tree, bamboo,
&c., preserved.

CHOWDER. The principal food in the Newfoundland bankers, or stationary
fishing vessels; it consists of a stew of fresh cod-fish, rashers of
salt pork or bacon, biscuit, and lots of pepper. Also, a buccaneer's
savoury dish, and a favourite dish in North America. (_See_ COD-FISHER'S
CREW.) Chowder is a fish-seller in the western counties.

CHOWDER-HEADED. Stupid, or batter-brained.

CHRISTIAN. A gold Danish coin, value in England from 16_s._ to 16_s._
4_d._

CHRISTIAN'S GALES. The tremendous storms in 1795-6, which desolated the
fleet proceeding to attack the French West India Islands, under Admiral
Christian.

CHROCKLE. A tangle or _thoro'put_ (which see).

CHRODANE. The Manx and Gaelic term for gurnet.

CHRONOMETER. A valuable time-piece fitted with a compensation-balance,
adjusted for the accurate measurement of time in all climates, and used
by navigators for the determination of the longitude.

CHRONOMETER RATE. The number of seconds or parts of seconds which it
loses or gains per diem. (_See_ RATING.)

CHRUIN. A Gaelic term for masts.--_Chruin-spreie_, the bowsprit.

CHUB. The _Leuciscus cephalus_, a fresh-water fish.

CHUCK. A sea-shell. Nickname for a boatswain, "Old chucks." Also, an old
word signifying large chips of wood.

CHUCKLE-HEADED. Clownishly stupid; lubberly.

CHULLERS. A northern name for the gills of a fish.

CHUNAM. Lime made of burned shells, and much used in India for the naval
store-houses. That made at Madras is of peculiarly fine quality, and
easily takes a polish like white marble.

CHUNK. A coarse slice of meat or bread; more properly _junk_. Also, the
negro term for lumps of firewood.

CHUNTOCK. A powerful dignitary among the Chinese. (_See_ JANTOOK.)

CHURCH. The part of the ship arranged on Sunday for divine service.

CHURCH-WARDEN. A name given on the coast of Sussex to the shag or
cormorant. Why, deponent sayeth not.

CHUTE. A fall of water or rapid; the word is much used in North America,
wherever the nomenclature of the country retains traces of the early
French settlers. (_See_ SHOOT.)

CILLS. Horizontal pieces of timber to ports or scuttles; mostly spelled
_sills_ (which see). Generally pronounced by sailors _sell_, as the
port-sell.

CINGLE [from _cir-cingle_, a horse's belt]. A belt worn by seamen.

CINQUE-PORT. A kind of fishing-net, having five entrances.

CINQUE PORTS, THE. These are five highly privileged stations, the once
great emporiums of British commerce and maritime greatness; they are
Dover, Hastings, Sandwich, Romney, and Hythe, which, lying opposite to
France, were considered of the utmost importance. To these were
afterwards added Winchelsea, Rye, and Seaford. These places were
honoured with peculiar immunities and privileges, on condition of their
providing a certain number of ships at their own charge for forty days.
Being exempted from the jurisdiction of the Admiralty court, the Lord
Warden of the Cinque Ports is authorized to make rules for the
government of pilots within his jurisdiction, and in many other general
acts exceptions are provided to save the franchises of the Cinque Ports
unimpeached. It is a singular fact that it has never been legally
determined whether the Downs and adjacent roadsteads are included in the
limits of the Cinque Ports. All derelicts found without the limits by
Cinque Port vessels are droits of admiralty. This organization was
nearly broken up in the late state reforms, but the Lord Warden still
possesses some power and jurisdiction.

CIPHERING. A term in carpentry. (_See_ SYPHERED.)

CIRCLE. A plane figure bounded by a line called the circumference,
everywhere equally distant from a point within it, called the centre.

CIRCLE OF PERPETUAL APPARITION. A circle of the heavens parallel to the
equator, and at a distance from the pole of any place equal to the
latitude: within this circle the stars never set.

CIRCLES, GREAT, LESSER, AZIMUTH, VERTICAL (which see).

CIRCLES OF LONGITUDE. These are great circles passing through the poles
of the ecliptic, and so cutting it at right angles.

CIRCULARS. Certain official letters which are sent to several persons,
and convey the same information.

CIRCUMNAVIGATION. The term for making a voyage round the world.

CIRCUMPOLAR. A region which includes that portion of the starry sphere
which remains constantly above the horizon of any place.

CIRCUMVALLATION, LINES OF. Intrenchments thrown up by a besieging army,
outside itself, and round the besieged place, but fronting towards the
country, to prevent interference from outside. This continuous method
has gone out of favour, though some covering works of concentrated
strength are still considered essential.

CIRRIPEDIA. A group of marine animals, allied to the crustacea. They are
free and natatory when young, but in the adult state attached to rocks
or some floating substance. They are protected by a multivalve shell,
and have long ciliated curled tentacles, whence their name
(_curl-footed_). The barnacles (_Lepas_) and the acorn-shells
(_Balanus_) are familiar examples.

CIRRO-CUMULUS. This, the _sonder-cloud_, or system of small roundish
clouds in the upper regions of the atmosphere, commonly moves in a
different current of air from that which is blowing at the earth's
surface. It forms the mackerel sky alluded to in the following
distich:--

    "A mack'rel sky and mares'-tails
    Make lofty ships carry low sails."

CIRRO-STRATUS. Is the stratus of the upper regions of the atmosphere,
heavier looking than the cirrus, but not so heavy as the stratus.

CIRRUS. The elegant modification of elevated clouds, usually termed
mares'-tails (see the distich given at CIRRO-CUMULUS); otherwise the
curl-cloud.

CISCO. A fish of the herring kind, of which thousands of barrels are
annually taken and salted in Lake Ontario.

CISTERN. A reservoir for water placed in different parts of a ship,
where a constant supply may be required. Also furnished with a leaden
pipe, which goes through the ship's side, whereby it is occasionally
filled with sea-water, and which is thence pumped up to wash the decks,
&c.

CITADEL. A fortified work of superior strength, and dominating
everything else, generally separated therefrom by an open space of
glacis or esplanade; often useful against domestic as well as foreign
enemies.

CIVIL BRANCH. That department executed by civilians, as
contradistinguished from the army or navy branch.

CIVILIANS. The surgeon, chaplain, purser or paymaster, assistant
surgeons, secretary, and ship clerks, on board men-of-war.

CIVIL LORD. The lay or junior member of the admiralty board.

CIVIL WAR. That between subjects of the same realm, or between factions
of the same state.

CLAIMANTS. Persons appealing to the jurisdiction of the admiralty court.
They are denominated colourable, or fair, according to the informality,
or justice, of their claims.

CLAKE. A name for the barnacle-goose (_Anser bernicla_). Also, for the
_Lepas anatifera_, a cirriped often found attached to vessels or timber
by a long fleshy peduncle, sometimes 4 or 5 feet in length.

CLAM. A well-known bivalve shell-fish. "As happy as a clam at
high-water," a figurative expression for otiose comfort.

CLAMBER. To climb; to ascend quickly.

CLAMPING. Applying a cross-head, or stirrup-piece, in a socket.

CLAMP-NAILS. Such nails as are used to fasten clamps; they are short and
stout, with large heads.

CLAMPS. Pieces of timber applied to a mast or yard, to prevent the wood
from bursting. Also, thick planks lying fore and aft under the beams of
the first orlop or second deck, the same as the rising-timbers are to
the deck. They are securely fayed to all the timbers, to which they are
fastened by nails through the clamp, and penetrating two-thirds of the
thickness of the timbers. Also, substantial strakes, worked inside, on
which the ends of the beams rest. Also, smooth crooked plates of iron
forelocked upon the trunnions of cannon; these, however, are more
properly termed cap-squares. (_See_ CARRIAGE.) Also, any plate of iron
made to open and shut, so as to confine a spar. A one-cheeked block; the
spar to which it is fastened being the other cheek.--_To clamp_, is to
unite two bodies by surfaces or circular plates.--_Clamped_, is when a
piece of board is fitted with the grain to the end of another piece of
board across the grain.

CLAMS. Strong pieces used by shipwrights for drawing bolts, &c. Also, a
kind of forceps used for bringing up specimens of the bottom in
sounding; a drag. (_See_ CLAM.)

CLANG. The rattling or clashing of arms.

CLAP-BOARD [German, _klapp-bord_]. An east-country commercial plank,
which ought to be upwards of 13 feet in length; cask-staves are also
clap-boards. Clap-board, in the colonies, is the covering the side of a
house with narrow boards, "lapping fashion," in contradistinction to
shingling, or tiling, or clench-built.

CLAP-MATCH. A sort of seal, distinct from the fur-seal.

CLAP ON! The order to lay hold of any rope, in order to haul upon it.
Also, to "Clap on the stoppers before the bitts," _i.e._ fasten the
stoppers; or, "Clap on the cat-fall," _i.e._ lay hold of the
cat-fall.--_To clap a stopper over all_, to stop a thing effectually; to
clap on the stopper before the bitts next to the manger or hawse-hole;
to order silence.--_To clap in irons_, to order an offender into the
bilboes.--_To clap on canvas_, to make more sail.

CLAPPER. A name for the valve of a pump-box. Also, a plank or
foot-bridge across a running stream; also, the clapper of a bell.

CLAP-SILL. The lockage of a flood-gate.

CLARTY. In north-country whalers, used for _wet_, _slippery_.

CLASHY. Showery weather.

CLASP-HOOK. An iron clasp, in two parts, moving upon the same pivot, and
overlapping one another. Used for bending chain-sheets to the clues of
sails, jib-halliards, &c. (_See_ SPAR-HOOK.)

CLASS. Order or rank; specially relating to dockyard men.

CLASSIFICATION OF SHIPS. A register made of vessels according to the
report rendered in by special surveyors. (_See_ NAVY and LLOYD'S
REGISTER.)

CLAW, OR CLAW OFF, TO. To beat, or turn to windward from a lee-shore, so
as to be at sufficient distance from it to avoid shipwreck. It is
generally used when getting to windward is difficult.

CLAYMORE. Anciently a two-handed sword of the Highlanders, but latterly
applied to their basket-hilted sword.

CLEACHING NET. A hand-net with a hoop and bar, used by fishermen on the
banks of the Severn.

CLEAN. Free from danger, as clean coast, clean harbour; in general
parlance means quite, entirely. So Shakspeare represents Ægeon

    "Roaming clean through the bounds of Asia."

Also, applied to a ship's hull with a fine run fore and aft.--_Clean
entrance_, clean run.--_To clean a ship's bottom._ (_See_ BREAMING and
HOG.)

CLEAN BILL. (_See_ BILL OF HEALTH.) When all are in health.

CLEAN DONE. Quite. In a seamanlike manner; purpose well effected;
adroitly tricked. (_See_ WEATHERED.)

CLEAN-FISH. On the northern coasts, a salmon perfectly in season.

CLEAN-FULL. Keeping the sail full, bellying, off the wind.

CLEAN OFF THE REEL. When the ship by her rapidity pulls the line off the
log-reel, without its being assisted. Also, upright conduct. Also, any
performance without stop or hindrance, off-hand.

CLEAN SHIP. A whale-ship unfortunate in her trip, having no fish or oil.

CLEAR. Is variously applied, to weather, sea-coasts, cordage,
navigation, &c., as opposed to foggy, to dangerous, to entangled. It is
usually opposed to _foul_ in all these senses.

CLEAR, TO. Has several significations, particularly to escape from, to
unload, to empty, to prepare, &c., as:--_To clear for action._ To
prepare for action.--_To clear away_ for this or that, is to get
obstructions out of the way.--_To clear the decks._ To remove lumber,
put things in their places, and coil down the ropes. Also, to take the
things off a table after a meal.--_To clear goods._ To pay the
custom-house dues and duties.--_To clear the land._ To escape from the
land.--_To clear a lighter, or the hold._ To empty either.

CLEARANCE. The document from the customs, by which a vessel and her
cargo, by entering all particulars at the custom-house, and paying the
dues, is permitted to clear out or sail.

CLEAR FOR GOING ABOUT. Every man to his station, and every rope an-end.

CLEARING LIGHTERS. All vessels pertaining to public departments should
be cleared with the utmost despatch.

CLEAR THE PENDANT. _See_ UP AND CLEAR THE PENDANT.

CLEAR WATER. A term in Polar seas implying no ice to obstruct
navigation, well off the land, having sea-room.

CLEAT A GUN, TO. To nail large cleats under the trucks of the
lower-deckers in bad weather, to insure their not fetching way.

CLEATS, OR CLEETS. Pieces of wood of different shapes used to fasten
ropes upon: some have one and some two arms. They are called belaying
cleat, deck-cleat, and a thumb-cleat. Also, small wedges of wood
fastened on the yards, to keep ropes or the earing of the sail from
slipping off the yard. Mostly made of elm or oak.

CLEAVAGE. The splitting of any body having a structure or line of
cleavage: as fir cleaves longitudinally, slates horizontally, stones
roughly, smoothly, conchoidal, or stratified, &c.

CLEFTS. Wood sawn lengthways into pieces less in thickness than in
breadth. (_See_ PLANK.)

CLENCH, TO. To secure the end of a bolt by burring the point with a
hammer. Also, a mode of securing the end of one rope to another. (_See_
CLINCH.)

CLENCHED BOLTS. Those fastened by means of a ring, or an iron plate,
with a rivetting hammer at the end where they protrude through the wood,
to prevent their drawing.

CLENCH-NAILS. They are much used in boat-building, being such as can be
driven without splitting the boards, and drawn without breaking. (_See_
ROVE and CLENCH.)

CLEP. A north-country name for a small grapnel.

CLERK. Any naval officer doing the duty of a clerk.

CLETT. A northern or Erse word to express a rock broken from a cliff, as
the holm in Orkney and Shetland.

CLEUGH. A precipice, a cliff. Also, a ravine or cleft.

CLEW. Of a hammock or cot. (_See_ CLUE.)

CLICKS. Small pieces of iron falling into a notched wheel attached to
the winches in cutters, &c., and thereby serving the office of pauls.
(_See_ RATCHET, or RATCHET-PAUL, in machinery.) It more peculiarly
belongs to inferior clock-work, hence click.

CLIFF [from the Anglo-Saxon _cleof_]. A precipitous termination of the
land, whatever be the soil. (_See_ CRAG.)

CLIMATE. Formerly meant a zone of the earth parallel to the equator, in
which the days are of a certain length at the summer solstice. The term
has now passed to the physical branch of geography, and means the
general character of the weather.

CLINCH. A particular method of fastening large ropes by a half hitch,
with the end stopped back to its own part by seizings; it is chiefly to
fasten the hawsers suddenly to the rings of the kedges or small anchors;
and the breechings of guns to the ring-bolts in the ship's side. Those
parts of a rope or cable which are clinched. Thus the outer end is
"bent" by the clinch to the ring of the anchor. The inner or tier-clinch
in the good old times was clinched to the main-mast, passing under the
tier beams (where it was unlawfully, as regards the custom of the navy,
clinched). Thus "the cable runs out to the clinch," means, there is no
more to veer.--_To clinch_ is to batter or rivet a bolt's end upon a
ring or piece of plate iron; or to turn back the point of a nail that it
may hold fast. (_See_ CLENCH.)

CLINCH A BUSINESS, TO. To finish it; to settle it beyond further
dispute, as the recruit taking the shilling.

CLINCH-BUILT. Clinker, or overlapping edges.

CLINCHER. An incontrovertible and smart reply; but sometimes the
confirmation of a story by a lie, or by some still more improbable yarn:
synonymous with _capping_.

CLINCHER OR CLINKER BUILT. Made of clincher-work, by the planks lapping
one over the other. The contrary of _carvel-work_. Iron ships after this
fashion are distinguished as being _lap-jointed_.

CLINCHER-NAILS. Those which are of malleable metal, as copper, wrought
iron, &c., which clinch by turning back the points in rough-built fir
boats where roofs and clinching are thus avoided.

CLINCHER-WORK. The disposition of the planks in the side of any boat or
vessel, when the lower edge of every plank overlaps that next below it.
This is sometimes written as pronounced, _clinker-work_.

CLIPHOOK. A hook employed for some of the ends of the running rigging.

CLIPPER. A fast sailer, formerly chiefly applied to the sharp-built
raking schooners of America, and latterly to Australian passenger-ships.
Larger vessels now built after their model are termed clipper-built:
sharp and fast; low in the water; rakish.

CLIVE. An old spelling of _cliff_.

CLOCK-CALM. When not a breath of wind ruffles the water.

CLOCK-STARS. A name for the nautical stars, which, from their positions
having been very exactly ascertained, are used for determining time.

CLOD-HOPPER. A clownish lubberly landsman.

CLOKIE-DOO. A west of Scotland name for the horse-mackerel.

CLOSE-ABOARD. Near or alongside; too close to be safe. "The boat is
close aboard," a caution to the officer in command to receive his
visitor. "The land is close aboard," danger inferred.

CLOSE-BUTT. Where caulking is not used, the butts or joints of the
planks are sometimes rabbeted, and fayed close, whence they are thus
denominated.

CLOSE CONTRACT. One not advertised.

CLOSED PORT. One interdicted.

CLOSE-FIST. One who drives a hard bargain in petty traffic.

CLOSE HARBOUR. That is one gained by labour from the element, formed by
encircling a portion of water with walls and quays, except at the
entrance, or by excavating the land adjacent to the sea or river, and
then letting in the water.

CLOSE-HAULED. The general arrangement or trim of a ship's sails when she
endeavours to progress in the nearest direction possible contrary to the
wind; in this manner of sailing the keel of square-rigged vessels
commonly makes an angle of six points with the line of the wind, but
cutters, luggers, and other fore-and-aft rigged vessels will sail even
nearer. This point of sailing is synonymous with _on a taut bowline_ and
_on a wind_.

CLOSE PACK. The ice floes so jammed together that boring is impossible,
and present efforts useless. (_See_ PACK-ICE.)

CLOSE-PORTS. Those which lie up rivers; a term in contradistinction to
_out-ports_.

CLOSE-QUARTERS, OR CLOSE-FIGHTS. Certain strong bulk-heads or barriers
of wood, formerly stretching across a merchant ship in several places;
they were used for retreat and shelter when a ship was boarded by an
adversary, and were therefore fitted with loop-holes. Powder-chests were
also fixed upon the deck, containing missiles which might be fired from
the close quarters upon the boarders. The old slave-ships were thus
fitted in case of the negroes rising, and flat-headed nails were cast
along the deck to prevent their walking with naked feet. In the navy,
yard-arm and yard-arm, sides touching.

CLOSE-REEFED. The last reefs of the top-sails, or other sails set, being
taken in.

CLOSE-SIGHT. The notch in the base-ring of a cannon, to place the eye in
a line with the top-sight.

CLOSE THE WIND, TO. To haul to it.--_Close upon a tack or bowline_, or
_close by a wind_, is when the wind is on either bow, and the tacks or
bowlines are hauled forwards that they may take the wind to make the
best of their way.--_Close to the wind_, when her head is just so near
the wind as to fill the sails without shaking them.

CLOSE WITH THE LAND, TO. To approach near to it.

CLOSH [from the Danish _klos_]. A sobriquet for east-country seamen.

CLOTHED. A mast is said to be clothed when the sail is so long as to
reach the deck-gratings. Also, well clothed with canvas; sails well cut,
well set, and plenty of them.

CLOTHES-LINES. A complete system of parallel lines, hoisted between the
main and mizen masts twice a week to dry the washed clothes of the
seamen.

CLOTHING. The rigging of the bowsprit.--_Clothing the bowsprit_ is
rigging it. Also, the purser's slops for the men.

CLOTH IN THE WIND. Too near to the wind, and sails shivering. Also,
groggy.

CLOTHS. In a sail, are the breadths of canvas in its whole width. When a
ship has broad sails they say she spreads much cloth.

CLOTTING. A west-country method of catching eels with worsted thread.

CLOUD. A collection of vapours suspended in the atmosphere. Also, under
a cloud of canvas.

CLOUGH. A word derived from the verb _to cleave_, and signifying a
narrow valley between two hills. (_See_ CLEUGH.) Also, in commerce, an
allowance on the turn of the beam in weighing.

CLOUT. From the Teutonic _kotzen_, a blow. Also, a gore of blood.

CLOUT-NAILS [Fr. _clouter_]. To stud with nails, as ships' bottoms and
piles were before the introduction of sheet copper.

CLOUTS. Thin plates of iron nailed on that part of the axle-tree of a
gun-carriage that comes through the nave, and through which the
linch-pin goes.

CLOVE-HITCH. A knot or noose by which one rope is fastened to another.
(_See_ HITCH.) Two half hitches round a spar or rope.

CLOVE-HOOK. Synonymous with _clasp-hook_.

CLOVES. Planks made by cleaving. Certain weights for wool, butter, &c.
Also, long spike-nails [derived from _clou_, Fr.]

CLOW. A kind of sluice in which the aperture is regulated by a board
sliding in a frame and groove.

CLOY, TO. To drive an iron spike by main force into the vent or
touch-hole of a gun, which renders it unserviceable till the spike be
either worked out, or a new vent drilled. (_See_ NAILING and SPIKING.)

CLUBBED. A fashion which obtained in the time of pig-tails of doubling
them up while at sea.

CLUBBING. Drifting down a current with an anchor out.

CLUBBING A FLEET. Man[oe]uvring so as to place the first division on the
windward side.

CLUBBOCK. The spotted blenny or gunnel (_Gunnellus vulgaris_).

CLUB-HAUL, TO. A method of tacking a ship by letting go the lee-anchor
as soon as the wind is out of the sails, which brings her head to wind,
and as soon as she pays off, the cable is cut and the sails trimmed;
this is never had recourse to but in perilous situations, and when it is
expected that the ship would otherwise miss stays. The most gallant
example was performed by Captain Hayes in H.M.S. _Magnificent_, 74, in
Basque Roads, in 1814, when with lower-yards and top-masts struck, he
escaped between two reefs from the enemy at Oleron. He bore the name of
_Magnificent Hayes_ to the day of his death, for the style in which he
executed it.

CLUB-LAW. The rule of violence and strength.

CLUE. Of a square sail, either of the lower corners reaching down to
where the tacks and sheets are made fast to it; and is that part which
comes goring out from the square of the sail.

CLUE-GARNETS. A sort of tackle rove through a garnet block, attached to
the clues of the main and fore sails to haul up and truss them to the
yard; which is termed clueing up those sails as for goose-wings, or for
furling. (_See_ BLOCK.)

CLUE-LINES. Are for the same purpose as clue-garnets, only that the
latter term is solely appropriated to the courses, while the word
clue-line is applied to those ropes on all the other square sails; they
come down from the quarters of the yards to the clues, or lower corners
of the sails, and by which the sails are hauled or clued up for furling.

CLUE OF A HAMMOCK. The combination of small lines by which it is
suspended, being formed of knittles, grommets, and laniards; they are
termed double or single clues, according as there are one or two at each
end. Latterly iron grommets or rings were introduced, but did not afford
the required spread, and in some cases triangular irons, or
span-shackles were substituted, called _Spanish clues_, formed by fixing
the knittles at equal distances upon a piece of rope instead of a
grommet, which having an eye spliced, and a laniard placed at each end,
extends the hammock in the same way as a double clue.--_From clue to
earing._ A phrase implying from the bottom to the top, or synonymous
with "from top to toe." Or literally the diagonal of a square sail.
Also, every portion, as in shifting dress; removing every article. Also,
cleaning a ship from clue to earing; every crevice.--_A clue up._ A case
of despair. In readiness for death.

CLUE-ROPE. In large sails, the eye or loop at the clues is made of a
rope larger than the bolt-rope into which it is spliced.

CLUE UP! The order to clue up the square sails.

CLUMP. A circular plantation of trees.

CLUMP-BLOCKS. Those that are made thicker or stronger than ordinary
blocks. (_See_ BLOCK, TACK-AND-SHEET.)

CLUSTER. _See_ GROUP.

CLUTCH. The oyster spawn adhering to stones, oyster shells, &c.

CLUTCH. Forked stanchions of iron or wood. The same as crutch, clutch,
or clamp block. (_See_ SNATCH-BLOCK.)

CLUTTERY. Weather inclining to stormy.

COACH, OR COUCH. A sort of chamber or apartment in a large ship of war,
just before the great cabin. The floor of it is formed by the aftmost
part of the quarter-deck, and the roof of it by the poop: it is
generally the habitation of the flag-captain.

COACH-HORSES. The crew of the state barge; usually fifteen selected men,
to support the captain in any daring exploits.

COACH-WHIP. The pendant.

COAD. In ship-building, the fayed piece called _bilge-keel_.

COAK. A small perforated triangular bit of brass inserted into the
middle of the shiver (now called _sheave_) of a block, to keep it from
splitting and galling by the pin, whereon it turns. Called also _bush_,
_cock_ or _cogg_, and _dowel_.

COAKING. Uniting pieces of spar by means of tabular projections formed
by cutting away the solid of one piece into a hollow, so as to make a
projection in the other fit in correctly, the butts preventing the
pieces from drawing asunder. Coaks, or dowels, are fitted into the beams
and knees of vessels, to prevent their slipping.

COAL-FISH. The _Gadus carbonarius_. Called _gerrack_ in its first year,
_cuth_ or _queth_ in its second, _sayth_ in its third, _lythe_ in its
fourth, and _colmie_ in its fifth, when it is full grown.

COALING. Taking in a supply of coals for a cruise or voyage.

COALS. To be hauled over the coals, is to be brought to strict account.

COAL-SACKS. An early name of some dark patches of sky in the Milky Way,
nearly void of stars visible to the naked eye. The largest patch is near
the Southern Cross, and called the Black Magellanic Cloud.

COAL-SAY. The coal-fish.

COAL-TAR. Tar extracted from bituminous coal.

COAL-TRIMMER. One employed in a steamer to stow and trim the fuel. This
duty and that of the stoker are generally combined.

COAMING-CARLINGS. Those timbers that inclose the mortar-beds of
bomb-vessels, and which are called carlings, because they are shifted
occasionally. Short beams where a hatchway is cut.

COAMINGS OF THE HATCHES OR GRATINGS. Certain raised work rather higher
than the decks, about the edges of the hatch-openings of a ship, to
prevent the water on deck from running down. Loop-holes were made in the
coamings for firing muskets from below, in order to clear the deck of an
enemy when a ship is boarded. There is a rabbet in their inside upper
edge, to receive the hatches or gratings.

COAST. The sea-shore and the adjoining country; in fact, the sea-front
of the land. (_See_ SHORE.)

COAST-BLOCKADE. A body of men formerly under the jurisdiction of the
Customs, termed Preventive Service, offering a disposable force in
emergency; but which has been turned over to the control of the
Admiralty, and now become the Coast-guard, over which a commodore, as
controller-general, presides. (_See_ FENCIBLES.)

COASTER. _See_ COASTING.

COASTING, OR TO COAST ALONG. The act of making a progress along the
sea-coast of any country, for which purpose it is necessary to observe
the time and direction of the tide, to know the reigning winds, the
roads and havens, the different depths of water, and the qualities of
the ground. As these vessels are not fitted for distant sea voyages,
they are termed coasters.

COASTING PILOT. A pilot who has become sufficiently acquainted with the
nature of any particular coast, to conduct a ship or fleet from one part
of it to another; but only within his limits. He may be superseded by
the first branch-pilot he meets after passing his bounds.

COASTING TRADE. The commerce of one port of the United Kingdom with
another port thereof. A trade confined by law to British ships and
vessels.

COAST-WAITER. Custom-house superintendents of the landing and shipping
of goods coastways.

COAST-WARNING. Synonymous with _storm-signal_; formerly fire-beacons
were used to give warning of the approach of an enemy.

COAT. A piece of tarred canvas nailed round above the partners, or that
part where the mast or bowsprit enters the deck. Its use is to prevent
the water from running down between decks. There is sometimes a coat for
the rudder, nailed round the hole where the rudder traverses in the
ship's counter. It also implies the stuff with which the ship's sides or
masts are varnished, to defend them from the sun and weather, as
turpentine, pitch, varnish, or paint; in this sense we say, "Give her a
coat of tar or paint." By neglecting the scraper this may become a crust
of coatings.

COAT OF MAIL. The chiton shell.

COAT-TACKS. The peculiar nails with which the mast coats are fastened.

COB. A young herring. Also, a sea-gull. Also, a sort of short
break-water--so called in our early statutes: such was that which forms
the harbour of Lyme Regis, originally composed of piles and timber,
lined with heaps of rock; but now constructed of stone compacted with
cement.

COBB. A Gibraltar term for a Spanish dollar.

COBBING. An old punishment sometimes inflicted at sea for breach of
certain regulations--chiefly for those quitting their station during the
night. The offender was struck a certain number of times on the breech
with a flat piece of wood called the _cobbing-board_. Also, when _watch_
was cried, all persons were expected to take off their hats on pain of
being cobbed.

COBBLE, TO. To mend or repair hastily. Also, the _coggle_ or _cog_
(which see).--_Cobble or coggle stones_, pebbly shingle, ballast-stones
rounded by attrition, boulders, &c.

COBBLER. An armourer's rasp.

COBBO. The small fish known as the miller's thumb.

COBLE. A low flat-floored boat with a square stern, used in the cod and
turbot fishery, 20 feet long and 5 feet broad; of about one ton burden,
rowed with three pairs of oars, and furnished with a lug-sail; it is
admirably constructed for encountering a heavy swell. Its stability is
secured by the rudder extending 4 or 5 feet under her bottom. It
belonged originally to the stormy coast of Yorkshire. There is also a
small boat under the same name used by salmon fishers.

COBOOSE. _See_ CABOOSE.

COCK. That curved arm affixed to the lock of small arms, which, when
released by the touch of the trigger, flies forward and discharges the
piece by percussion, whether of flint and steel, fulminating priming,
needles abutting on the latter, &c.

COCKADE. First worn by St. Louis on his unfortunate crusade.

COCK-A-HOOP. In full confidence, and high spirits.

COCKANDY. A name on our northern shores for the puffin, otherwise called
_Tom Noddy_ (_Fratercula arctica_).

COCK-BILL. The situation of the anchor when suspended from the cat-head
ready for letting go. Also said of a cable when it hangs right up and
down. To put the yards a-cockbill is to top them up by one lift to an
angle with the deck. The symbol of mourning.

COCK-BOAT. A very small boat used on rivers or near the shore. Formerly
the cock was the general name of a yawl: it is derived from _coggle_ or
_cog_ (which see).

COCKETS, OR COQUETS. An official custom-house warrant descriptive of
certain goods which the searcher is to allow to pass and be shipped.
Also, a galley term for counterfeit ship-papers.--_Cocket bread._ Hard
sea-biscuit.

COCK-PADDLE. A name of the paddle or lump-fish (_Cyclopterus lumpus_).

COCKLE. A common bivalve mollusc (_Cardium edule_), often used as food.

COCKLING SEA. Tumbling waves dashing against each other with a short and
quick motion.

COCKPIT. The place where the wounded men are attended to, situated near
the after hatchway, and under the lower gun-deck. The midshipmen alone
inhabited the cockpit in former times, but in later days commission and
warrant officers, civilians, &c., have their cabins there.--_Fore
cockpit._ A place leading to the magazine passage, and the boatswain's,
gunner's, and carpenter's store-rooms; in large ships, and during war
time, the boatswain and carpenter generally had their cabins in the fore
cockpit, instead of being under the forecastle.

COCKPITARIAN. A midshipman or master's mate; so called from messing in
the cockpit of a line-of-battle ship.

COCKSETUS. An old law-term for a boatman or coxswain.

COCKSWAIN, OR COXSWAIN. The person who steers a boat; after the officer
in command he has charge of the crew, and all things belonging to it. He
must be ready with his crew to man the boat on all occasions.

COCOA, OR CHOCOLATE NUTS, commonly so termed. (_See_ CACAO.) It is the
breakfast food of the navy.

COCOA-NUT TREE. The _Palma cocos_ yields _toddy_; the nut, a valuable
oil and milky juice; the stem, bark, branches, &c., also serve numerous
purposes. (_See_ PALMETTO.)

COD. The centre of a deep bay. The bay of a trawl or seine. Also, the
_Gadus morrhua_, one of the most important of oceanic fishes. The cod is
always found on the submerged hills known as banks; as the Dogger Bank,
and banks of Newfoundland. (_See_ LING.)

COD-BAIT. The large sea-worm or lug, dug from the wet sands. The squid
or cuttle, herrings, caplin, any meat, or even a false fish of bright
tin or pewter. (_See_ JIG.)

CODDY-MODDY. A gull in its first year's plumage.

CODE OF SIGNALS. Series of flags, &c., for communicating at sea.

COD-FISHER'S CREW. The crew of a banker, or fishing-vessel, which
anchors in 60 or 70 fathoms on the Great Bank of Newfoundland, and
remains fishing until full, or driven off by stress of weather. Season
from June until October. (_See_ FISHERIES.)

CODGER. An easy-going man of regularity. Also, a knowing and eccentric
hanger-on; one who will not move faster than he pleases.

COD-LINE. An eighteen-thread line.

COD-SOUNDS. The swim-bladders of the cod-fish, cured and packed for the
market; the palates also of the fish are included as "tongues and
sounds."

COEHORN. A brass mortar, named after the Dutch engineer who invented it.
It is the smallest piece of ordnance in the service, having a bore of
4-1/2 inches diameter, a length of 1 foot, and a weight of 3/4 cwt. They
throw their 12-pounder shells with much precision to moderate distances,
and being fixed to wooden beds, are very handy for ships' gangways,
launches, &c., afloat, and for advanced trenches, the attack of
stockades, &c., ashore.

COFFER, OR COFFRE. A depth sunk in the bottom of a dry ditch, to baffle
besiegers when they attempt to cross it.

COFFER-DAM. A coffer-dam consists of two rows of piles, each row boarded
strongly inside, and being filled with clay within well rammed, thereby
resists outward pressure, and is impenetrable by the surrounding water.
(_See_ CAISSON.)

COGGE. An Anglo-Saxon word for a cock-boat or light yawl, being thus
mentioned in _Morte Arthure_--

    "Then he covers his cogge, and caches one ankere."

But coggo, as enumerated in an ordinance of parliament (_temp._ Rich.
II.), seems to have been a vessel of burden used to carry troops.

COGGE-WARE. Goods carried in a cogge.

COGGLE, OR COG. A small fishing-boat upon the coasts of Yorkshire, and
in the rivers Ouse and Humber. Hence the _cogmen_, who after shipwreck
or losses by sea, wandered about to defraud people by begging and
stealing, until they were restrained by proper laws.

COGGS. The same with _coaks_ or _dowels_ (which see).

COGS OF A WHEEL; applies to all wheel machinery now used at sea or on
shore: thus _windlass-cogs_, _capstan-cogs_, &c.

COGUING THE NOSE. Making comfortable over hot negus or grog.

COIGN. _See_ QUOIN.

COIL. A certain quantity of rope laid up in ring fashion. The manner in
which all ropes are disposed of on board ship for convenience of
stowage. They are laid up round, one fake over another, or by concentric
turns, termed _Flemish coil_, forming but one tier, and lying flat on
the deck, the end being in the middle of it, as a snake or worm coils
itself.

COILING. A sort of serpentine winding of a cable or other rope, that it
may occupy a small space in the ship. Each of the windings of this sort
is called a _fake_, and one range of _fakes_ upon the same line is
called a _tier_. There are generally from five to seven fakes in a tier,
and three or four tiers in the whole length of the cable. The smaller
ropes employed about the sails are coiled upon cleats at sea, to prevent
their being entangled.

COIR. Cordage made from the fibrous husks of the cocoa-nut; though
cables made of it are disagreeable to handle and coil away, they have
the advantage of floating in water, so that vessels ride easily by them;
they are still used by the Calcutta pilot-brigs. True coir is from the
_Borassus gomutus_, the long fibrous black cloth-like covering of the
stem. It is from this that the black cables in the East are made; the
cocoa-nut fibre being of a reddish hue. It is used for strong brushes,
being cylindrical and smooth, with a natural gloss.

COKERS. The old name for cocoa-nut trees.

CO-LATITUDE. The abbreviation for complement of latitude, or what it is
short of 90°.

COLD-CHISEL. A stout chisel made of steel, used for cutting iron when it
is cold.

COLD-EEL. The _Gymnotus electricus_.

COLE [from the German _kohl_]. Colewort or sea-kale; a plant in its wild
state peculiar to the sea-coast.

COLE-GOOSE. A name for the cormorant (_Phalacrocorax carbo_).

COLLAR. An eye in the end or bight of a shroud or stay, to go over the
mast-head. The upper part of a stay. Also, a rope formed into a wreath,
with a heart or dead-eye seized in the bight, to which the stay is
confined at the lower part. Also, the neck of a bolt.

COLLAR-BEAM. The beam upon which the stanchions of the beak-head
bulk-head stand.

COLLECTOR OF CUSTOMS. An officer who takes the general superintendence
of the customs at any port.

COLLIERS. Vessels employed exclusively to carry coals from the northern
ports of England. This trade has immemorially been an excellent nursery
for seamen. But Shakspeare, in _Twelfth Night_, makes Sir Toby exclaim,
"Hang him, foul collier!" The evil genius has lately introduced steam
screw-vessels into this invaluable school.

COLLIMATION, LINE OF. The optical axis of a telescope, or an imaginary
line passing through the centre of the tube.

COLLISION. The case of one ship running foul of another; the injuries
arising from which, where no blame is imputable to the master of either,
is generally borne by the owners of both in equal parts. (_See_
ALLISION.)

COLLISION-CLAUSE. _See_ RUNNING-DOWN CLAUSE.

COLLOP. A cut from a joint of meat. "Scotch collops."

COLMIE. A fifth-year or full-grown coal-fish; sometimes called _comb_.

COLMOW. An old word for the sea-mew, derived from the Anglo-Saxon.

COLONEL. The commander of a regiment, either of horse or foot.

COLONNATI. The Spanish pillared dollar.

COLOURABLE. Ships' papers so drawn up as to be available for more
purposes than one. In admiralty law, a probable plea.

COLOUR-CHESTS. Chests appropriated to the reception of flags for making
signals.

COLOURS. The flags or banners which distinguish the ships of different
nations. Also, the regimental flags of the army. Hauling down colours in
token of submission, and the use of signals, are mentioned by Plutarch
in _Themistocles_.

COLOUR-SERGEANT. The senior sergeant of a company of infantry; he acts
as a kind of sergeant-major, and generally as pay-sergeant also to the
company. From amongst these trustworthy men, the sergeants for
attendance on the colours in the field were originally detailed.

COLT. A short piece of rope with a large knot at one end, kept in the
pocket for starting skulkers.

COLUMBIAD. A name given in the United States to a peculiar pattern of
gun in their service, principally adapted to the firing of heavy shells:
its external form does not appear to have been the result of much
science, and it is now generally superseded by the Dahlgren pattern.

COLUMN. A body of troops in deep files and narrow front, so disposed as
to move in regular succession.

COLURES. Great circles passing through the equinoctial and solstitial
points, and the poles of the earth.

COMB. A small piece of timber under the lower part of the beak-head, for
the fore-tack to be hauled to, in some vessels, instead of a bumkin: it
has the same use in bringing the fore-tack on board that the chess-tree
has to the main-tack. Also, the notched scale of a wire-micrometer.
Also, that projecting piece on the top of the cock of a gun-lock, which
affords the thumb a convenient hold for drawing it back.

COMBATANTS. Men, or bodies of troops, engaged in battle with each other.

COMBE. _See_ COOMB and CWM.

COMBERS. Heavy surges breaking on a beach.

COMBERS, GRASS. Men who volunteer from the plough-tail, and often prove
valuable seamen.

COMBING THE CAT. The boatswain, or other operator, running his fingers
through the cat o' nine tails, to separate them.

COMBINGS. _See_ COAMINGS.

COMBING SEA. A rolling and crested wave.

COMBUSTION. Burning, &c. (_See_ SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION.)

COME NO NEAR! The order to the helmsman to steer the ship on the course
indicated, and not closer to the wind, while going "full and by."--_Come
on board, sir._ An officer reporting himself to his superior on
returning from duty or leave.--_Come to._ To bring the ship close to the
wind.--_Come to an anchor._ To let go the anchor.--_Come up!_ with a
rope or tackle, is to slack it off.--_Comes up_, with the helm. A
close-hauled ship comes up (to her course) as the wind changes in her
favour. To _come up with_ or overhaul a vessel chased.--_Come up the
capstan._ Is to turn it the contrary way to that which it was heaving,
so as to take the strain off, or slacken or let out some of the cablet
or rope which is about it.--_Come up the tackle-fall._ Is to let
go.--_To come up_, in ship-building, is to cast loose the forelocks or
lashings of a sett, in order to take in closer to the plank.

COMING-HOME. Said of the anchor when it has been dropped on bad holding
ground, or is dislodged from its bed by the violence of the wind and
sea, and is dragged along by the vessel, or is tripped by insufficient
length of cable.--_Coming round on her heel._ Turning in the same
spot.--_Coming the old soldier._ Petty man[oe]uvring.--_Coming-up
glass._ (_See_ DOUBLE-IMAGE MICROMETER.)

COMITY. A certain _comitas gentium_, or judgment of tribunals, having
competent jurisdiction in any one state, are regarded in the courts of
all other civilized powers as conclusive. Especially binding in all
prize matters, however manifestly unjust may be the decision. (_See_
JUDGMENT.)

COMMAND. The words of command are the terms used by officers in exercise
or upon service. All commands belong to the senior officer. Also, in
fortification, the height of the top of the parapet of a work above the
level of the country, or above that of another work. Generally, one
position is said to be commanded by another when it can be seen into
from the latter.

COMMANDANT. The officer in command of a squadron, ship, garrison, fort,
or regiment.

COMMANDER. An officer in the royal navy, commanding a ship of war of
under twenty guns, a sloop of war, armed ship, or bomb-vessel. He was
entitled master and commander, and ranked with a major of the army: now
simply termed commander, and ranking with lieutenant-colonel, but junior
of that rank. The act of the commander is binding upon the interests of
all under him, and he is alone responsible for costs and damages: he may
act erroneously, and abandon what might have turned out good prize to
himself and crew.--_Commander_ is also the name of a large wooden mallet
used specially in the sail and rigging lofts, as anything of metal would
injure the ropes or canvas.

COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF. The senior officer in any port or station appointed
to hold command over all other vessels within the limits assigned to
him. Thus the commodore on the coast of Africa is, _de facto_,
commander-in-chief, free from the interference of any other authority
afloat.

COMMAND-OF-MIND MEN. Steady officers, who command coolly.

COMMEATUS, OR PROVISIONS, going to the enemy's ports, subject only to
_pre_-emption, a right of purchase upon reasonable terms, but previously
liable to confiscation (Robinson). _Commeatus_, in admiralty law, is a
general term, signifying drink as well as eatables.

COMMERCE. Was not much practised by the Romans. The principal objects of
their water-carriage were the supply of corn, still termed _annona_, and
the tribute and spoils of conquered countries.

COMMERCIAL CODE OF SIGNALS. As Marryat's and others.

COMMISSARIAT. The department of supplies to the army.

COMMISSARY. The principal officer in charge of the commissariat.

COMMISSION. The authority by which an officer officiates in his post.
Also, an allowance paid to agents or factors for transacting the
business of others.

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. Those appointed by commissions. Such are
admirals, down to lieutenants, in the royal navy; and in the army, all
from the general to the ensign inclusive.

COMMISSIONERS, LORDS, OF THE ADMIRALTY. In general the crown appoints
five or seven commissioners for executing the office of lord
high-admiral, &c.; for this important and high office has seldom been
intrusted to any single person. The admiralty jurisdiction extends to
all offences mentioned in the articles of war, or new naval code, as
regards places beyond the powers of the law courts, or outside the
bounds of a county. But all criminal acts committed within the limits of
a county, or within a line drawn from one headland to the next, are
specially liable to be tried by the common law courts. The high court of
admiralty civil court takes cognizance of salvage, prize-derelict,
collision, &c., at sea beyond the county limits, even as relates to
ships of war if in fault.

COMMISSIONERS OF CUSTOMS. The board of management of the customs
department of the public revenue.

COMMISSIONERS OF THE NAVY. Certain officers formerly appointed to
superintend the affairs of the navy, under the direction of the
lords-commissioners of the Admiralty. Their duty was more immediately
concerned in the building, docking, and repairing of ships in the
dockyards; they had also the appointment of some of the officers, as
surgeons, masters, &c., and the transport, victualling, and medical
departments were controlled by that board. It was abolished in 1831.

COMMIT ONE'S SELF, TO. To break through regulations. To incur
responsibility without regard to results.

COMMODORE. A senior officer in command of a detached squadron. A captain
finding five or six ships assembled, was formerly permitted to hoist his
pennant, and command as commodore; and a necessity arising for holding a
court-martial, he ordered the said court to assemble. Again, where an
admiral dies in command, the senior captain hoists a first-class broad
pennant, and appoints a captain, secretary, and flag-lieutenant, fulfils
the duties of a rear-admiral, and wears the uniform. Commodores of the
second class have no captain or pennant-lieutenant. A commodore rates
with brigadier-generals, according to dates of commission (being of full
colonel's rank). He is next in command to a rear-admiral, but cannot
hoist his broad pennant in the presence of an admiral, or superior
captain, without permission. The broad pennant is a swallow-tailed
tapered burgee. The second-class commodore is to hoist his broad
pennant, white at the fore. It is a title given by courtesy to the
senior captain, where three or more ships of war are cruising in
company. It was also imported into the East India Company's vessels, the
senior being so termed, _inter se_. It moreover denotes the convoy ship,
which carries a light in her top. The epithet is corrupted from the
Spanish _comendador_.

COMMUNICATION. Corresponding by letter, hail, or signal. (_See_ LINE OF
COMMUNICATION and BOYAUX.)

COMMUTE, TO. To lighten the sentence of a court-martial, on a
recommendation of the court to the commander-in-chief.

COMPANION. The framing and sash-lights upon the quarter-deck or
round-house, through which light passes to the cabins and decks below;
and a sort of wooden hood placed over the entrance or staircase of the
master's cabin in small ships. Flush-decked vessels are generally fitted
with movable companions, to keep the rain or water from descending,
which are unshipped when the capstan is required.

COMPANION-LADDER. Denotes the ladder by which the officers ascend to,
and descend from, the quarter-deck.

COMPANION-WAY. The staircase, porch, or berthing of the ladder-way to
the cabin.

COMPANY. The whole crew of any ship, including her officers, men, and
boys. In the army, a small body of foot, or subdivision of a regiment,
commanded by a captain.

COMPARATIVE RANK. _See_ RANK.

COMPARISON WATCH. The job-watch for taking an observation, compared
before and after with the chronometer.

COMPARTMENT BULK-HEADS. Some of the iron ships have adopted the
admirable Chinese plan of dividing the hold athwart-ship by strong
water-tight bulk-heads, into compartments, so that a leak in any one of
them does not communicate with the others--thus strengthening a vessel,
besides adding to its security. Compartment bulk-heads were first
directed to be fitted under the superintendence of Commander Belcher in
H.M. ships _Erebus_ and _Terror_ at Chatham, for Arctic service in 1835.
H.M.S. _Terror_, Commander Back, was saved entirely owing to this
fitment, the after section being full of water all the passage home; and
lately the mail packet _Samphire_ was similarly saved.

COMPASANT. A corruption of _corpo santo_, a ball of electric light
observed flickering about the masts, yard-arms, and rigging, during
heavy rain, thunder, and lightning.

COMPASS. An instrument employed by navigators to guide the ship's course
at sea. It consists of a circular box, containing a fly or paper card,
which represents the horizon, and is suspended by two concentric rings
called gimbals. The fly is divided into thirty-two equal parts, by lines
drawn from the centre to the circumference, called points or rhumbs; the
interval between the points is subdivided into 360 degrees--consequently,
the distance or angle comprehended between any two rhumbs is equal to 11
degrees and 15 minutes. The four cardinal points lie opposite to each
other; the north and south points form top and bottom, leaving the east
on the right hand, and the west on the left; the names of all the
inferior points are compounded of these according to their situation.
This card is attached to a magnetic needle, which, carrying the card
round with it, points north, excepting for the local annual variation
and the deviation caused by the iron in the ship; the angle which the
course makes with that meridian is shown by the lubber's point, a dark
line inside the box. (_See_ ADJUSTMENT OF THE COMPASS.)

COMPASS, TO. To curve; also to obtain one's object.

COMPASSING. (_See_ COMPASS-TIMBERS.)

COMPASSIONATE ALLOWANCES. Grants are made on the compassionate fund to
the legitimate children of deceased officers, on its being shown to the
Admiralty that they deserve them.

COMPASS-SAW. A narrow saw, which, inserted in a hole bored by a
centre-bit, follows out required curves.

COMPASS-TIMBERS. Such as are curved, crooked, or arched, for
ship-building.

COMPENSATION. If a detained vessel is lost by the negligence and
misconduct of the prize-master, compensation must be rendered, and the
actual captors are responsible. The principal being answerable in law
for the agent's acts.

COMPENSATOR OF THE COMPASS. _See_ MAGNETIC COMPENSATOR.

COMPLAIN, TO. The creaking of masts, or timbers, when over-pressed,
without any apparent external defect. One man threatening to complain of
another, is saying that he will report misconduct to the officer in
charge of the quarter-deck.

COMPLEMENT. The proper number of men employed in any ship, either for
navigation or battle. In navigation the complement of the course is what
it wants of eight points; of latitude, what it is short of 90°. (_See_
CO-LATITUDE.)

COMPLEMENT OF LONGITUDE. _See_ SUPPLEMENT OF LONGITUDE.

COMPLETE BOOK. A book which contains the names and particulars of every
person borne for wages on board, as age, place of birth, rating, times
of entry and discharge, &c.

COMPLIMENT, TO. To render naval or military honour where due.

COMPO. The monthly portion of wages paid to the ship's company.

COMPOSITION NAILS. Those which are made of mixed metal, and which, being
largely used for nailing on copper sheathing, are erroneously called
_copper nails_.

COMPOUND. A term used in India for a lawn garden, or inclosed ground
round a house.

COMPRADOR [Sp]. A Chinese contractor in shipping concerns, or in
purchasing present supplies.

COMPRESS. A pad of soft linen used by the surgeon for the dressing of a
wound.

COMPRESSION OF THE POLES. The amount of flattening at the polar regions
of a planet, by which the polar diameter is less than the equatorial.

COMPRESSOR. A mechanism generally adopted afloat for facilitating the
working of the large guns recently introduced; the gun-carriage is thus
compressed to its slide or platform during the recoil, and set free
again by the turn of a handle for running up. It is of various forms;
one of the simpler kind used to be always applied to carronade slides.

COMPRESSOR-STOPPER. A contrivance for holding the chain-cable by
compression.

COMPROMISE. The mutual agreement of a party or parties at difference, to
refer to arbitration, or make an end of the matter.

COMPTROLLER OF THE CUSTOMS. The officer who controls and has a check on
the collectors of customs. (_See_ CONTROLLER.)

COMPTROLLER OF THE NAVY. Formerly the chief commissioner of the navy
board, at which he presided.

COMRADE. A barrack term for a fellow-soldier, serving in the same
company.

CONCEALMENT, OR SUPPRESSIO VERI. Consists in the suppression of any fact
or circumstance as to the state of the ship, the nature of her employ,
and the time of sailing or expected arrival, material to the risk of
insurance, and is fatal to the insured. But it is held immaterial to
disclose the secret destination of privateers, the usages of trade, or
matters equally open to both parties.

CONCENTRATED FIRE. The bringing the whole or several guns to bear on a
single point.

CONCH. A large univalve, used as a horn by pilots, fishermen, &c., in
fogs: a _strombus_, _triton_, or sometimes a _murex_.

CONCHS. A name for the wreckers of the Bahama reefs, in allusion to the
shells on those shores. Though plunder is their object, the _Conchs_ are
very serviceable to humanity, and evince both courage and address in
saving the lives of the wrecked.

CONCLUDING-LINE. A small rope hitched to the middle of the steps of the
stern-ladders. Also, a small line leading through the centre of the
steps of a Jacob's ladder.

CONDEMNATION. A captured ship declared by sentence of the admiralty
court to be lawful prize. But the transfer of a prize vessel carried
into a neutral port, and sold without a condemnation, or the authority
of any judicial proceedings, is null and void.

CONDEMNED. Unserviceable, as bad provisions, old stores, &c.

CONDENSER. The chamber of a marine engine, where the steam, after having
performed its duty, is instantly reduced to water. Sailing ships
frequently carry condensers, for the purpose of making fresh from salt
water.

CONDER. A watcher of fishes, the same as balker, huer, and olpis. See
statute (1 Jac. cap. 23) relating to his employment, which was to give
notice to the fishermen from an eminence which way the herring shoals
were going.

CONDITIONS. The terms of surrender.

CONDUCT-LIST. A roll to accompany the tickets of all persons sent to a
hospital for medical treatment; it details their names, numbers on the
ship's books, the date of their being sent, and the nature of their
ailment.

CONDUCT-MONEY. A sum advanced to defray the travelling expenses of
volunteers, and of soldiers and sailors to their quarters and ships.
(_See_ SAFE-CONDUCT.)

CONDUCTOR. A thick metal wire, generally of copper, extending from above
the main truck downwards into the water, or in the form of a chain with
long links. Its use is to defend the ship from the effects of lightning,
by conveying the electric fluid into the sea.

CONE. A solid figure having a circle for its base, and produced by the
entire revolution of a right-angled triangle about its perpendicular
side, which is termed the axis of the cone.

CONE-BUOY. _See_ CAN-BUOYS.

CONEY-FISH. A name of the burbot.

CONFIGURATION. The relative positions of celestial bodies, as for
instance those of Jupiter's satellites, with respect to the primary at
any one time.

CONFINEMENT. Inflicted restraint; an arrest.

CONFIRMED RANK. When an officer is placed in a vacancy by "acting
order," he only holds temporary rank until "confirmed" therein by the
Admiralty. An acting order given by competent authority is not disturbed
by any casual superior.

CONFLICT. An indecisive action.

CONFLUENTS. Those streams which join and flow together. The confluence
is the point of junction of an affluent river with its recipient.

CONGER. A large species of sea-eel, furnishing a somewhat vile viand,
but eatable when strongly curried. Not at all despised by the people of
Cornwall in "fishy pie."

CONGREVE-ROCKET. A very powerful form of rocket, invented by the late
Sir William Congreve, R.A., and intended to do the work of artillery
without the inconvenience of its weight. In its present form, however,
the rocket is so uncertain, that it is in little favour save for
exceptional occasions.

CONICAL TOPS OF MOUNTAINS not unfrequently indicate their nature: the
truncated sugar-loaf form is generally assumed by volcanoes, though the
same is occasionally met with in other mountains.

CONIC SECTIONS. The curved lines and plane figures which are produced by
the intersection of a plane with a cone.

CONJEE. Gruel made of rice.

CONJUGATE AXIS. The secondary diameter of an ellipse, perpendicular to
the transverse axis.

CONJUNCTION, in nautical astronomy, is when two bodies have the same
longitude or right ascension.

CONN, CON, OR CUN, as pronounced by seamen. This word is derived from
the Anglo-Saxon _conne_, _connan_, to know, or be skilful. The pilot of
old was skillful, and later the master was selected to conn the ship in
action, that is, direct the helmsman. The quarter-master during ordinary
watches conns the ship, and stands beside the wheel at the conn, unless
close-hauled, when his station is at the weather-side, where he can see
the weather-leeches of the sails.

CONNECTING-ROD. In the marine engine, the part which connects the
side-levers and the crank together.

CONNINGS. Reckonings.

CONQUER, TO. To overcome decidedly.

CONSCRIPTION. Not only furnishes conscripts for the French army, but
also levies a number of men who are compelled to serve afloat.

CONSECRATION OF COLOURS. A rite practised in the army, but not in the
navy.

CONSIGN, TO. To send a consignment of goods to an agent or factor for
sale or disposal.

CONSIGNEE. The party to whose care a ship or a consignment of goods is
intrusted.

CONSIGNMENT. Goods assigned from beyond sea, or elsewhere, to a factor.

CONSOLE-BRACKET. A light piece of ornament at the fore-part of the
quarter-gallery, otherwise called a _canting-livre_.

CONSORT. Any vessel keeping company with another.--_In consort_, ships
sailing together in partnership.

CONSORTSHIP. The practice of two or more ships agreeing to join in
adventure, under which a strict division of all prizes must be made.
(_See_ TON FOR TON.)

CONSTRUCTION. In naval architecture, is to give the ship such a form as
may be most suitable for the service for which she is designed. In
navigation, it is the method of ascertaining a ship's course by
trigonometrical diagrams. (_See_ INSPECTION.)

CONSTRUCTIVE TOTAL LOSS. When the repair of damage sustained by the
perils of the sea would cost more than the ship would be worth after
being repaired.

CONSUL. An officer established by a commission from the crown, in all
foreign countries of any considerable trade, to facilitate business, and
represent the merchants of his nation. They take rank with captains, but
are to wait on them if a boat be sent. Commanders wait on consuls, but
vice-consuls wait on commanders (_in Etiquette_). Ministers and _chargés
d'affaires_ retire in case of hostilities, but consuls are permitted to
remain to watch the interests of their countrymen. When commerce began
to flourish in modern Europe, occasion soon arose for the institution
of a kind of court-merchant, to determine commercial affairs in a
summary way. Their authority depends very much on their commission, and
on the words of the treaty on which it is founded. The consuls are to
take care of the affairs of the trade, and of the rights, interests, and
privileges of their countrymen in foreign ports. Not being public
ministers, they are liable to the _lex loci_ both civil and criminal,
and their exemption from certain taxes depends upon treaty and custom.

CONTACT. Brought in contact with, as touching the sides of a ship. In
astronomy, bringing a reflected body, as the sun, in contact with the
moon or with a star. (_See_ LUNAR DISTANCES, SEXTANT, &c.)

CONTENTS. A document which the master of a merchantman must deliver to
the custom-house searcher, before he can clear outwards; it describes
the vessel's destination, cargo, and all necessary particulars.

CONTINENT. In geography, a large extent of land which is not entirely
surrounded by water, or separated from other lands by the sea, as
Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is also used in contradistinction to
_island_, though America seems insulated.

CONTINGENT. The quota of armed men, or pecuniary subsidy, which one
state gives to another. Also, certain allowances made to commanding
officers to defray necessary expenses.

CONTINUED LINES. In field-works, means a succession of fronts without
any interruption, save the necessary passages; differing thus from
_interrupted lines_.

CONTINUOUS SERVICE MEN. Those seamen who, having entered for a period,
on being paid off, are permitted to have leave, and return to the
flag-ship at the port for general service.

CONT-LINE. The space between the bilges of two casks stowed side by
side.

CONTOUR. The sweep of a ship's shape.

CONTRABAND. The ship is involved in the legal fate of the cargo; the
master should therefore be careful not to take any goods on board
without all custom-house duties being paid up, and see that they be not
prohibited by parliament or public proclamation. Contraband is simply
defined, "merchandise forbidden by the law of nations to be supplied to
an enemy;" but it affords fat dodges to the admiralty court sharks.

CONTRABAND OF WAR. Arms, ammunition, and all stores which may aid
hostilities; masts, ship-timber going to an enemy's port, hemp,
provisions, and even money under stipulations, pitch and tar,
sail-cloth. They must, however, be taken _in delicto_, in the actual
prosecution of a voyage to the enemy's port.

CONTRACT OF AFFREIGHTMENT. The agreement for the letting to freight the
whole or any part of a vessel for one or more voyages; the
_charter-party_.

CONTRACT TICKET. A printed form of agreement with every passenger in a
passenger-ship, prescribed by the legislature.

CONTRARY. The wind when opposed to a vessel's course.

    "Cruel was the stately ship that bore her love from Mary,
    And cruel was the fair wind that wouldn't blow contrary."

CONTRAVALLATION, LINES OF. Continuous lines of intrenchment round the
besieged fortress, and fronting towards it, to guard against any sorties
from the place. (_See_ CIRCUMVALLATION.)

CONTRIBUTION. Money paid in order to save a place from being plundered
by a hostile force. (_See_ RANSOM.) Also, a sum raised among merchants,
where goods have been thrown overboard in stress of weather, towards the
loss of the owners thereof.

CONTROLLER. Differs from _comptroller_, which applies chiefly to the
duties of an _accompt_. But the controller of the navy controls naval
matters in ship-building, fitting, &c. There is also the controller of
victualling, and the controller-general of the coast-guard.

CONTUMACY. The not appearing to the three calls of the admiralty court,
after the allegation has been presented to the judge, with a schedule of
expenses to be taxed, and an oath of their necessity.

CONVALESCENT. Those men who are recovering health, but not sufficiently
recovered to perform their duties, are reported by the surgeon
"convalescent." Convalescents are _amused_ by picking oakum!

CONVENIENT PORT. A general law-term in cases of capture, within a
certain latitude of discretion; a place where a vessel can lie in
safety, and holding ready communication with the tribunals which have to
decide the question of capture.

CONVENTION. An agreement made between hostile troops, for the evacuation
of a post, or the suspension of hostilities.

CONVERGENT. In geography, a stream which comes into another stream, but
whose course is unknown, is simply a convergent.

CONVERSION. Reducing a vessel by a deck, thereby converting a
line-of-battle ship into a frigate, or a crank three-decker into a good
two-decker; or a serviceable vessel into a hulk, resembling a prison or
dungeon, internally and externally, as much as possible.

CONVERSION OF STORES. Adapting the sails, ropes, or timbers from one
purpose to another, with the least possible waste.

CONVEXITY. The curved limb of the moon; an outward curve.

CONVICT-SHIP. A vessel appropriated to the convicts of a dockyard; also
one hired to carry out convicts to their destination.

CONVOY. A fleet of merchant ships similarly bound, protected by an armed
force. Also, the ship or ships appointed to conduct and defend them on
their passage. Also, a guard of troops to escort a supply of stores to a
detached force.

CONVOY-INSTRUCTIONS. The printed regulations supplied by the senior
officer to each ship of the convoy.

CONVOY-LIST. A return of the merchantmen placed under the protection of
men-of-war, for safe conduct to their destination.

COOK. A man of each mess who is caterer for the day, and answerable
too, wherefore he is allowed the surplus grog, termed _plush_ (which
see). The cook, _par excellence_, in the navy, was a man of importance,
responsible for the proper cooking of the food, yet not overboiling the
meat to extract the fat--his perquisite. The coppers were closely
inspected daily by the captain, and if they soiled a cambric
handkerchief the cook's allowance was stopped. Now, the ship's cook is a
first-class petty officer, and cannot be punished as heretofore. In a
merchantman the cook is, _ex officio_, the hero of the fore-sheet, as
the steward is of the main one.

COOKING A DAY'S WORK. To save the officer in charge. Reckoning too is
cooked, as in a certain Antarctic discovery of land, which James Ross
afterwards sailed over.

COOK-ROOM, OR COOK-HOUSE. The galley or caboose containing the cooking
apparatus, and where victuals are dressed.

COOLIE, COULEY, KOULI, OR CHULIAH. A person who carries a load; a porter
or day-labourer in India and China.

COOMB. The Anglo-Saxon _comb_; a low place inclosed with hills; a
valley. (_See_ CWM.)

COOMINGS, OR COMBINGS. The rim of the hatchways. (_See_ COAMINGS.)

COOM OF A WAVE. The comb or crest. The white summit when it breaks.

COON-TRAIE. A Manx and Erse term for the neap-tide.

COOP, OR FISH-COOP. A hollow vessel made with twigs, with which fish are
taken in the Humber. (_See_ HEN-COOP.)

COOPER. A rating for a first-class petty officer, who repairs casks, &c.

COOT. A water-fowl common on lakes and rivers (_Fulica atra_). The toes
are long and not webbed, but bordered by a scalloped membrane. The name
is sometimes used for the guillemot (_Uria troile_), and often applied
to a stupid person.

COOTH. _See_ CUTH.

COP, OR COPT. The top of a conical hill.

COPE. An old English word for cape.

COPECK. _See_ KOPEK.

COPERNICAN SYSTEM. The Pythagorean system of the universe, revived by
Copernicus in the sixteenth century, and now confirmed; in which the sun
occupies the central space, and the planets with their attendant
satellites revolve about him.

COPILL. An old term for a variety of the coble.

COPING. In ship-building, turning the ends of iron lodging-knees, so
that they may hook into the beams.

COPPER, TO. To cover the ship's bottom with prepared copper.

COPPER-BOLTS. _See_ COPPER-FASTENED.

COPPERED, OR COPPER-BOTTOMED. Sheathed with thin sheets of copper, which
prevents the teredo eating into the planks, or shell and weed
accumulating on the surface, whereby a ship is retarded in her sailing.

COPPER-FASTENED. The bolts and other metal work in the bottom of ships,
made of copper instead of iron, so that the vessel may afterwards be
coppered without danger of its corroding the heads of the bolts by
galvanic action, as ensues when copper and iron are in contact with
sea-water.

COPPER-NAILS. These are chiefly used in boat-building, and for plank
nails in the vicinity of the binnacle, as iron affects the
compass-needle. They are not to be confounded with _composition nails_,
which are cast. (_See_ ROOF, OR ROVE and CLINCH.)

COPPERS. The ship's boilers for cooking; the name is generally used,
even where the apparatus may be made of iron.

COQUILLAGE. Shell-fish in general. It applies to anchorages where
oysters abound, or where fish are plentiful, and shell-fish for bait
easily obtainable. It is specially a term belonging to French and
Spanish fishermen.

CORAB. A sort of boat, otherwise called _coracle_.

CORACLE. An ancient British truckle or boat, constructed of wicker-work,
and still in use amongst Welsh fishermen and on the Irish lakes. It is
covered by skins, oil-cloth, &c., which are removed when out of use; it
is of an oval form; contains one man, who, on reaching the shore,
shoulders his coracle, deposits it in safety, and covers it with dried
rushes or heather. The Arctic _baidar_ is of similar construction. It is
probably of the like primitive fabric with the _cymba sutiles_ of
Herodotus.

CORACORA. _See_ KOROCORA.

CORAL. A name applied to the hard calcareous support or skeleton of many
species of marine zoophytes. The coral-producing animals abound chiefly
in tropical seas, sometimes forming, by the aggregated growth of
countless generations, reefs, barriers, and islands of vast extent. The
"red coral" (_Corallium rubrum_) of the Mediterranean is highly prized
for ornamental purposes.

CORALAN. A small open boat for the Mediterranean coral fishery.

CORAL-BAND. _See_ SAND AND CORAL BANK or ISLET.

CORBEILLE [Fr. basket]. Miner's basket; small gabion used temporarily
for shelter to riflemen, and placed on the parapet, either to fire
through, or for protection from a force placed on a higher level.

CORBILLARD [Fr.] A large boat of transport.

CORD. Small rope; that of an inch or less in circumference.

CORD OR CHURD OF WOOD; as firewood. A statute stack is 8 feet long, 4
feet broad, and 4 feet high.

CORDAGE. A general term for the running-rigging of a ship, as also for
rope of any size which is kept in reserve, and for all stuff to make
ropes.--_Cable-laid cordage._ Ropes, the three strands of which are
composed of three other strands, as are cables and cablets. (_See_
ROPE.)

CORDILLA. The coarse German hemp, otherwise called _torse_.

CORDLIE. A name for the tunny fish.

CORDON. In fortification, the horizontal moulding of masonry along the
top of the true escarp. Also, sometimes used for lines of
circumvallation or blockade, or any connected chain of troops or even
sentries. Also, the riband of an order of knighthood or honour, and
hence used by the French as signifying a member thereof, as Cordon
bleu, Knight of the order of the Holy Ghost, &c.

CORDOVAN. Leather made from seal-skin; the term is derived from the
superior leather prepared at Cordova in Spain.

CORDUROY. Applied to roads formed in new settlements, of trees laid
roughly on sleepers transverse to the direction of the road; as suddenly
for artillery.

CORKIR, OR CUDBEAR. The _Lecanora tartarea_, a lichen producing a purple
dye, growing on the stones of the Western Isles, and in Norway.

CORMORANT. A well-known sea-bird (_Phalacrocorax carbo_) of the family
_Pelecanidæ_.

CORN, TO. A remainder of the Anglo-Saxon _ge-cyrned_, salted. To
preserve meat for a time by salting it slightly.

CORNED. Slightly intoxicated. In Chaucer's _Canterbury Tales_, mention
is made of "corny ale."

CORNED POWDER. Powder granulated from the mill-cakes and sifted.

CORNET. A commissioned officer who carries the colours belonging to a
cavalry troop, equivalent to an ensign in the infantry; the junior
subaltern rank in the horse.

CORNISH RING. The astragal of the muzzle or neck of a gun; it is the
next ring from the mouth backwards. (Now disused.)

CORN-SALAD. A species of Valerianella. The top-leaves are used for
salad, a good anti-scorbutic with vinegar.

CORNS OF POWDER. The small grains that gunpowder consists of. The powder
reduced for fire-works, quill-tubes, &c.; sometimes by alcohol.

COROMONTINES. A peculiar race of negroes, brought from the interior of
Africa, and sold; but so ferocious as to be greatly dreaded in the West
Indies.

CORONA. In timber, consists of rows of microscopic cylinders, situated
between the wood and the pith; it is that part from which all the
branches take their rise, and from it all the wood-threads
grow.--_Corona_ astronomically means the luminous ring or glory which
surrounds the sun or moon during an eclipse, or the intervention of a
thin cloud. They are generally faintly coloured at their edges.
Frequently when there is a halo encircling the moon, there is a small
corona more immediately around it. Coronæ, as well as halos, have been
observed to prognosticate rain, hail, or snow, being the result of snow
or dense vapours nearer the earth, through which the object becomes
hazy.

CORONER. An important officer. Seamen should understand that his duties
embrace all acts within a line drawn from one headland to another; or
within the body of the county. His duty is to investigate, on the part
of the crown, all accidents, deaths, wrecks, &c.; and his warrant is not
to be contemned or avoided.

COROUSE. The ancient weapon invented by Duilius for boarding. An attempt
was made in 1798 to re-introduce it in French privateers.

COROWNEL. The old word for colonel.

CORPHOUN. An out-of-the-way name for a herring.

CORPORAL, SHIP'S. In a ship of war was, under the master-at-arms,
employed to teach the sailors the use of small arms; to attend at the
gangways when entering ports, and see that no spirituous liquors were
brought on board without leave. Also, to extinguish the fire and candles
at eight o'clock in winter, and nine o'clock in summer, when the evening
gun was fired; and to see that there were no lights below, but such as
were under the charge of the proper sentinels. In the marines or army in
general the corporal is a non-commissioned officer next below the
sergeant in the scale of authority. The ship's corporal of the present
day is the superior of the first-class working petty officers, and
solely attends to police matters under the master-at-arms or
superintendent-in-chief.

CORPORAL OATH. So called because the witness when he swears lays his
right hand on the holy evangelists, or New Testament.

CORPOSANT. [_Corpo santo_, Ital.] _See_ COMPASANT.

CORPS. Any body of troops acting under one commander.

CORPSE. Jack's term for the party of marines embarked; the corps.

CORRECTIONS. Reductions of observations of the sun, moon, or stars.

CORRIDOR. _See_ COVERT-WAY.

CORRYNE POWDER. Corn-powder, a fine kind of gunpowder.

CORSAIR. A name commonly given to the piratical cruisers of Barbary, who
frequently plundered the merchant ships indiscriminately.

CORSELET. The old name for a piece of armour used to cover the body of a
fighting-man.

CORTEGE. The official staff, civil or military.

CORUSCATIONS. Atmospheric flashes of light, as in auroras.

CORVETTES. Flush-decked ships, equipped with one tier of guns: fine
vessels for warm climates, from admitting a free circulation of air. The
Bermuda-built corvettes were deemed superior vessels, swift, weatherly,
"lie to" well, and carry sail in a stiff breeze. The cedar of which they
are chiefly built is very buoyant, but also brittle.

CORVORANT. An old mode of spelling _cormorant_.

COSIER. A lubber, a botcher, a tailoring fellow [_coser_, Sp. to sew?]

COSMICAL RISING AND SETTING OF THE HEAVENLY BODIES. Their rising and
setting with the sun.

COSMOGRAPHER. Formerly applied to "too clever by half." Now, one who
describes the world or universe in all its parts.

COSS. A measure of distance in India, varying in different districts
from one mile and a half to two miles.

COSTAL. Relating to the coast.

COSTEIE. An old English word for going by the coast.

COSTERA. A law archaism for the sea-coast.

COSTS AND DAMAGE. Demurrage is generally given against a captor for
unjustifiable detention. Where English merchants provoke expense by
using false papers, the court decrees the captors their expenses on
restitution. (_See_ EXPENSES.)

COT. A wooden bed-frame suspended from the beams of a ship for the
officers, between decks. It is inclosed in canvas, sewed in the form of
a chest, about 6 feet long, 1 foot deep, and 2 or 3 feet wide, in which
the mattress is laid.

COTT. An old term for a little boat.

COTTON, GUN. _See_ GUN-COTTON.

COTTONINA. The thick sail-cloth of the Levant.

COUBAIS. An ornamented Japanese barge of forty oars.

COUD. An old term used for _conn_ or _cunn_.

COULTER-NEB. A name of the puffin (_Fratercula arctica_).

COUNCIL-OF-WAR. The assemblage of officers for concerting measures of
moment, too often deemed the symbol of irresolution in the
commander-in-chief.

COUNTER. A term which enters into the composition of divers words of our
language, and generally implies opposition, as _counter-brace_,
_counter-current_, &c.--_Counter of a ship_, refers to her after-seat on
the water: the counter above extends from the gun-deck line, or lower
ribbon moulding of the cabin windows, to the water-line (or seat of
water); the lower counter is arched below that line, and constitutes the
hollow run. It is formed on the transom-buttocks.

COUNTER-APPROACHES. Works effected outside the place by the garrison
during a siege, to enfilade, command, or otherwise check the approaches
of the besieger.

COUNTER-BALANCE WEIGHT, in the marine engine. (_See_ LEVER.) Also in
many marine barometers, where it slides and is fixed by adjusting
screws, so as to produce an even-balanced swing, free from jerk.

COUNTER-BRACE, TO. Is bracing the head-yards one way, and the
after-yards another. The counter-brace is the lee-brace of the
fore-topsail-yard, but is only distinguished by this name at the time of
the ship's going about (called tacking), when the sail begins to shiver
in the wind, this brace is hauled in to flatten the sail against the
lee-side of the top-mast, and increase the effect of the wind in forcing
her round. Counter-bracing becomes necessary to render the vessel
stationary when sounding, lowering a boat, or speaking a stranger. It is
now an obsolete term, and the man[oe]uvre is called _heaving-to_.

COUNTER-CURRENT. That portion of water diverted from the main stream of
a current by the particular formation of the coast or other obstruction,
and which therefore runs in a contrary direction. There is also a
current formed under the lee-counter of a ship when going through the
water, which retains floating objects there, and is fatal to a man, by
sucking him under.

COUNTERFORTS. Masonry adjuncts, advantageous to all retaining walls, but
especially to those which, like the escarps of fortresses, are liable to
be battered. They are attached at regular intervals to the hinder face
of the wall, and perpendicular to it; having various proportions, but
generally the same height as the wall; they hold it from being thrust
forward from behind, and, even when it is battered away, retain the
earth at the back at such a steep slope that the formation of a
practicable breach remains very difficult. When arches are turned
between the counterforts, the strength of the whole structure is much
increased: it is then called a _counter-arched revêtement_.

COUNTERGUARD. In fortification, a smaller rampart raised in front of a
larger one, principally with the intention of delaying for a period the
besieger's attack. Other means, however, are generally preferred in
modern times, except when a rapid fall in the ground renders it
difficult to cover the main escarp by ordinary resources.

COUNTER-LINE. A word often used for _contravallation_.

COUNTERMARCH. To change the direction of a march to its exact opposite.
In some military movements this involves the changing of front and
wings.

COUNTERMINES. Military defensive mines: they may be arranged on a system
for the protection of the whole of a front of fortification by the
discovering and blowing up not only the subterranean approaches of the
besieger, but also his more important lodgments above.

COUNTER-MOULD. The converse of _mould_ (which see).

COUNTER-RAILS. The balustrade work, or ornamental moulding across a
square stern, where the counter terminates.

COUNTERSCARP. In fortification, the outer side of the ditch next the
country; it is usually of less height, and less strongly revetted than
the escarp, the side which forms the face of the rampart.

COUNTER-SEA. The disturbed state of the sea after a gale, when, the wind
having changed, the sea still runs in its old direction.

COUNTERSIGN. A particular word or number which is exchanged between
sentinels, and intrusted to those on duty. (_See_ PAROLE.)

COUNTER-SUNK. Those holes which are made for the heads of bolts or nails
to be sunk in, so as to be even with the general surface.

COUNTER-TIMBERS. Short right-aft timbers for the purpose of
strengthening the counter, and forming the stern.

COUNTER-TRENCHES. _See_ COUNTER-APPROACHES.

COUNTRY. A term synonymous with _station_. The place whither a ship
happens to be ordered.

COUP DE GRACE. The finishing shot which brings an enemy to surrender; or
the wound which deprives an adversary of life or resistance.

COUP DE MAIN. A sudden and vigorous attack.

COUP D'[OE]IL. The skill of distinguishing, at first sight, the weakness
of an enemy's position, as Nelson did at the Nile.

COUPLE, TO. To bend two hawsers together; coupling links of a cable;
coupling shackles.

COUREAU. A small yawl of the Garonne. Also, a narrow strait or channel.

COURSE. The direction taken by anything in motion, shown by the point of
the compass _towards_ which they run, as water in a river, tides, and
currents; but of the wind, as similarly indicated by the compass-point
_from_ which it blows. Course is also the ship's way. In common
parlance, it is the point of the compass upon which the ship sails, the
direction in which she proceeds, or is intended to go. When the wind is
foul, she cannot "lie her course;" if free, she "steers her course."

COURSES. A name by which the sails hanging from the lower yards of a
ship are usually distinguished, viz. the main-sail, fore-sail, and
mizen: the staysails upon the lower masts are sometimes also
comprehended in this denomination, as are the main staysails of all
brigs and schooners. A ship is under her courses when she has no sail
set but the fore-sail, main-sail, and mizen. _Trysails_ are courses
(which see), sometimes termed _bentincks_.

COURSET. The paper on which the night's course is set for the officer in
charge of the watch.

COURT-MARTIAL. A tribunal held under an act of parliament, of the year
1749, and not, like the mutiny act, requiring yearly re-enactment. It
has lately, 6th August, 1861, been changed to the "Naval Discipline
Act." At present a court may be composed of five, but must not exceed
nine, members. No officer shall sit who is under twenty-one years of
age. No flag-officer can be tried unless the president also be a
flag-officer, and the others flag, or captains. No captain shall be
tried unless the president be of higher rank, and the others captains
and commanders. No court for the trial of any officer, or person below
the rank of captain, shall be legal, unless the president is a captain,
or of higher rank, nor unless, in addition, there be two other officers
of the rank of commander, or of higher rank. Any witness
summoned--civil, naval, or military--by the judge-advocate, refusing to
attend or give evidence, to be punished as for same in civil courts. The
admiralty can issue commissions to officers to hold courts-martial on
foreign stations, without which they cannot be convened. A
commander-in-chief on a foreign station, holding such a commission, may
under his hand authorize an officer in command of a detached portion to
hold courts-martial. Formerly all officers composing the court,
attendants, witnesses, &c., were compelled to appear in their full-dress
uniforms; but by recent orders, the undress uniform, with cocked hat and
sword, is to be worn.

COUTEL. A military implement which served both for a knife and a dagger.

COUTERE. A piece of armour which covered the elbow.

COVE. An inlet in a coast, sometimes extensive, as the Cove of Cork. In
naval architecture, the arched moulding sunk in at the foot or lower
part of the taffrail.--_My cove_, a familiar friendly term.

COVER. Security from attack or interruption, as under cover of the
ship's guns, under cover of the parapet. In the field exercise and drill
of troops, one body is said to cover another exactly in rear of it.
Covers for sails when furled (to protect them from the weather when
loosing and airing them is precluded), are made of strong canvas
painted.

COVERED WAY. In fortification, a space running along the outside of the
ditch for the convenient passage of troops and guns, covered from the
country by a palisading and the parapet of the glacis. It is of
importance to an active defence, as besides enabling a powerful musketry
fire to be poured on the near approaches of the besieger, it affords to
the garrison a secure base from which to sally in force at any hour of
the day or night.

COVERING-BOARD. _See_ PLANK-SHEER.

COVERING-PARTY. A force detached to protect a party sent on especial
duty.

COVERT-WAY. _See_ COVERED WAY.

COW. Applied by whalers to the female whale.--_To cow._ To depress with
fear.

COWARDICE, AND DESERTION OF DUTY IN FIGHT. Are criminal by law, even in
the crew of a merchant-ship. Such poltroonery is very rare.

COWD. To float slowly. A Scotch term, as "the boat cowds braely awa."

COW-HITCH. A slippery or lubberly hitch.

COWHORN. The seaman's appellation of the coehorn.

COWIE. A name among Scotch fishermen for the porpoise.

COWL. The cover of a funnel.

COWRIE. Small shells, _Cypræa moneta_, used for money or barter in
Africa and the East Indies.

COXSON, OR COXON. _See_ COCKSWAIN.

COX'S TRAVERSE. Up one hatchway and down another, to elude duty. (_See_
TOM COX.)

C.P. Mark for men sent by civil power.

CRAB. A wooden pillar, the lower end of which being let down through a
ship's decks, rests upon a socket like the capstan, and having in its
upper end three or four holes at different heights, long oars are thrust
through them, each acting like two levers. It is employed to wind in the
cable, or any other weighty matter. Also, a portable wooden or cast-iron
machine, fitted with wheels and pinions similar to those of a winch, of
use in loading and discharging timber-vessels, &c.--_The crab with three
claws_, is used to launch ships, and to heave them into the dock, or off
the key.--_To catch a crab._ To pull an oar too light or too deep in the
water; to miss time in rowing. This derisive phrase for a false stroke
may have been derived from the Italian _chiappar un gragno_, to express
the same action.

CRABBING TO IT. Carrying an over-press of sail in a fresh gale, by which
a ship crabs or drifts sideways to leeward.

CRABBLER. _See_ KRABLA.

CRAB-BOAT. Resembles a large jolly-boat.

CRAB-CAPSTAN. _See_ CRAB.

CRAB-WINDLASS. A light windlass for barges.

CRAB-YAWS. _See_ YAW.

CRACK. "In a crack," immediately.

CRACKER. So named from the noise it makes in exploding; it is applied
to a small pistol. Also, to a little hard cabin biscuit, so called from
its noise in breaking.

CRACKNEL. A small bark. Also, biscuits (see 1 Ki. xiv. 3).

CRACK OFFICER. One of the best class.

CRACK ON, TO. To carry all sail.

CRACK-ORDER. High regularity.

CRACK-SHIP. One uncommonly smart in her evolutions and discipline,
perhaps from the old English word for a fine boy. Crack is generally
used for first-rate or excellent.

CRADLE. A frame consisting of bilge-ways, poppets, &c., on the principle
of the wedge, placed under the bottom of a ship, and resting on the ways
on which it slips, thus launching her steadily into the water, at which
time it supports her weight while she slides down the greased ways. The
cradle being the support of the ship, she carries it with her into the
water, when, becoming buoyant, the frame separates from the hull, floats
on the surface, and is again collected for similar purposes.

CRADLES. Standing bedsteads made up for wounded seamen, that they may be
more comfortable than is possible in a hammock. Boats' chocks are
sometimes called cradles.

CRAFT [from the Anglo-Saxon word _cræft_, a trading vessel]. It is now a
general name for lighters, hoys, barges, &c., employed to load or land
any goods or stores.--_Small craft._ The small vessels of war attendant
on a fleet, such as cutters, schooners, gunboats, &c., generally
commanded by lieutenants. Craft is also a term in sea-phraseology for
every kind of vessel, especially for a favourite ship. Also, all manner
of nets, lines, hooks, &c., used in fishing.

CRAG. A precipitous cliff whose strata if vertical, or nearly so,
subdivide into points.

CRAGER. A small river lighter, mentioned in our early statutes.

CRAGSMAN. One who climbs cliffs overhanging the sea to procure
sea-fowls, or their eggs.

CRAIG-FLOOK. The smear-dab, or rock-flounder.

CRAIK, OR CRAKE. A ship; a diminutive corrupted from _carrack_.

CRAIL. _See_ KREEL.

CRAIL-CAPON. A haddock dried without being split.

CRAKERS. Choice soldiers (_temp._ Henry VIII.) Perhaps managers of the
crakys, and therefore early artillery.

CRAKYS. An old term for great guns.

CRAMP. A machine to facilitate the screwing of two pieces of timber
together.

CRAMPER. A yarn or twine worn round the leg as a remedy against cramp.

CRAMPETS. The cramp rings of a sword scabbard. Ferrule to a staff.

CRAMPINGS. A nautical phrase to express the fetters and bolts for
offenders.

CRAMPOON. _See_ CREEPER.

CRANAGE. The money paid for the use of a wharf crane. Also, the
permission to use a crane at any wharf or pier.

CRANCE. A sort of iron cap on the outer end of the bowsprit, through
which the jib-boom traverses. The name is not unfrequently applied to
any boom-iron.

CRANE. A machine for raising and lowering great weights, by which timber
and stores are hoisted upon wharfs, &c. Also, a kind of catapult for
casting stones in ancient warfare. Also, pieces of iron, or timber at a
vessel's sides, used to stow boats or spars upon. Also, as many fresh or
green unsalted herrings as would fill a barrel.

CRANE-BARGE. A low flat-floored lump, fitted for the purpose of carrying
a crane, in aid of marine works.

CRANE-LINES. Those which formerly went from the spritsail-topmast to the
middle of the fore-stay, serving to steady the former. Also, small lines
for keeping the lee backstays from chafing against the yards.

CRANG. The carcass of a whale after being flinched or the blubber
stripped off.

CRANK, OR CRANK-SIDED. A vessel, by her construction or her stowage,
inclined to lean over a great deal, or from insufficient ballast or
cargo incapable of carrying sail, without danger of overturning. The
opposite term is _stiff_, or the quality of standing well up to her
canvas.--_Cranky_ expresses a foolish capriciousness. Ships built too
deep in proportion to their breadth are notoriously crank.--_Crank by
the ground_, is a ship whose floor is so narrow that she cannot be
brought on the ground without danger.

CRANK-HATCHES. Are raised coamings on a steamer's deck, to form
coverings for the cranks of the engines below.

CRANK-PIN. In steam machinery, it goes through both arms of the crank at
their extremities; to this pin the connecting-rod is attached.

CRANKS OF A MARINE ENGINE; eccentric, as in a turning-lathe. The bend or
knee pinned on the shafts, by which they are moved round with a circular
motion. Also, iron handles for working pumps, windlasses, &c. Also,
erect iron forks on the quarter-deck for the capstan-bars, or other
things, to be stowed thereon. Also, the axis and handle of a grindstone.
Also, an old term for the sudden or frequent involutions of the planets
in their orbits.

CRANK-SHAFT. In a steamer. (_See_ INTERMEDIATE SHAFT.)

CRAPPO, OR GENERAL CRAPAUD. Jack's name for a Frenchman, one whom he
thinks would be a better sailor if he would but talk English instead of
French.

CRARE, OR CRAYER. A slow unwieldy trading vessel of olden times. Thus
Shakspeare, in _Cymbeline_, with hydrographic parlance:--

    "Who ever yet could sound thy bottom? Find
    The ooze, to show what coast thy sluggish crare
    Might easiliest harbour in?"

CRATER OF A MINE. Synonymous with _funnel_ (which see).

CRAVAISE. An Anglo-Norman word for cray-fish.

CRAVEN. An old term synonymous with _recreant_ (which see).

CRAWL. A sort of pen, formed by a barrier of stakes and hurdles on the
sea-coast, to contain fish or turtle. On the coast of Africa, a pen for
slaves awaiting shipment.

CRAWLING OFF. Working off a lee-shore by slow degrees.

CRAY-FISH. A lobster-like crustacean (_Astacus fluviatilis_) found in
fresh-water.

CRAZY. Said of a ship in a bad state.

CREAK. The straining noise made by timbers, cabin bulk-heads, and spars
in rolling.

CREAR. A kind of Scotch lighter. (_See_ CRARE.)

CREEK. A narrow inlet of the sea shoaling suddenly. Also, the channels
connecting the several branches of a river and lake islands, and one
lake or lagoon with another. It differs from a cove, in being
proportionately deeper and narrower. In law, it is part of a haven where
anything is landed from the sea.

CREEL, OR CRUE, for fishing. _See_ KREEL.

CREENGAL. _See_ CRINGLE.

CREEPER. A small grapnel (iron instrument with four claws) for dragging
for articles dropped overboard in harbour. When anything falls, a dish
or other white object thrown immediately after it will greatly guide the
creeping.

CREES. _See_ KRIS.

CREMAILLEE. More commonly called _indented_ (which see), with regard to
lines or parapets.

CRENELLE. A loop-hole in a fortress.

CRENG. _See_ KRANG.

CREOLE. This term applies in the West Indies and Spanish America, &c.,
to a person of European and unmixed origin, but colonial born.

CREPUSCULUM. _See_ TWILIGHT.

CRESPIE. A northern term for a small whale or a grampus.

CRESSET. A beacon light set on a watch-tower.

CRESSIT. A small crease or dagger.

CREST. The highest part of a mountain, or range of mountains, and the
summit of a sea-wave.

CREW. Comprehends every officer and man on board ship, borne as
complement on the books. There are in ships of war several particular
crews or gangs, as the gunner's, carpenter's, sail-maker's,
blacksmith's, armourer's, and cooper's crews.

CRIB. A small berth in a packet.

CRICK. A small jack-screw.

CRIMPS. Detested agents who trepan seamen, by treating, advancing money,
&c., by which the dupes become indebted, and when well plied with liquor
are induced to sign articles, and are shipped off, only discovering
their mistake on finding themselves at sea robbed of all they
possessed.

CRINGLE. A short piece of rope worked grommet fashion into the bolt-rope
of a sail, and containing a metal ring or thimble. The use of the
cringle is generally to hold the end of some rope, which is fastened
thereto for the purpose of drawing up the sail to its yard, or extending
the skirts or leech by means of bowline _bridles_, to stand upon a
side-wind. The word seems to be derived from the old English _crencled_,
or circularly formed. Cringles should be made of the strands of new
bolt-rope. Those for the reef and reef-tackle pendant are stuck through
holes made in the tablings.

CRINKYL. The cringle or loop in the leech of a sail.

CRIPPLE, TO. To disable an enemy's ship by wounding his masts, yards,
and steerage gear, thereby placing him _hors de combat_.

CRISS-CROSS. The mark of a man who cannot write his name.

CROAKER. A tropical fish which makes a _cris-cris_ noise.

CROAKY. A term applied to plank when it curves much in short lengths.

CROCHERT. A hagbut or hand cannon, anciently in use.

CROCK [Anglo-Saxon, _croca_]. An earthen mess-vessel, and the usual
vegetables were called crock-herbs. In the _Faerie Queene_ Spenser cites
the utensil:--

    "Therefore the vulgar did aboute him flocke,
    Like foolish flies about an honey-crocke."

CROCODILES. A designation for those who served in Egypt under Lord
Keith.

CROJEK. The mode of pronouncing _cross-jack_ (which see).

CRONNAG. In the Manx and Erse, signifies a rock that can be seen before
low-water.

CROOKED-CATCH. An iron implement bent in the form of the letter S.

CROOKS. _Crooked timbers._ Short arms or branches of trees.

CROONER. The gray gurnard (_Trigla gurnardus_), so called on account of
the creaking noise it makes after being taken.

CROSS-BARS. Round bars of iron, bent at each end, used as levers to turn
the shank of an anchor.

CROSS-BAR-SHOT. The famed cross-bar-shot, or properly _bar-shot_, used
by the Americans: when folded it presented a bar or complete shot, and
could thus be placed in the gun. But as it left the muzzle it expanded
to a cross, with four quarters of a shot at its radial points. It was
used to destroy the rigging as well as do execution amongst men.

CROSS-BITT. The same as _cross-piece_ (which see).

CROSS-BORED. Bored with holes alternately on the edges of planks, to
separate the fastenings, so as to avoid splitting the timbers or beams.

CROSS-BOW. An ancient weapon of our fleet, when also in use on shore.

CROSS-CHOCKS. Large pieces of timber fayed across the dead-wood
amidships, to make good the deficiency of the heels of the lower
futtocks.

CROSS-FISH. A northern name for the _asterias_ or star-fish; so called
from the Norwegian _kors-fisk_. Also, the _Uraster rubens_.

CROSS-GRAINED. Not straight-grained as in good wood; hence the perverse
and vexatious disposition of the ne'er-do-wells. As Cotton's _Juno_--

    "That cross-grained, peevish, scolding queen."

CROSS-HEAD. In a steamer's engine, is on the top of the piston-rod
athwart the cylinder; and there is another fitted to the air-pump, both
having side-rods. (_See_ CYLINDER CROSS-HEAD.)

CROSSING A SHIP'S WAKE. When a ship sails over the transient track which
another has just passed, _i.e._ passes close astern of her.

CROSSING THE CABLES IN THE HATCHWAY. A method by which the operation of
coiling is facilitated; it alludes to hempen cables, which are now
seldom used.

CROSS IN THE HAWSE. Is when a ship moored with two anchors from the bows
has swung the wrong way once, whereby the two cables lie across each
other.--_To cross a vessel's hawse_ is to sail across the line of her
course, a little ahead of her.

CROSSJACK-YARD [pronounced _crojeck-yard_]. The lower yard on the
mizen-mast, to the arms of which the clues of the mizen top-sail are
extended. The term is applied to any fore-and-aft vessels setting a
square-sail, flying, below the lower cross-trees. It is now very common
in merchant ships to set a sail called a cross-jack upon this yard.

CROSS-PAWLS. _See_ CROSS-SPALES.

CROSS-PIECE. The transverse timber of the bitts. Also, a rail of timber
extending over the windlass of some merchant-ships from the knight-heads
to the belfry. It is furnished with wooden pins to fasten the
running-rigging to, as occasion requires.--_Cross-pieces._ Short pieces
laid across the keel of a line-of-battle ship, and scarphed to the lower
ends of the first futtocks, as strengtheners.

CROSS-SEA. A sea not caused by the wind then blowing. During a heavy
gale which changes quickly (a cyclone, for instance), each change of
wind produces a direction of the sea, which lasts for some hours after
the wind which caused it has changed, so that in a part of the sea which
has experienced all the changes of one of these gales, the sea runs up
in pyramids, sending the tops of the waves perpendicularly into the air,
which are then spread by the prevailing wind; the effect is awfully
grand and dangerous, for it generally renders a ship ungovernable until
it abates.

CROSS-SOMER. A beam of timber.

CROSS-SPALES OR SPALLS. Temporary beams nailed across a vessel to keep
the sides together, and support the ship in frame, until the deck-knees
are fastened.

CROSS-STAFF. _See_ FORE-STAFF.

CROSS-SWELL. This is similar to a cross-sea, except that it undulates
without breaking violently.

CROSS-TAIL. In a steam-engine, is of the same form as the cylinder
cross-head: it has iron straps catching the pins in the ends of the
side-levers.

CROSS-TIDE. The varying directions of the flow amongst shoals that are
under water. (_See_ CURRENT.)

CROSS-TIMBERS. _See_ CROSS-PIECE.

CROSS-TREES. Certain timbers supported by the cheeks and trestle-trees
at the upper ends of the lower and top masts, athwart which they are
laid to sustain the frame of the tops on the one, and to extend the
top-gallant shrouds on the other.

CROTCHED-YARD. The old orthography for _crossjack-yard_ (which see).

CROTCHES. _See_ CRUTCH.

CROW, OR CROW-BAR. An iron lever furnished with a sharp point at one
end, and two claws on a slight bevel bend at the other, to prize or
remove weighty bodies, like pieces of timber, to draw spike-nails, &c.
Also, to direct and manage the great guns.

CROWDIE. Meal and milk mixed in a cold state; but sometimes a mere
composition of oatmeal and boiled water, eaten with treacle, or butter
and sugar, as condiment.

CROWD SAIL, TO. To carry an extraordinary press of canvas on a ship, as
in pursuit of, or flight from, an enemy, &c.

CROW-FOOT. A number of small lines spreading out from an uvrou or long
block, used to suspend the awnings by, or to keep the top-sails from
striking violently, and fretting against the top-rims. (_See_ EUPHROE.)
Also, a kind of stand, attached to the end of mess-tables, and hooked to
a beam above.--_Crow-foot_ or _beam-arm_ is also a crooked timber,
extended from the side of a beam to the ship's side, in the wake of the
hatchway, supplying the place of a beam.--_Crow's-foot_ is the name of
the four-pointed irons thrown in front of a position, to hamper the
advance of cavalry, and other assailants, for in whatsoever way they
fall one point is upwards. The phrase of _crow's-feet_ is also jocularly
applied to the wrinkles spreading from the outer corner of the eyes--a
joke used both by Chaucer and Spenser.

CROWN. A common denomination in most parts of Europe for a silver coin,
varying in local value from 2_s._ 6_d._ sterling to 8_s._ (_See also_
PREROGATIVE.)--_Crown of an anchor._ The place where the arms are joined
to the shank, and unite at the throat.--_Crown of a gale._ Its extreme
violence.--In fortification, to crown is to effect a lodgment on the top
of; thus, the besieger _crowns_ the covered way when he occupies with
his trenches the crest of the glacis.

CROWN, OR DOUBLE CROWN. A knot; is to pass the strands of a rope over
and under each other above the knot by way of finish. (_See_ KNOT.)

CROWNING. The finishing part of some knots on the end of a rope, to
prevent the ends of the strands becoming loose. They are more
particularly useful in all kinds of stoppers. (_See_ WALL-KNOT and
CROWN.)

CROWN-WORK. In fortification, the largest definite form of outwork,
having for its head two contiguous bastioned fronts, and for its sides
two long strait faces, flanked by the artillery fire of the place. Or a
detached work, according to the circumstances of the ground, requiring
such advanced occupation.

CROW-PURSE. The egg-capsule of a skate.

CROW-SHELL. A fresh-water mussel.

CROW'S NEST. A small shelter for the look-out man: sometimes made with a
cask, at the top-gallant mast-head of whalers, whence fish are espied.
Also, for the ice-master to note the lanes or open spaces in the ice.

CROY. An inclosure on the sea-beach in the north for catching fish. When
the tide flows the fishes swim over the wattles, but are left by the
ebbing of the water.

CRUE. _See_ KREEL.

CRUE-HERRING. The shad (_Clupea alosa_).

CRUER. _See_ CRARE.

CRUISE, OR CRUIZE. A voyage in quest of an enemy expected to sail
through any particular tract of the sea at a certain season,--the seeker
traversing the cruising latitude under easy sail, backward and forward.
The parts of seas frequented by whales are called the cruising grounds
of whalers.

CRUISERS. Small men-of-war, made use of in the Channel and elsewhere to
secure our merchant ships from the enemy's small frigates and
privateers. They were generally such as sailed well, and were well
manned.

CRUIVES. Inclosed spaces in a dam or weir for taking salmon.

CRUMMY. Fleshy or corpulent.

CRUPPER. The train tackle ring-bolt in a gun-carriage.

CRUSADO. _See_ CRUZADO.

CRUTCH, OR CROTCH. A support fixed upon the taffrail for the main boom
of a sloop, brig, cutter, &c., and a chock for the driver-boom of a ship
when their respective sails are furled. Also, crooked timber inside the
after-peak of a vessel, for securing the heels of the cant or
half-timbers: they are fayed and bolted on the foot-waling. Also,
stanchions of wood or iron whose upper parts are forked to receive
masts, yards, and other spars, and which are fixed along the sides and
gangways. Crutches are used instead of rowlocks, and also on the sides
of large boats to support the oars and spars.

CRUZADO. A Portuguese coin of 480 reis, value 2_s._ 7-1/4_d._ sterling
in Portugal; in England, 2_s._ to 2_s._ 2_d._

CUBBRIDGE HEADS. The old bulk-heads of the forecastle and half-decks,
wherein were placed the "murderers," or guns for clearing the decks in
emergency.

CUBE. A solid body inclosed by six square sides or faces. A cubical foot
is 12 inches square every way, of any solid substance.

CUB-HOUSE, OR CUBBOOS. _See_ CABOOSE.

CUBICULATÆ. Roman ships furnished with cabins.

CUCKOLD'S-KNOT OR NECK. A knot by which a rope is secured to a spar--the
two parts of the rope crossing each other, and seized together.

CUDBEAR. (_See_ CORKIR.) A violet dye--archil, a test.

CUDBERDUCE. The cuthbert-duck, a bird of the Farne Isles, off
Northumberland.

CUDDIC, CUDDY, OR CUDLE. All derived from cuttle-fish varieties of sepia
used for baits.

CUDDIE, OR CUDDIN. One of the many names for the coal-fish, a staple
article of the coast of Scotland. The _Gadus carbonarius_ is taken
nearly all the year round by fishing from the rocks, and by means of
landing nets. If this fish be not delicate, it is at least nutritious,
and as it contains much oil, it furnishes light as well as food.

CUDDING. A northern name for the char.

CUDDY. A sort of cabin or cook-room, generally in the fore-part, but
sometimes near the stern of lighters and barges of burden. In the
oceanic traders it is a cabin abaft, under the round-house or poop-deck,
for the commander and his passengers. Also, the little cabin of a boat.

CUDDY-LEGS. A name in the north for large herrings.

CUIRASS. Armour or covering for the breast, anciently made of hide.

CUIRASSIERS. Horse soldiers who wear the cuirass, a piece of defensive
armour, covering the body from the neck to the waist.

CUISSES. Armour to protect the thighs.

CULAGIUM. An archaic law-term for the laying up of a ship in the dock to
be repaired.

CULCH. _See_ OYSTER-BED.

CULLOCK. A species of bivalved mollusc on our northern shores, the
_Tellina rhomboides_.

CULMINATION, in nautical astronomy, is the transit or passage of any
celestial body over the meridian of a place.

CULRING. An old corruption of _culverin_.

CULTELLUS. _See_ COUTEL.

CULVER. A Saxon word for pigeon, whence Culver-cliff, Reculvers, &c.,
from being resorted to by those birds. [Latin, _columba_; _b_ and _v_
are often interchanged.]

CULVERIN. An ancient cannon of about 5-1/4 inches bore, and from 9 to 12
feet long, carrying a ball of 18 pounds, with a first graze at 180
paces. Formerly a favourite sea-gun, its random range being 2500 paces.
The name is derived from a snake (_coluber_), or a dragon, being
sculptured upon it, thus forming handles.

CULVER-TAIL. The fastenings of a ship's carlings into the beams.

CULVER-TAILED. Fastened by dove-tailing--a way of letting one timber
into another, so that they cannot slip asunder.

CULWARD. The archaic term for a coward.

CUMULO-CIRRO-STRATUS. A horizontal sheet of cloud, with cirrus above and
cumulus beneath; it is better known as the _nimbus_ or _rain-cloud_.

CUMULO-STRATUS. This is the twain-cloud, so called because the stratus
blends with the cumulus; it is most frequent during a changeable state
of the barometer.

CUMULUS. A cloud indicative of fair weather, when it is small: it is
sometimes seen in dense heaps, whence it obtained the name of _stacken
cloud_. It is then a forerunner of change.

CUND, TO. To give notice which way a shoal of fish is gone.

CUNETTE. _See_ CUVETTE.

CUNN, OR CON. _See_ CONN.

CUNNENG. A northern name for the lamprey.

CUP. A solid piece of cast-iron let into the step of the capstan, and in
which the iron spindle at the heel of the capstan works. Also,
colloquially used for come, as, "Cup, let me alone."

CUPOLA-SHIP. Captain Coles's; the cupola being discontinued, now called
_turret-ship_ (which see).

CUR. An east-country term for the bull-head.

CURE, TO. To salt meat or fish.

CUR-FISH. A small kind of dog-fish.

CURIET. A breast-plate made of leather.

CURL. The bending over or disruption of the ice, causing it to pile.
Also, the curl of the surf on the shore.

CURL-CLOUD. The same as _cirrus_ (which see).

CURLEW. A well-known coast bird, with a long curved bill, the _Numenius
arquatus_.

CURRACH. A skiff, formerly used on the Scottish coasts.

CURRA-CURRA. A peculiarly fast boat among the Malay Islands.

CURRENT. A certain progressive flowing of the sea in one direction, by
which all bodies floating therein are compelled more or less to submit
to the stream. The _setting_ of the current, is that point of the
compass towards which the waters run; and the _drift_ of the current is
the rate it runs at in an hour. Currents are general and particular, the
former depending on causes in constant action, the latter on occasional
circumstances. (_See_ DIRECTION.)

CURRENT SAILING. The method of determining the true motion of a ship,
when, besides being acted upon by the wind, she is drifting by the
effect of a current. A due allowance must therefore be made by the
navigator.

CURRIER. A small musketoon with a swivel mounting.

CURSOR. The moving wire in a reading microscope.

CURTAIN. In fortification, that part of the rampart which is between the
flanks of two opposite bastions, which are thereby connected.

CURTALL, OR CURTALD. An ancient piece of ordnance used in our early
fleets, apparently a short one.

CURTATE DISTANCE. An astronomical term, denoting the distance of a body
from the sun or earth projected upon the ecliptic.

CURTLE-AXE. The old term for cutlass or cutlace.

CURVED FIRE. A name coming into use with the increasing application of
the fire of heavy and elongated shells to long-range bombardment and
cannonade. It is intermediate between horizontal and vertical fire,
possessing much of the accuracy and direct force of the former, as well
as of the searching properties of the latter.

CURVE OF THE COAST. When the shore alternately recedes and projects
gradually, so as to trend towards a curve shape.

CUSEFORNE. A long open whale-boat of Japan.

CUSHIES. Armour for the thighs. The same as _cuisses_.

CUSK. A fine table-fish taken in cod-schools. _See_ TUSK or TORSK.

CUSPS. The extremities of a crescent moon, or inferior planet.

CUSSELS. The green-bone, or viviparous blenny.

CUSTOM. The toll paid by merchants to the crown for goods exported or
imported; otherwise called duty.--_Custom of the country_, a small
present to certain authorities in the less frequented ports, being
equally gift and bribe.

CUSTOM-HOUSE. An office established on the frontiers of a state, or in
some chief city or port, for the receipt of customs and duties imposed
by authority of the sovereign, and regulated by writs or books of rates.

CUSTOM-HOUSE AGENT. He who transacts the relative business of passing
goods, as to the entries required for the ship's clearance.

CUSTOM-HOUSE OFFICERS. A term comprehending all the officials employed
in enforcing the customs.

CUT. A narrow boat channel; a canal.--_To cut_, to renounce acquaintance
with any one.

CUT AND RUN, TO. To cut the cable for an escape. Also, to move off
quickly; to quit occupation; to be gone.

CUT AND THRUST. To give point with a sword after striking a slash.

CUT A STICK, TO. To make off clandestinely.--_Cut your stick_, be off,
or go away.

CUTE. Sharp, crafty, apparently from _acute_; but some insist that it is
the Anglo-Saxon word _cuth_, rather meaning certain, known, or familiar.

CUTH. A name given in Orkney and Shetland to the coal-fish, before it is
fully grown; perhaps the same as _piltock_ (which see).

CUTLAS, OR COUTELAS. A sabre which was slightly curved, but recently
applied to the small-handled swords supplied to the navy--the _cutlash_
of Jack. By Shakspeare called a curtle-axe; thus Rosalind, preparing to
disguise herself as a man, is made to say,

    "A gallant curtle-ax upon my thigh."

CUT-LINE. The space between the bilges of two casks stowed end to end.

CUT OFF. A term used to denote a vessel's being seized by stratagem by
the natives, and the crew being murdered. Also, to intercept a retreat.

CUT OF THE JIB. A phrase for the aspect of a vessel, or person.

CUT OUT, TO. To attack and carry a vessel by a boat force; one of the
most dashing and desperate services practised by Nelson and Cochrane, of
which latter that of cutting out the _Esmeralda_ at Callao stands
unequalled.

CUTTER. A small single-masted, sharp-built broad vessel, commonly
navigated in the English Channel, furnished with a straight running
bowsprit, occasionally run in horizontally on the deck; except for
which, and the largeness of the sails, they are rigged much like sloops.
Either clincher or carvel-built, no jib-stay, the jib hoisting and
hanging by the halliards alone. She carries a fore-and-aft main-sail,
gaff-topsail, stay-foresail, and jib. The name is derived from their
fast sailing. The cutter (as H.M.S. _Dwarf_) has been made to set every
sail, even royal studding-sails, sky-scrapers, moon-rakers, star-gazers,
water and below-water sails, that could be set by any vessel on one
mast. One of the largest which has answered effectually, was the
_Viper_, of 460 tons and 28 guns; this vessel was very useful during the
American war, particularly by getting into Gibraltar at a critical
period of the siege.

CUTTER-BRIG. A vessel with square sails, a fore-and-aft main-sail, and a
jigger-mast with a smaller one. (_See_ KETCH.)

CUTTERS of a ship are broader for their length, deeper and shorter in
proportion than the barge or pinnace; are fitter for sailing, and
commonly employed in carrying light stores, passengers, &c., to and from
the ships; some are clench-built. They generally row ten oars; others of
similar build only four, which last are termed jolly-boats. The cutters
for ships of the line are carvel-built of 25 feet, and fit for anchor
work.

CUTTER-STAY FASHION. The turning-in of a dead-eye with the end of the
shroud down.

CUT THE CABLE, TO. A man[oe]uvre sometimes necessary for making a ship
cast the right way, or when the anchor cannot be weighed.

CUTTIE. A name on our northern coasts for the black guillemot (_Uria
grille_).

CUTTING. The adjusting of a cask or spar, or turning it round.

CUTTING A FEATHER. It is common when a ship has too broad a bow to say,
"She will not cut a feather," meaning that she will not pass through the
water so swift as to make less foam or froth.

CUTTING DOWN. Taking a deck off a ship; as ships of the line are
converted into frigates, the _Royal Sovereign_ into a turret ship,
&c.--_Cutting down_ is also a dangerous midshipman's trick, and
sometimes practised by the men: it consists in cutting the laniard of a
cot or hammock in which a person is then asleep, and letting him
fall--_lumpus_--either by the head or the feet.

CUTTING-DOWN LINE. An elliptical curve line used by shipwrights in the
delineation of ships; it determines the depth of all the floor timbers,
and likewise the height of the dead-wood fore and aft. It is limited in
the middle of the ship by the thickness of the floor timbers, and abaft
by the breadth of the keelson, and must be carried up so high upon the
stern as to leave sufficient substance for the breeches of the rising
timbers.

CUTTING HIS PAINTER. Making off suddenly or clandestinely, or "departed
this life."

CUTTING IN. Making the special directions for taking the blubber off a
whale, which is flinched by taking off circularly ribbons of the skin
with blubber attached; the animal being made to turn in the water as the
purchases at the mast-heads heave it upwards.

CUTTING-OUT. A night-meal or forage in the officer's pantry.

CUTTING OUT OR IN. In polar phraseology, is performed by sawing canals
in a floe of ice, to enable a ship to regain open water.

CUTTING RIGGING. This includes the act of measuring it.

CUTTLE-FISH. A common marine animal of the genus _Sepia_, and class
_Cephalopoda_. It has ten tentacles or arms ranged around the mouth, two
being of much greater length than the others. When in danger it ejects a
black inky substance, darkening the water for some distance around. The
oval internal calcareous shell, "cuttle-bone," often found lying on the
beach, was formerly much used in pharmacy.

CUTTS. Flat-bottomed horse-ferry boats of a former day.

CUTTY-GUN. A northern term for a short pipe.

CUT-WATER. The foremost part of a vessel's prow, or the sharp part of
the knee of a ship's head below the beak. It cuts or divides the water
before reaching the bow, which would retard progress. It is fayed to the
fore-part of the main stem. (_See_ KNEE OF THE HEAD.)

CUVETTE, called also CUNETTE. A deeper trench cut along the middle of a
dry moat; a ditch within a ditch, generally carried down till there be
water to fill it.

CWM, OR COMB. A British word signifying an inlet, valley, or low place,
where the hilly sides round together in a concave form; the sides of a
_glyn_ being, on the contrary, convex.

CYCLE. A term generally applied to an interval of time in which the same
phenomena recur.

CYCLE OF ECLIPSES. A period of about 6586 days, which is the time of a
revolution of the moon's node; after the lapse of this period the
eclipses recur in the same order as before, with few exceptions. This
cycle was known to the ancients under the name of Saros.

CYCLOID. A geometrical curve of the higher kind.

CYCLONE. _See_ TYPHOON.

CYLINDER. The body of a pump; any tubular part of an engine.--_Charge
cylinder_ of a gun, is the part which receives the powder and ball, the
remaining portion being styled the _vacant cylinder_. Especially in
marine steam-engines, the cylindrical metal tube, with a diameter
proportionate to the power of the engine, of which it may be termed the
chief part, since it contains the active steam. Also, a cartridge box
for the service of artillery. (_See_ CARTRIDGE-BOX.)

CYLINDER-COVER. In the steam-engine, is a metal lid with a hole in the
centre for the piston-rod to work through.

CYLINDER CROSS-HEAD. An adaptation on the top of the piston-rod,
stretching out athwart the cylinder, from the ends of which the
side-rods hang.

CYLINDER ESCAPE-VALVES. Small conical valves at each end of the
cylinder, for the purpose of letting off any water that may collect
above or below the piston.

CYLINDER POWDER. That made upon the improved method of charring the wood
to be used as charcoal in iron cylinders. All British government
gunpowder is now made thus.

CYPHERING. A term in carpentry. (_See_ SYPHERED.)




D.


D. In the _Complete Book_, D means dead or deserted; Dsq., discharged
from the service, or into another ship.

DAB. The sea-flounder. An old general term for a pleuronect or flat fish
of any kind, but usually appropriated to the _Platessa limanda_. The
word is familiarly applied to one who is expert in anything.

DABBERLACK. A kind of long sea-weed on our northern coasts.

DAB-CHICK. The little grebe, _Podiceps minor_. A small diving bird
common in lakes and rivers.

DACOITS. _See_ DEKOYTS.

DADDICK. A west-country term for rotten-wood, touch-wood, &c.

DAGEN. A peculiar dirk or poignard.

DAGGAR. An old term for a dog-fish.

DAGGER-KNEE. A substitute for the hanging-knee, applied to the under
side of the lodging-knee; it is placed out of the perpendicular to avoid
a port-hole. Anything placed aslant or obliquely, now generally termed
diagonal, of which, indeed, it is a corruption.

DAGGER-PIECE, OR DAGGER-WOOD. A timber or plank that faces on to the
poppets of the bilge-ways, and crosses them diagonally, to keep them
together. The plank securing the head is called the daggerplank.

DAGGES. An old term for pistols or hand-guns.

DAHLGREN GUN. A modification of the Paixhan gun, introduced into the
United States service by Lieut., now Admiral, Dahlgren, of that navy;
having, in obedience to the results of ingenious experiment on the
varying force of explosion on different parts of a gun, what has been
called the soda-water bottle or pear-shaped form.

DAHM. An Arab or Indian decked boat.

DAILY PROGRESS. A daily return when in port of all particulars relative
to the progress of a ship's equipment.

DAIRS. Small unsaleable fish.

DALE. A trough or spout to carry off water, usually named from the
office it has to perform, as a pump-dale, &c. Also, a place forward, to
save the decks from being wetted, now almost abolished.

DALLOP. A heap or lump in a clumsy state. A large quantity of anything.

DAM. A barrier of stones, stakes, or rubble, constructed to stop or
impede the course of a stream. (_See_ INUNDATIONS and FLOATING DAM.)

DAMASCENED. The mixing of various metals in the Damascus blades, the
kris, or other weapons; sometimes by adding silver, to produce a watered
effect.

DAMASCUS BLADE. Swords famed for the quality and temper of the metal, as
well as the beauty of the _jowhir_, or watering of the blades.

DAMASK. Steel worked in the Damascus style, showing the wavy lines of
the different metals; usually termed watered or twisted.

DAMBER. An old word for lubberly rogue.

DAMELOPRE. An ancient flat-floored vessel belonging to Holland, and
intended to carry heavy cargoes over their shallow waters.

DAMMAH. A kind of turpentine or resin from a species of pine, which is
used in the East Indies for the same purposes to which turpentine and
pitch are applied. It is exported in large quantities from Sumatra to
Bengal and other places, where it is much used for paying seams and the
bottoms of vessels, for which latter purpose it is often mixed with
sulphur, and answers admirably in warm climates.

DAMPER. The means by which the furnace of each boiler in a steamer can
be regulated independently, by increasing or diminishing the draught to
the fire.

DAMSEL. A coast name for the skate-fish.

DANCERS. The coruscations of the aurora. (_See_ MERRY DANCERS.)

DANDIES. Rowers of the budgerow boats on the Ganges.

DANDY. A sloop or cutter with a jigger-mast abaft, on which a
mizen-lug-sail is set.

DANGER. Perils and hazard of the sea. Any rock or shoal which interferes
with navigation.

DANK. Moist, mouldy: a sense in which Shakspeare uses it; also Tusser--

    "_Dank_ ling forgot will quickly rot."

DANKER. A north-country term for a dark cloud.

DANSKERS. Natives of Denmark.

DARBIES. An old cant word for irons or handcuffs; it is still retained.

DARE. An old word for to challenge, or incite to emulation; still in
full use.

DARE-DEVIL. One who fears nothing, and will attempt anything.

DARKENING. Closing of the evening twilight.

DARK GLASSES. Shades fitted to instruments of reflection for preventing
the bright rays of the sun from hurting the eye of the observer.

DARKS. Nights on which the moon does not shine,--much looked to by
smugglers.

DARKY. A common term for a negro.

DARNING THE WATER. A term applied to the action of a fleet cruising to
and fro before a blockaded port.

DARRAG. A Manx or Erse term for a strong fishing-line made of black hair
snoods.

DARSENA. An inner harbour or wet dock in the Mediterranean.

DARTS. Weapons used in our early fleets from the round-tops.

DASH. The present with which bargains are sealed on the coast of Africa.

DASHING. The rolling and breaking of the sea.

DATOO. West wind in the Straits of Gibraltar: very healthy. Also, a
Malay term of rank, and four of whom form the council of the sultan of
the Malayu Islands.

DATUM. The base level.

DAVID'S-STAFF. A kind of quadrant formerly used in navigation.

DAVIE. An old term for davit.

DAVIT. A piece of timber or iron, with sheaves or blocks at its end,
projecting over a vessel's quarter or stern, to hoist up and suspend one
end of a boat.--_Fish-davit_, is a beam of timber, with a roller or
sheave at its end, used as a crane, whereby to hoist the flukes of the
anchor to the top of the bow, without injuring the planks of the ship's
side as it ascends, and called fishing the anchor; the lower end of this
davit rests on the fore-chains, the upper end being properly secured by
a tackle from the mast-head; to which end is hung a large block, and
through it a strong rope is rove, called the fish-pendant, to the outer
end of which is fitted a large hook, and to its inner end a tackle; the
former is called the fish-hook, the latter the fish-tackle. There is
also a davit of a smaller kind, occasionally fixed in the long-boat, and
with the assistance of a small windlass, used to weigh the anchor by the
buoy-rope, &c.

DAVIT-GUYS. Ropes used to steady boats' davits.

DAVIT-ROPE. The lashing which secures the davit to the shrouds when out
of use.

DAVIT-TOPPING-LIFT. A rope made fast to the outer end of a davit, and
rove through a block made fast to a vessel's mast aloft, with a tackle
attached. Usually employed for bringing the anchor in-board.

DAVY JONES. The spirit of the sea; a nikker; a sea-devil.

DAVY JONES'S LOCKER. The ocean; the common receptacle for all things
thrown overboard; it is a phrase for death or the other world, when
speaking of a person who has been buried at sea.

DAW-FISH. The _Scyllium catulus_, a small dog-fish.

DAWK-BOAT. A boat for the conveyance of letters in India; _dawk_ being
the Hindostanee for _mail_.

DAY. The astronomical day is reckoned from noon to noon, continuously
through the twenty-four hours, like the other days. It commences at
noon, twelve hours after the civil day, which itself begins twelve hours
after the nautical day, so that the _noon_ of the civil day, the
_beginning_ of the astronomical day, and the _end_ of the nautical day,
occur at the same moment. (_See the words_ SOLAR and SIDEREAL.)

DAY-BOOK. An old and better name for the log-book; a journal [Fr.]

DAY-MATES. Formerly the mates of the several decks--now abolished.
(_See_ SUB-LIEUTENANT.)

DAY-SKY. The aspect of the sky at day-break, or at twilight.

DAY'S WORK. In navigation, the reckoning or reduction of the ship's
courses and distances made good during twenty-four hours, or from noon
to noon, according to the rules of trigonometry, and thence ascertaining
her latitude and longitude by _dead-reckoning_ (which see).

D-BLOCK. A lump of oak in the shape of a D, bolted to the ship's side in
the channels to reeve the lifts through.

DEAD-ANGLE. In fortification, is an angle receiving no defence, either
by its own fire or that of any other works.

DEAD-CALM. A total cessation of wind; the same as _flat-calm_.

DEAD-DOORS. Those fitted in a rabbet to the outside of the
quarter-gallery doors, with the object of keeping out the sea, in case
of the gallery being carried away.

DEADEN A SHIP'S WAY, TO. To retard a vessel's progress by bracing in the
yards, so as to reduce the effect of the sails, or by backing minor
sails. Also, when sounding to luff up and shake all, to obtain a cast of
the deep-sea lead.

DEAD-EYE, OR DEAD MAN'S EYE. A sort of round flattish wooden block, or
oblate piece of elm, encircled, and fixed to the channels by the
chain-plate: it is pierced with three holes through the flat part, in
order to receive a rope called the laniard, which, corresponding with
three holes in another dead-eye on the shroud end, creates a purchase to
set up and extend the shrouds and stays, backstays, &c., of the standing
and top-mast rigging. The term _dead_ seems to have been used because
there is no revolving sheave to lessen the friction. In merchant-ships
they are generally fitted with iron-plates, in the room of chains,
extending from the vessel's side to the top of the rail, where they are
connected with the rigging. The dead-eyes used for the stays have only
one hole, which, however, is large enough to receive ten or twelve turns
of the laniard--these are generally termed _hearts_, on account of their
shape. The _crowfeet dead-eyes_ are long cylindrical blocks with a
number of small holes in them, to receive the legs or lines composing
the crow-foot. Also called _uvrous_.

DEAD-FLAT. The timber or frame possessing the greatest breadth and
capacity in the ship: where several timbers are thrown in, of the same
area, the middle one is reckoned a dead-flat, about one third of the
length of the ship from the head. It is generally distinguished as the
midship-bend.

DEAD-FREIGHT. The sum to which a merchant is liable for goods which he
has failed to ship.

DEAD-HEAD. A kind of _dolphin_ (which see). Also, a rough block of wood
used as an anchor-buoy.

DEAD-HEADED. Timber trees which have ceased growing.

DEAD-HORSE. A term applied by seamen to labour which has been paid for
in advance. When they commence earning money again, there is in some
merchant ships a ceremony performed of dragging round the decks an
effigy of their fruitless labour in the shape of a horse, running him up
to the yard-arm, and cutting him adrift to fall into the sea amidst loud
cheers.

DEAD-LIFT. The moving of a very inert body.

DEAD-LIGHTS. Strong wooden shutters made exactly to fit the cabin
windows externally; they are fixed on the approach of bad weather. Also,
luminous appearances sometimes seen over putrescent bodies.

DEAD-LOWN. A completely still atmosphere.

DEAD-MEN. The reef or gasket-ends carelessly left dangling under the
yard when the sail is furled, instead of being tucked in.

DEAD-MEN'S EFFECTS. When a seaman dies on board, or is drowned, his
effects are sold at the mast by auction, and the produce charged against
the purchasers' names on the ship's books.

DEAD-MONTHS. A term for winter.

DEAD-ON-END. The wind blowing directly adverse to the vessel's intended
course.

DEAD-PAY. That given formerly in shares, or for names borne, but for
which no one appears, as was formerly practised with _widows' men_.

DEAD-RECKONING. The estimation of the ship's place without any
observation of the heavenly bodies; it is discovered from the distance
she has run by the log, and the courses steered by the compass, then
rectifying these data by the usual allowance for current, lee-way, &c.,
according to the ship's known trim. This reckoning, however, should be
corrected by astronomical observations of the sun, moon, and stars,
whenever available, proving the importance of practical astronomy.

DEAD-RISING. In ship-building, is that part of a ship which lies aft
between the keel and her floor-timbers towards the stern-post; generally
it is applied to those parts of the bottom, throughout the ship's
length, where the sweep or curve at the head of the floor-timber
terminates, or inflects to join the keel. (_See_ RISING-LINE.)

DEAD-ROPES. Those which do not run in any block.

DEAD-SHARES. An allowance formerly made to officers of the fleet, from
fictitious numbers borne on the complement (_temp._ Henry VIII.),
varying from fifty shares for an admiral, to half a share for the cook's
mate.

DEAD-SHEAVE. A scored aperture in the heel of a top-mast, through which
a second top-tackle pendant can be rove. It is usually a section of a
lignum-vitæ sheave let in, so as to avoid chafe.

DEAD-TICKET. Persons dying on board, those discharged from the service,
and all officers promoted, are cleared from the ship's books by a
dead-ticket, which must be filled up in a similar manner to the
_sick-ticket_ (which see).

DEAD UPON A WIND. Braced sharp up and bowlines hauled.

DEAD-WATER. The eddy-water under the counter of a ship under way; so
called because passing away slower than the water alongside. A ship is
said to _make much dead-water_ when she has a great eddy following her
stern, often occasioned by her having a square tuck. A vessel with a
round buttock at her line of floatation can have but little dead-water,
the rounding abaft allowing the fluid soon to recover its state of rest.

DEAD WEIGHT. A vessel's lading when it consists of heavy goods, but
particularly such as pay freight according to their weight and not their
_stowage_.

DEAD WOOD. Certain blocks of timber, generally oak, fayed on the upper
side of the keel, particularly at the extremities before and abaft,
where these pieces are placed upon each other to a considerable height,
because the ship is there so narrow as not to admit of the two half
timbers, which are therefore scored into this dead wood, where the angle
of the floor-timbers gradually diminishes on approaching the stem and
stern-post. In the fore-part of the ship the dead wood generally extends
from the stemson, upon which it is scarphed, to the loof-frame; and in
the after-end, from the stern-post, where it is confined by the knee, to
the after balance frame. It is connected to the keel by strong spike
nails. The dead wood afore and abaft is equal in depth to two-thirds of
the depth of the keel, and as broad as can be procured, not exceeding
the breadth of the keel, _i.e._ continued as high as the _cutting-down_
line in both bodies, to afford a stepping for the heels of the cant
timbers.

DEAD-WOOD KNEES. The upper foremost and aftermost pieces of dead wood;
being crooked pieces of timber, the bolting of which connects the keel
with the stem and stern posts.

DEAD WORKS. All that part of the ship which is above water when she is
laden. The same as _upper work_, or _supernatant_ (which see).

DEAL BEACH. This coast consists of gravelly shingle; and a man who is
pock-marked, or in galley-cant cribbage-faced, is figuratively said to
have been rolled on Deal beach.

DEAL-ENDS. Applied to deal-planks when under 6 feet in length.

DEATH OR MONEY BOATS. So termed from the risk in such frail craft. They
were very long, very narrow, and as thin as the skiffs of our rivers.
During the war of 1800-14 they carried gold between Dover and Calais,
and defied the custom-house officers.

DEATH-WOUND. A law-term for the starting of a butt end, or springing a
fatal leak. A ship had received her death-wound, but by pumping was kept
afloat till three days after the time she was insured for: it was
determined that the risk was at an end before the loss happened, and
that the insurer was not liable.

DEBARK, TO. To land; to go on shore.

DEBENTURE. A custom-house certificate given to the exporter of goods, on
which a bounty or drawback is allowed. Also, a general term for a bill
or bond.

DEBOUCHE. The mouth of a river, outlet of a wood, defile, or narrow
pass. In military language, troops defile or march out from.

DECAGON. A plane geometrical figure that has ten equal sides, and as
many equal angles.

DECAMP, TO. To raise the camp; the breaking up from a place where an
army has been encamped.

DECEPTIO VISUS. Any extraordinary instance of deception to the sight,
occasioned by the effects of atmospheric media. (_See_ TERRESTRIAL
REFRACTION and MIRAGE.)

DECIMATION. The punishing every tenth soldier by lot, was truly
_decimatio legionis_.

DECIME. A small copper coin of France, equal to two sous, or one-tenth
of a franc.

DECK, TO. A word formerly in use for to trim, as "we deckt up our
sails."

DECK-BEAM KNEES. The same as _lodging-knees_.

DECK-BEAMS. _See_ BEAMS.

DECK-CARGO, otherwise _deck-load_ (which see).

DECK-CLEATS. Pieces of wood temporarily nailed to the deck to secure
objects in bad weather, as guns, deck-load, &c.

DECK-HOOK. The compass timber bolted horizontally athwart a ship's bow,
connecting the stem, timbers, and deck-planks of the fore-part; it is
part and parcel of the _breast-hooks_.

DECK-HOUSE. An oblong-house on the deck of some merchantmen, especially
east-country vessels, and latterly in passenger steamers, with a gangway
on each side of it. (Sometimes termed _round-house_.)

DECK-LOAD. Timber, casks, or other cargo not liable to damage from wet,
stowed on the deck of merchant vessels. This, with the exception of
carboys of vitriol, is not included in a general policy of insurance on
goods, unless it be specially stipulated.

DECK-NAILS. A kind of spike with a snug head, commonly made in a diamond
form; they are single or double deck-nails, and from 4 to 12 inches
long.

DECK-PIPE. An iron pipe through which the chain cable is paid into the
chain-locker.

DECK-PUMPS. In a steamer, are at the side of the vessel, worked with a
lever by manual power, to supply additional water. In a ship-of-war,
used for washing decks (one of the midship pumps).

DECKS. The platforms laid longitudinally over the transverse beams; in
ships of war they support the guns. The terms in use for these decks
are, assuming the largest ship of the line:--_Poop_, the deck which
includes from the mizen-mast to the taffrail. The _upper_ or
_spar-deck_, from stem to stern, having conventional divisions; as,
_quarter-deck_, which is, when clear for action, the space abaft the
main-mast, including the cabin; next, _the waist_, between the fore and
main masts, on which the spars and booms are secured. In some ships guns
are continued (always in flush-decked ships) along the gangway; then
_the forecastle_, which commences on the gangway, from the main-tack
chock forward to the bows. Small craft, as brigs and corvettes, are
sometimes fitted with top-gallant forecastles, to shelter the men from
heavy seas which wash over. Next, the _main or gun-deck_, the entire
length of the ship. It is also divided conventionally into the various
cabins, the waist (under the gangway), the galley, from the
fore-hatchway to the sick bay, and bows. Next below, is the _middle
deck_ of a three-decker, or _lower_ of a two-decker, succeeded by lower
deck and the orlop-deck, which carries no guns. The guns on these
several decks increase in size and number from the poop downwards. Thus,
although a vessel termed a three-decker was rated 120 guns, the fact
stood thus:--

                            Guns.      Pounders.        lbs.
 Poop,                       10           24             240
 Quarter-deck,               22           24 long    }   848
 Forecastle,                 10           32 cans.   }
 Main-deck,                  34           24             816
 Middle,                     36           24             864
 Lower,                      36           32            1152
                           ----                         ----
                            148                         3920
                                                        ----
                                           Broadside of 1960

But latterly, 56 and 84 pounders on the lower, and 32 on the middle,
afforded a heavier weight of broadside. The _Santissima Trinidada_,
taken from the Spaniards, carried four whole tiers of guns. Now, the
tonnage of the largest of these would be insignificant. "Deckers" are
exploded, and a _Pallas_ of the same tonnage (2372) carries 8 guns, a
_Bellerophon_ (4272) carries 18 guns, ranging in size, however, from the
64-pounder up to the 300-pounder.--_Flush-deck_, or deck flush fore and
aft, implies a continued floor laid from stem to stern, upon one line,
without any stops or intervals.--_Half-deck._ In the Northumberland
colliers the steerage itself is called the half-deck, and is usually the
habitation of the ship's crew.

DECK-SEAM. The interstices between the planks.

DECK-SHEET. That sheet of a studding-sail which leads directly to the
deck, by which it is steadied until set; it is also useful in taking it
in, should the down-haul be carried away.

DECK STANDARD-KNEES. Iron knees having two tails, the one going on the
bottom of a deck-beam, the other on the top of a hold-beam, while the
middle part is bolted to the ship's side.

DECK-STOPPER. (_See_ STOPPER OF THE CABLE.) A strong stopper used for
securing the cable forward of the capstan or windlass while it is
overhauled. Also abaft the windlass or bitts to prevent more cable from
running out.

DECK-TACKLE. A purchase led along the decks.

DECLARATION OF WAR. A ceremonial frequently omitted, and esteemed by the
greatest authorities rather a proof of magnanimity than a duty. The
Romans proclaimed it; but except Achaia, none of the Grecian states did.
It would be to the interests of humanity and courtesy were it made
indispensable. It has been held (especially in the case of the _Leopard_
and _Chesapeake_) that without a declaration of war, no hostile act at
the order of an admiral is legal.

DECLINATION, of a celestial object, is the arc between its centre and
the equinoctial: with the sun, it is its angular distance from the
equator, either north or south, and is named accordingly.

DECLINATION, TO CORRECT. A cant phrase for taking a glass of grog at
noon, when the day's works are being reduced.

DECOY. So to change the aspect of a ship-of-war by striking a
topgallant-mast, setting ragged sails, disfiguring the sides by
whitewash or gunpowder, yellow, &c., as to induce a vessel of inferior
force to chase; when, getting within gun-shot range, she becomes an easy
capture. Similar man[oe]uvres are sometimes used by a single ship to
induce an enemy's squadron to follow her into the view of her own fleet.

DEEP. A word figuratively applied to the ocean. On the coast of Germany,
to the northward of Friesland, it is of the same import as gulf on the
coasts of France, Spain, Italy, &c. Also, any depth over 20
fathoms.--_Deep-sea fishing._ In contradistinction to coast, or when the
hand-lead reaches bottom at 20 fathoms.--_Hand deeps._ Out of ordinary
leadsman's sounding.--A vessel is deep as regards her lading, and is
also said to sail deep when her expenses run high.

DEEPENING. Running from shoal water by the lead.

DEEP-SEA LINE. Usually a strong and water-laid line. It is used with
a lead of 28 lbs., and adapted to find bottom in 200 fathoms or more.
It is marked by knots every ten fathoms, and by a small knot every
five. The marks are now nearly superseded by Massey's patent
sounding-machine.--_Marks and Deeps_, &c., _see_ LEAD and LINE.

DEEP-WAIST. That part of the open skids between the main and fore drifts
in men-of-war. It also relates to the remaining part of a ship's deck,
when the quarter-deck and forecastle are much elevated above the level
of the main-deck, so as to leave a vacant space, called the waist, on
the middle of the upper deck, as in many packets.

DEESE. An east-country term for a place where herrings are dried.

DEFAULTER'S BOOK. Where men's offences are registered against them, and
may be magnified without appeal.

DEFECTS. An official return of the state of a ship as to what is
required for her hull and equipment, and what repairs she stands in need
of. Upon this return a ship is ordered to sea, into harbour, into dock,
or paid out of commission.

DEFICIENCY. What is wanting of a ship's cargo at the time of delivery.

DEFILADE. In fortification, is the art of so disposing defensive works,
_on irregular or commanded sites_, that the troops within them shall be
covered from the direct fire of the enemy.

DEFILE. A narrow pass between two heights, which obliges a force
marching through to narrow its front. This may prove disastrous if
attacked, on account of the difficulty of receiving aid from the rear.

DEFILING. Filing off, marching past.

DEFINITIVE. Conclusive; decisive.

DEFLECTION. The tendency of a ship from her true course; the departure
of the magnetic needle from its true bearing, when influenced by iron or
the local attraction of the mass. In artillery, the deviation of a shot
from the direction in which it is fired. The term is usually reserved to
lateral deviations, especially those resulting from irregular
causes--those constant ones due to the regular motion of rifled
projectiles coming under either of the designations "constant
deflection," "derivation," borrowed from the French, or "drift," from
the Americans. These latter, according to the direction usually given to
the rifling in the present day, all tend away to the right, though they
include some subordinate curves not yet distinctly determined.

DEFORMED BASTION. One out of shape from the irregularity of its lines
and angles.

DEGRADATION. Debasement and disgrace. The suspension of a petty officer
from his station; and also the depriving an officer or soldier of his
arms previous to his being delivered over to the civil power for
execution.

DEGREE. A degree of longitude is the 1-360th part of the great
equatorial circle, or any circle parallel to it. A degree of latitude is
the 90th part of the quadrant, or quarter of a great meridional circle.
Each degree is divided into 60 minutes, and each minute into 60 seconds,
according to the sexagesimal division of the circle. Also, rank or
condition.

DEKOYTS, OR DACOITS. Robbers in India, and also pirates who infested the
rivers between Calcutta and Burhampore, but now suppressed by the
improved system of river police, and the establishment of fast rowing
boats of light draught.

DEL. Saxon for part.--_Del a bit_, not a bit, a phrase much altered for
the worse by those not aware of its antiquity.

DEL CREDERE. A percentage on a cargo, under particular circumstances of
trust. Also, the commission under which brokers sometimes guarantee to
the insured the solvency of the underwriters.

DELEGATES. Not heard of in the navy since the mutiny at the Nore.

DELFYN. The old form of spelling _dolphin_.

DELICTUM. To be actual, must unite intention and act.

DELIVER. To yield, to rescue, to deliver battle, to deliver a broadside,
a shot, or a blow. Also, to take goods from the ship to the shore. To
discharge a cargo from a vessel into the keeping of its consignees.

DELIVERED. The state of the harpoon when imbedded in the body of a fish,
so that the barbs hold fast.

DELIVERERS. Particular artificers employed in our early ships of war, in
constructing the castles.

DELL. A narrow valley, ravine, or small dale.

DELTA. A name given by the Greeks to the alluvial tract inclosed between
the bifurcating branches of the Nile and the sea-line. It is well known
that rivers which deposit great quantities of matter, do also very often
separate into two or more branches, previous to their discharge into the
sea; thus forming triangular spaces, aptly called _deltas_ from their
resemblance to the Greek letter {D}.

All deltas appear by their section to be formed of matter totally
different from that of the adjacent country. They are the creation of
the rivers themselves, which, having brought down with their floods vast
quantities of mud and sand from the upper lands, deposit them in the
lowest place, the sea; at whose margin, the current which has hitherto
impelled them ceasing, they are deposited by the mere action of gravity.
This is particularly illustrated on the western coast of Africa by the
shoals off the Rio Grande, Rio Nunez, and others. The coast, as well as
the embouchures of the rivers, exhibit a deposit of deep mud, and yet
far at sea banks of clean siliceous sand arise.

DEMAND. The official paper by which stores are desired for a ship, the
making out of which is the duty of the officer in whose charge the
stores will be placed: they must be approved by the captain and admiral
before being presented to the dockyard authorities. Also, whence from?
where bound?

DEMI-BASTION. In fortification, a bastion which has a flank on one side
only.

DEMI-CANNON. An ancient name for a gun carrying a ball of 33 pounds
weight, with a length of from 12 to 14 feet, and a diameter of bore of
6-1/2 inches; its point-blank range was estimated at 162 paces, and its
random one at 2000.

DEMI-CULVERIN. An ancient cannon which threw a ball of 9 pounds weight,
was about 9 feet long, and 4 inches in diameter of bore; its point-blank
range was called 174 paces, and its random one about 1800.

DEMIHAG. A long pistol, much used in the sixteenth century.

DEMILANCE. A light horseman, who carried a light lance.

DEMILUNE. In fortification, the outwork, more properly called a
_ravelin_ (which see).

DEMI-REVETMENT. In fortification, that form of retaining wall for the
face of a rampart which is only carried up as high as cover exists in
front of it, leaving above it the remaining height, in the form of an
earthen mound at its natural slope, exposed to, but invulnerable by
shot.

DEMONSTRATION-SHIPS. Those kept in a certain state of preparation for
war, though on a peace establishment.

DEMURRAGE. The compensation due to a ship-owner from a freighter for
unduly delaying his vessel in port beyond the time specified in the
charter-party or bill of lading. It is in fact an extended freight. A
ship unjustly detained, as a prize, is entitled to demurrage. Vessels
chartered to convey government stores have a term given for discharge by
government aid. If not delivered within that period, demurrage, as
stated in the document, is paid per diem for any "unavoidable delay."

DEN. A sandy tract near the sea, as at Exmouth and other places.

DEN AND STROND. A liberty for ships or vessels to run or come ashore.
Edward I. granted this privilege to the barons of the Cinque Ports.

DE NAUTICO F[OE]NORE. Of nautical usury; bottomry.

DENE. The Anglo-Saxon _dæne_; implying a kind of hollow or ravine
through which a rivulet runs, the banks on either side being studded
with trees.

DENEB. The bright star in the constellation Cygnus, well known as a
standard nautical star.

DENSITY. The weight of a body in comparison with its bulk.

DENTICE. An excellent fish, so named from being well furnished with
teeth. It is of the _Sparidæ_ family, and frequents the Adriatic.

DEPARTMENT. A term by which the divisions in the public services are
distinguished, as the civil, the commissariat, the military, the naval,
the victualling, &c.

DEPARTURE. The bearing of an object on the coast from which a vessel
commences her dead-reckoning and takes her departure. The distance of
any two places lying on the same parallel counted in miles of the
equator.

DEPOT. A magazine in which military stores are deposited. Also, a
company left in England for the purpose of recruiting when regiments are
ordered abroad.

DEPRESS. The order to adjust the quoin in great-gun exercise; to depress
the muzzle to point at an object below the level, in contradistinction
to elevate.

DEPRESSED POLE. That end of the earth's axis which is below the horizon
of the spectator according to his being in the northern or southern
hemisphere. Also applied to the stars. (_See_ POLAR DISTANCE.)

DEPRESSION, OF THE HORIZON. (_See_ DIP.) In artillery, the angle below
the horizon at which the axis of a gun is laid in order to strike an
object on a lower level. The depression required in batteries of very
elevated site (those of Gibraltar for example), for the laying the guns
on near vessels, is so great as to necessitate a peculiar carriage.

DEPTH OF A SAIL. The extent of the square sails from the head-rope to
the foot-rope, or the length of the after-leech of a staysail or
boom-sail; in other words, it is the extent of the longest cloth of
canvas in any sail.

DEPTH OF HOLD. The height between the floor and the lower-deck; it is
therefore one of the principal dimensions given for the construction of
a ship. It varies, of course, according to the end for which she is
designed, trade or war.

DERELICT [Lat. _derelictus_, abandoned]. Anything abandoned at sea. A
ship is derelict either by consent or by compulsion, stress of weather,
&c., and yet, to save the owner's rights, if any cat, dog, or other
domestic animal be found on board alive, it is not forfeited. The owner
may yet recover, on payment of salvage, within a year and a
day--otherwise the whole may be awarded. (_See_ SALVAGE.)

DERIVATION. In artillery, the constant deflection of a rifled
projectile. (_See_ DEFLECTION.)

DERRICK. A single spar, supported by stays and guys, to which a purchase
is attached, used in loading and unloading vessels. Also, a small crane
either inside or outside of a ship.

DERRICK, TO. A cant term for setting out on a small not over-creditable
enterprise. The act is said to be named from a Tyburn executioner.

DERRING-DO. A Spenserian term for deeds of arms.

DESCENDING NODE. _See_ NODES.

DESCENDING SIGNS. Those in which the sun appears to descend from the
north pole, or in which his motion in declination is towards the south.

DESCENDING SQUALL. A fitful gust of wind issuing from clouds which are
formed in the lower parts of the atmosphere. It is usually accompanied
with heavy showers, and the weatherwise observe that the squall is
seldom so violent when it is followed as when it is preceded by rain.
(_See_ WHITE SQUALL as a forerunner.)

DESCENSION. The same as _oblique ascension_ (which see).

DESCENT. The landing of troops for the purpose of invading a country.
The passage down a river.

DESCRIPTION-BOOK. A register in which the age, place of birth, and
personal description of the crew are recorded.

DESERT. An extensive tract, either absolutely sterile, or having no
other vegetation than small patches of grass or shrubs. Many portions of
the present deserts seem to be reclaimable.

DESERTER. One that quits his ship or the service without leave. He is
marked R (_run_) on the books, and any clothes or other effects he may
have left on board are sold by auction at the mast, and the produce
borne to account.

DESERTION. The act of quitting the Army or Navy without leave, with
intention not to return.

DESERTION-MONEY. The sum of three pounds paid to him who apprehends a
deserter, which is charged against the offender's growing pay--his wages
for previous service having become forfeited from his having _run_.

DESTROYING PAPERS. A ground of condemnation in the Admiralty court.

DETACHED. On detached service. A squadron may be detached under a
commodore or senior officer.

DETACHED BASTION. A bastion cut off by a ditch about its gorge from the
body of the place, which latter is thus rendered in a degree independent
of the fall of the former.

DETACHED ESCARP. An escarp wall, originally invented by Carnot, and
revived by the Prussians, removed some distance to the front of the
rampart; which latter, being finished exteriorly at the natural slope of
the earth, remains effective after the destruction of the wall by a
besieger. It was at first intended, being kept low and covered by a near
counterguard, to offer extraordinary difficulties to the besieger's
breaching batteries; but improved artillery has nullified that supposed
advantage.

DETACHED WORKS. Works included in the scheme of defence of a fortress,
but separated from it, and beyond the glacis.

DETACHMENT. A force detached from the main body for employment on any
particular service.

DETAIL OF DUTY. The captain's night orders.

DETENTION OF A VESSEL: on just ground, as supposed war, suspicious
papers, undue number of men, found hovering, or cargo not in conformity
with papers or law.

DETONATING HAMMER. A modern introduction into the Royal Navy for firing
the guns. With the aid of an attached laniard, it is made to descend
forcibly upon the percussion arm of the tube, and fires the piece
instantaneously. It is, however, already generally superseded by the use
of the _friction-tube_ (which see).

DEVIATION. A voluntary departure from the usual course of the voyage,
without any necessary or justifiable cause: a step which discharges the
insurers from further responsibility. Liberty to touch, stay, or trade
in any particular place not in the usual course of the voyage must be
expressly specified in the contract, and even this is subordinate to the
voyage. The cases of necessity which justify deviation are--1, stress of
weather; 2, urgent want of repairs; 3, to join convoy; 4, succouring
ships in distress; 5, avoiding capture or detention; 6, sickness; 7,
mutiny of the crew. It differs from a _change_ of voyage, which must
have been resolved upon before the sailing of the ship. (_See_
CHANGE.)--_Deviation_ is also the attraction of a ship's iron on the
needle. It is a term recently introduced to distinguish a sort of second
variation to be allowed for in iron vessels.

DEVIL. A sort of priming made by damping and bruising gunpowder.

DEVIL-BOLTS. Those with false clenches, often introduced into
contract-built ships.

DEVIL-FISH. The _Lophius piscatorius_, a hideous creature, which has
also obtained the name of fish-frog, monk-fish, bellows-fish, sea-devil,
and other appellatives significant of its ugliness and bad manners.
There is also a powerful _Raia_, which grows to an immense size in the
tropics, known as the devil-fish, the terror of the pearl-divers.
_Manta_ of Spaniards.

DEVILRY. Spirited roguery; wanton mischief, short of crime.

DEVIL'S CLAW. A very strong kind of split hook made to grasp a link of a
chain cable, and used as a stopper.

DEVIL'S SMILES. Gleams of sunshine among dark clouds, either in the
heavens or captain's face!

DEVIL'S TABLE-CLOTH. _See_ TABLE-CLOTH.

DEVIL TO PAY AND NO PITCH HOT. The seam which margins the water-ways was
called the "devil," why only caulkers can tell, who perhaps found it
sometimes difficult for their tools. The phrase, however, means service
expected, and no one ready to perform it. Impatience, and naught to
satisfy it.

DEW-POINT. A meteorological term for the degree of temperature at which
the moisture of the atmosphere would begin to precipitate; it may be
readily ascertained by means of the hygrometer.

DHOLL. A kind of dried split pea supplied in India to the navy.

DHONY, OR DHONEY. A country trading-craft of India from 50 to 150 tons;
mostly flat-bottomed. (_See_ DONEY.)

DHOW. The Arab dhow is a vessel of about 150 to 250 tons burden by
measurement--grab-built, with ten or twelve ports; about 85 feet long
from stem to stern, 20 feet 9 inches broad, and 11 feet 6 inches deep.
Of late years this description of vessel has been well built at Cochin,
on the Malabar coast, in the European style. They have a great rise of
floor; are calculated for sailing with small cargoes; and are fully
prepared, by internal equipment, for defence--many of them are sheathed
on 2-1/2-inch plank bottoms, with 1-inch board, and the preparation of
chunam and oil, called _galgal_, put between; causing the vessel to be
very dry and durable, and preventing the encroachments of the worm or
_Teredo navalis_. The worm is one of the greatest enemies in India to
timber _in_ the water, as the white ant (_termites_) is out of it. On
the outside of the sheathing board there is a coat of whitewash, made
from the same materials as that between the sheathing and planks, and
renewed every season they put to sea. They have generally one mast and a
lateen sail. The yard is the length of the vessel aloft, and the mast
rakes forward, for the purpose of keeping this ponderous weight clear in
raising and lowering. The tack of the sail is brought to the stem-head,
and sheets aft in the usual way. The halyards lead to the taffrail,
having a pendant and treble purchase block, which becomes the backstay,
to support the mast when the sail is set. This, with three pairs of
shrouds, completes the rigging, the whole made of _coir_ rope. Several
of these vessels were fitted as brigs, after their arrival in Arabia,
and armed by the Arabs for cruising in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf, as
piratical vessels. It was of this class of vessel that Tippoo Sultan's
navy at Onore consisted. The large dhows generally make one voyage in
the season, to the southward of Arabia; taking advantage of the
north-east monsoon to come down, and the south-west to return with an
exchange cargo. The Arabs who man them are a powerful well-grown people,
and very acute and intelligent in trade. They usually navigate their
ships to Bengal in perfect safety, and with great skill. This was well
known to Captain Collier and his officers of the _Liverpool_ frigate,
when they had the trial cruise with the Imam of Muscat's fine frigate in
1820.

DIACLE. An old term for a boat-compass.

DIAGONAL BRACES, knees, planks, &c., are such as cross a vessel's
timbers obliquely. (_See_ DIAGONAL TRUSSING.)

DIAGONAL RIBBAND. A narrow plank made to a line formed on the
half-breadth plan, by taking the intersections of the diagonal line with
the timbers. (_See_ RIBBANDS.)

DIAGONALS. A line cutting the body-plan diagonally from the timbers to
the middle line. Diagonals are the several lines on the draughts,
delineating the station of the harpings and ribs, to form the body by.

DIAGONAL TRUSSING. A particular method of binding and strengthening a
vessel internally by a series of riders and truss-pieces placed
diagonally.

DIAMETER. In geometry, a right line passing through the centre of any
circular figure from one point of its circumference to another.

DIAMETER, APPARENT. The angle which the diameter of a heavenly body
subtends at any time, varying inversely with its distance. The true is
the real diameter, commonly expressed in miles.

DIAMOND-CUT. _See_ RHOMBUS.

DIAMOND-KNOT. An ornamental knot worked with the strands of a rope,
sometimes used for bucket-strops, on the foot-ropes of jib-booms,
man-ropes, &c.

DIBBS. A galley term for ready money. Also, a small pool of water.

DICE. _See_ DYCE.

DICHOTOMIZED. A term applied to the moon, when her longitude differs 90°
from that of the sun, in which position only half her disc is
illuminated.

DICKADEE. A northern name for the sand-piper.

DICK-A-DILVER. A name for the periwinkle on our eastern coasts.

DICKER-WORK. The timbering of tide-harbours in the Channel. Wattling
between piles.

DICKEY. An officer acting in commission.--_It's all dickey with him._
It's all up with him.

DIDDLE, TO. To deceive.

DIEGO. A very strong and heavy sword.

DIE ON THE FIN, TO. An expression applied to whales, which when dying
rise to the surface, after the final dive, with one side uppermost.

DIET. The regulated food for patients in sick-bays and hospitals.

DIFFERENCE. An important army term, meaning firstly the sum to be paid
by officers when exchanging from the half to full pay; and, secondly,
the price or difference in value of the several commissions.

DIFFERENCE OF LATITUDE. The distance between any two places on the same
meridian, or the difference between the parallels of latitude of any two
places expressed in miles of the equator.

DIFFERENCE OF LONGITUDE. The difference of any place from another
eastward or westward, counted in degrees of the equator: that is, the
difference between two places is an arc of the equator contained between
their meridians, but measured in space on the parallel. Thus the
difference of a degree of longitude in miles of the meridian would be--

 At 20° lat.            56·4 miles
  " 40   "              38·6   "
  " 60   "              30·0   "
  " 80   "              10·4   "

DIFFERENTIAL OBSERVATION. Taking the differences of right ascension and
declination between a comet and a star, the position of which has been
already determined.

DIFFICULTY. A word unknown to true salts.

DIGHT [from the Anglo-Saxon _diht_, arranging or disposing]. Now applied
to dressing or preparing for muster; setting things in order.

DIGIT. A twelfth part of the diameter; a term employed to denote the
magnitude of an eclipse; as, so many _digits eclipsed_.

DIKE. _See_ DYKE.

DILL. An edible dark brown sea-weed, torn from the rocks at low-water.

DILLOSK. The dried leaves of an edible sea-weed. (_See_ DULCE and
PEPPER-DULSE.)

DILLY-WRECK. A common corruption of _derelict_ (which see).

DIME. An American silver coin, in value the tenth of a dollar.

DIMINISHED ANGLE. In fortification, that formed by the exterior side and
the line of defence.

DIMINISHING PLANK. The same as _diminishing stuff_ (which see).

DIMINISHING STRAKES. _See_ BLACK-STRAKE.

DIMINISHING STUFF. In ship-building, the planking wrought under the
wales, where it is thinned progressively to the thickness of the bottom
plank.

DIMINUTION OF OBLIQUITY. A slow approximation of the planes of the
ecliptic and the equator, at the present rate of 0·485" annually.

DIMSEL. A piece of stagnant water, larger than a pond and less than a
lake.

DING, TO. To dash down or throw with violence.

DING-DONG. Ships firing into each other in good earnest.

DINGHEY. A small boat of Bombay, propelled by paddles, and fitted with a
settee sail, the mast raking forwards; also, the boats in use on the
Hooghly; also, a small extra boat in men-of-war and merchant ships.

DINGLE. A hollow vale-like space between two hills. A clough; also, a
sort of boat used in Ireland, a coracle.

DINNAGE. _See_ DUNNAGE.

DIP. The inclination of the magnetic needle towards the earth. (_See_
DIPPING-NEEDLE.) Also, the smallest candle formerly issued by the
purser.

DIP, TO. To lower. An object is said to be dipping when by refraction it
is visible just above the horizon. Also, to quit the deck suddenly.

DIP OF THE HORIZON. The angle contained between the sensible and
apparent horizons, the angular point being the eye of the observer; or
it is an allowance made in all astronomical observations of altitude for
the height of the eye above the level of the sea.

DIPPED. The limb of the sun or moon as it instantly dips below the
horizon.

DIPPER. A name for the water-ousel (_Cinclus aquaticus_). A bird of the
Passerine order, but an expert diver, frequenting running streams in
mountainous countries.

DIPPING-LADLE. A metal ladle for taking boiling pitch from the cauldron.

DIPPING-NEEDLE. An instrument for ascertaining the amount of the
magnet's inclination towards the earth; it is so delicately suspended,
that, instead of vibrating horizontally, one end _dips_ or yields to the
vertical force. This instrument has been so perfected by Mr. R. W. Fox
of Falmouth, that even at sea in the heaviest gales of wind the dip
could instantly, by magnetic deflectors, be ascertained to _minutes_,
far beyond what heretofore could be elicited from the most expensive
instruments, observed over 365 days on shore.

DIPPING-NET. A small net used for taking shad and other fish out of the
water.

DIPS. _See_ LEAD-LINE.

DIP-SECTOR. An ingenious instrument for measuring the true dip of the
horizon, invented by Dr. Wollaston, and very important, not only where
the nature and quantity of the atmospherical refraction are to be
examined, but for ascertaining the rates of chronometers, and the exact
latitude in those particular regions where accidental refractions are
very great, for the difference between the calculated dip and that
observed by the sector may exceed three minutes. It is a reflecting
instrument, of small compass, but requiring patience and practice in its
use.

DIPSY. The float of a fishing-line.

DIRECT-ACTING ENGINE. A steam engine in which the connecting rod is led
at once from the head of the piston to the crank, thus communicating the
rotatory motion without the intervention of side-levers.

DIRECT FIRE. One of the five varieties into which artillerists usually
divide _horizontal fire_ (which see).

DIRECTION OR SET OF THE WIND AND CURRENT. These are opposite terms; the
direction of the winds and waves being named from the point of the
compass _whence_ they come; but the direction of a current is the point
_towards_ which it runs. A current running to leeward is said to have a
_leeward set_, the opposite is a _windward set_.

DIRECTION. _See_ ARC OF DIRECTION.

DIRECT MOTION. _See_ MOTION.

DIRK. A small _do-little_ sword or dagger, formerly worn by junior naval
officers on duty.

DIRT-GABARD. A large ballast-lighter.

DIRTY AULIN. A name for the arctic skua (_Cataractes parasiticus_), a
sea-bird, allied to the gulls.

DIRTY DOG AND NO SAILOR OR SOLDIER. A mean, spiritless, and utterly
useless rascal.

DISABLED. To be placed _hors de combat_ by the weather or an enemy.

DISAPPOINT. To counterwork an enemy's operations in mining.

DISARM. To deprive people of their weapons and ammunition.

DISBANDED. When the officers and men of a regiment are dismissed, on a
reduction of the army.

DISC, OR DISK. In nautical astronomy, the circular visible surface
presented by any celestial body to the eye of the observer.

DISCARCARE. [Ital.] An old term meaning to unlade a vessel.

DISCHARGED. When applied to a ship, signifies when she is unladen. When
expressed of the officers or crew, it implies that they are disbanded
from immediate service; and in individual cases, that the person is
dismissed in consequence of long service, disability, or at his own
request. When spoken of cannon, it means that it is fired off.

DISCHARGE-TICKET. On all foreign stations men are discharged by _foreign
remove-tickets_, and in other cases by _dead_, _sick_, or _unserviceable
ticket_, whether at home or abroad.

DISCHARGE-VALVE. In the marine engine, is a valve covering the top of
the barrel of the air-pump, opening when pressed from below.

DISCIPLINARIAN. An officer who maintains strict discipline and obedience
to the laws of the navy, and himself setting an example.

DISCOURSE, TO. An old sea term to traverse to and fro off the proper
course.

DISCOVERY SHIP. A vessel fitted for the purpose of exploring unknown
seas and coasts. Discovery vessels were formerly taken from the merchant
service; they have latterly been replaced by ships of war, furnished
with every improved instrument, and acting, on occasion, as active
pilots leading in war service.

DISCRETION. To surrender at discretion, implies an unconditional
yielding to the mercy of the conquerors.

DISEMBARK. The opposite of embark; the landing of troops from any vessel
or transport.

DISEMBAY. To work clear out of a gulf or bay.

DISEMBOGUE. The fall of a river into the sea; it has also been used for
the passage of vessels across the mouth of a river and out of one.

DISGUISE. Ships in all times have been permitted to assume disguise to
impose upon enemies, and obtain from countries in their possession
commodities of which they stand in need.

DISH, TO. To supplant, ruin, or frustrate.

DISLODGE. To drive an enemy from any post or station.

DI-SLYNG. _See_ SLYNG.

DISMANTLED. The state of a ship unrigged, and all her stores, guns, &c.,
taken out, in readiness for her being laid up in ordinary, or going into
dock, &c. &c. To dismantle a gun is to render it unfit for service. The
same applies to a fort.

DISMASTED. State of a ship deprived of her masts, by gales or by design.

DISMISS. Pipe down the people. To dismiss a drill from parade is to
break the ranks.

DISMISSION. A summary discharge from the service; which a court-martial
is empowered to inflict on any officer convicted of a breach of special
laws, though it cannot for minor offences which formerly carried death!

DISMOUNT, TO. To break the carriages of guns, and thereby render them
unfit for service. Also, in gun exercise, to lift a gun from its
carriage and deposit it elsewhere.

DISMOUNTED. The state of a cannon taken off a carriage, or when, by the
enemy's shot, it is rendered unmanageable. Also, cavalry on foot acting
as infantry.

DISOBEDIENCE. An infraction of the orders of a superior; punishable by a
court-martial, according to the nature and degree of the offence.

DISORDER. The confusion occasioned by a heavy fire from an enemy.

DISORGANIZE, TO. To degrade a man-of-war to a privateer by irregularity.

DISPART, OR THROW OF THE SHOT. The difference between the semi-diameter
of the base-ring at the breech of a gun, and that of the ring at the
swell of the muzzle. On account of the dispart, the line of aim makes a
small angle with the axis; so that the elevation of the latter above the
horizon is greater than that of the line of aim: an allowance for the
dispart is consequently necessary in determining the commencement of the
graduations on the tangent scale, by which the required elevation is
given to the gun.

DISPARTING A GUN. To bring the line of sight and line of metal to be
parallel by setting up a mark on the muzzle-ring of a cannon, so that a
sight-line, taken from the top of the base-ring behind the touch-hole,
to the mark set near the muzzle, may be parallel to the axis of the
bore. (_See_ GUN.)

DISPART-SIGHT. A gun-sight fixed on the top of the second
reinforce-ring--about the middle of the piece--for point-blank or
horizontal firing, to eliminate the difference of the diameters between
the breech and the mouth of the cannon.

DISPATCH. All duty is required to be performed with diligence.

DISPATCHES. Not simply letters, but such documents as demand every
effort for their immediate delivery. "Charged with dispatches" overrides
all signals of hindrance on a voyage.

DISPLACEMENT. The centre of gravity of the displacement relates to the
part of the ship under water, considered as homogeneous. The weight of
water which a vessel displaces when floating is the same as the weight
of the ship. (_See_ CENTRE OF CAVITY.)

DISPOSED QUARTERS. The distribution when the camp is marked about a
place besieged.

DISPOSITION. A draught representing the several timbers that compose a
ship's frame properly disposed with respect to ports and other parts.
Also, the arrangement of a ship's company for watches, quarters,
reefing, furling, and other duties. In a military sense it means the
placing of a body of troops upon the most advantageous ground.

DISRANK, OR DISRATE. To degrade in rank or station.

DISREPAIR. A bar to any claim on account of sea-unworthiness in a
warrantry.

DISTANCE. The run which a ship has made upon the log-board. In speaking
of double stars, it is the space separating the centres of the two
stars, expressed in seconds of arc. (_See_ LUNAR DISTANCES.)

DISTILLING SEA-WATER. Apparatus for the conversion of sea-water into
potable fresh water have long been invented, though little used; but of
late the larger ships are effectively fitted with adaptations for the
purpose.

DISTINCTION. Flags of distinction, badges, honourable note of
superiority.

DISTINGUISHING PENDANT. In fleets and squadrons, instead of hoisting
several flags to denote the number of the ship on the list of the Navy,
pendants are used. Thus ten ships may be signalled separately. If more,
then, as one answers, her pendant is hauled down, and then two pendants
succeed. (_See_ SIGNALS.)

DISTRESS. A term used when a ship requires immediate assistance from
unlooked-for damage or danger. (_See_ SIGNAL OF DISTRESS.)

DISTRICT ORDERS. Those issued by a general commanding a district.

DISTURBANCE. _See_ SPANISH DISTURBANCE.

DITCH. In fortification the excavation in front of the parapet of any
work, ranging in width from a few feet in field fortification to thirty
or forty yards in permanent works, having its steep side next the
rampart called the escarp: the opposite one is the counterscarp. Its
principal use is to secure the escarp as long as possible. There are wet
ditches and dry ones, the former being less in favour than the latter,
since a dry ditch so much facilitates sorties, counter-approaches, and
the like. That kind which may be made wet or dry at pleasure is most
useful.

DITTY-BAG. Derives its name from the _dittis_ or Manchester stuff of
which it was once made. It is in use among seamen for holding their
smaller necessaries. The ditty-bag of old, when a seaman prided himself
on his rig, as the result of his own ability to fit himself from clue to
earing, was a treasured article, probably worked in exquisite device by
his lady-love. Well can we recollect the pride exhibited in its display
when "on end clothes" was a joyful sound to the old pig-tailed tar.

DITTY-BOX. A small caddy for holding a seaman's stock of _valuables_.

DIURNAL ARC. That part of a circle, parallel to the equator, which is
described by a celestial body from its rising to its setting.

DIURNAL PARALLAX. _See_ PARALLAX.

DIVE, TO. To descend or plunge voluntarily head-foremost under the
water. To go off deck in the watch. A ship is said to be "_diving into
it_" when she pitches heavily against a head-sea.

DIVER. One versed in the art of descending under water to considerable
depths and abiding there a competent time for several purposes, as to
recover wrecks of ships, fish for pearls, sponges, corals, &c. The diver
is now a rating in H.M. ships; he may be of any rank of seaman, but he
receives £1, 10_s._ 5_d._ per annum additional pay--one penny a-day for
risking life! Also, a common web-footed sea-bird of the genus
_Colymbus_.

DIVERGENT. A stream flowing laterally out of a river,
contradistinguished from convergent.

DIVERSION. A man[oe]uvre to attract, wholly or partially, the enemy's
attention away from some other part of the operations.

DIVIE-GOO. A northern term for the _Larus marinus_ or black-backed gull.

DIVINE SERVICE. Ordered by the articles of war, whenever the weather on
a Sunday will allow of it.

DIVING-APPARATUS. Supplied to the flag-ship, and also a man with the
title of diver, to examine defects below water.

DIVING-BELL. Used in under-water operations for recovering treasure,
raising ships, anchors, &c.

DIVING-DRESS. India-rubber habiliments, the head-piece is of light metal
fitted with strong glass eyes, and an attached pliable pipe to maintain
a supply of air. The shoes are weighted.

DIVISION. A select number of ships in a fleet or squadron of men-of-war,
distinguished by a particular flag, pendant, or vane. A squadron may be
ranged into two or three divisions, the commanding officer of which is
always stationed in the centre. In a fleet the admiral divides it into
three squadrons, each of which is commanded by an admiral, and is again
divided into divisions; each squadron had its proper colours (now
distinguishing mark) according to the rank of the admiral who commanded
it, and each division its proper mast. The private ships carried
pendants of the same colour with their respective squadrons at the masts
of their particular divisions, so that the ships in the last division of
the blue squadron carried a blue pendant at their main topgallant-mast
head, the vane at the mizen. All these are superseded by the abolition
of the Red and Blue. The St. George's white ensign flag and pendant
alone are used.

DIVISIONS. The sub-classification of a ship's company under the
lieutenants. Also, a muster of the crew. Also, of an army, a force
generally complete in itself, commanded by a major-general, of an
average strength of eight or ten thousand men: it is itself composed of
several brigades, each of which again is composed of several battalions,
besides the complement of artillery, transport-corps, and generally also
of cavalry, for the whole. Of a battalion, a term sometimes used in
exercise, when the companies of a battalion have been equalized as to
strength, for one of such companies.

DJERME. _See_ JERME.

DOA. A Persian trading vessel.

DOASTA. An inferior spirit, often drugged or doctored for unwary sailors
in the pestiferous dens of filthy Calcutta and other sea-ports in India.

DOB. The animal inhabiting the razor-shell (_solen_), used as a bait by
fishermen.

DOBBER. The float of a fishing-line.

DOBBIN. A phrase on our southern coasts for sea-gravel mixed with sand.

DOCK. An artificial receptacle for shipping, in which they can discharge
or take in cargo, and refit.--A _dry dock_ is a broad and deep trench,
formed on the side of a harbour, or on the banks of a river, and
commodiously fitted either to build ships in or to receive them to be
repaired or breamed. They have strong flood-gates, to prevent the flux
of the tide from entering while the ship is under repair. There are
likewise docks where a ship can only be cleaned during the recess of the
tide, as she floats again on the return of the flood. Docks of the
latter kind are not furnished with the usual flood-gates; but the term
is also used for what is more appropriately called a _float_ (which
see). Also, in polar parlance, an opening cut out of an ice-floe, into
which a ship is warped for security.

DOCK-DUES. The charges made upon shipping for the use of docks.

DOCKERS. Inhabitants of the town which sprang up between the docks and
the town of Plymouth. Dock solicited and obtained the royal license, in
1823, to be called Devonport--a very inappropriate name, Plymouth being
wholly within the county of Devon, while Hamoaze is equally in Devon and
Cornwall.

DOCK HERSELF, TO. When a ship is on the ooze, and swaddles a bed, she is
said to dock herself.

DOCKING A SHIP. The act of drawing her into dock, and placing her
properly on blocks, in order to give her the required repair, cleanse
the bottom, and cover it anew. (_See_ BREAMING.)

DOCK UP, OR DUCK UP. To clue up a corner of a sail that hinders the
helmsman from seeing.

DOCKYARD DUTY. The attendance of a lieutenant and party in the arsenal,
for stowing, procuring stores, &c.

DOCKYARD MATIES. The artificers in a dockyard. In former times an
established declaration of war between the mates and midshipmen _versus_
the maties was hotly kept up. Many deaths and injuries never disclosed
were hushed up or patiently borne. It terminated about 1830.

DOCKYARDS. Arsenals containing all sorts of naval stores and timber for
ship-building. In England the royal dockyards are at Deptford, Woolwich,
Chatham, Sheerness, Portsmouth, Devonport, Pembroke. Those in our
colonies are at the Cape of Good Hope, Gibraltar, Malta, Bermuda,
Halifax, Jamaica, Antigua, Trincomalee, and Hong Kong. There Her
Majesty's ships and vessels of war are generally moored during peace,
and such as want repairing are taken into the docks, examined, and
refitted for service. These yards are generally supplied from the north
with hemp, pitch, tar, rosin, canvas, oak-plank, and several other
species of stores. The largest masts are usually imported from New
England. Until 1831 these yards were governed by a commissioner resident
at the port, who superintended all the musters of the officers,
artificers, and labourers employed in the dockyard and ordinary; he also
controlled their payment, examined their accounts, contracted and drew
bills on the Navy Office to supply the deficiency of stores, and,
finally, regulated whatever belonged to the dockyard. In 1831 the
commissioners of the Navy were abolished, and admirals and captains
superintendent command the dockyards under the controller of the Navy
and the Admiralty.

DOCTOR. A name which seamen apply to every medical officer. Also, a
jocular name for the ship's cook.

DOCTOR'S LIST. The roll of those excused from duty by reason of illness.

DODD. A round-topped hill, generally an offshoot from a higher mountain.

DODECAGON. A regular polygon, having twelve sides and as many angles.

DODECATIMORIA. The anastrous signs, or twelve portions of the ecliptic
which the signs anciently occupied, but have since deserted by the
precession of the equinoxes.

DODGE. A homely but expressive phrase for shuffling conduct, or cunning
of purpose. Also, to watch or follow a ship from place to place.

DODMAN. A shell-fish with a hod-like lump. A sea-snail, otherwise called
_hodmandod_.

DOFF, TO. To put aside.

DO FOR, TO. A double-barrelled expression, meaning alike to take care of
or provide for an individual, or to ruin or kill him.

DOG. The hammer of a fire-lock or pistol; that which holds the flint,
called also _dog-head_. Also, a sort of iron hook or bar with a sharp
fang at one end, so as to be easily driven into a piece of timber, and
drag it along by means of a rope fastened to it, upon which a number of
men can pull. _Dog_ is also an iron implement with a fang at each end,
to be driven into two pieces of timber, to support and steady one of
them while being dubbed, hewn, or sawn.--_Span-dogs._ Used to lift
timber. A pair of dogs linked together, and being hooked at an extended
angle, press home with greater strain.

DOG-BITCH-THIMBLE. An excellent contrivance by which the
topsail-sheet-block is prevented making the half cant or turn so
frequently seen in the clue when the block is secured there.

DOG-BOLT. A cap square bolt.

DOG-DRAVE. A kind of sea-fish mentioned in early charters.

DOG-FISH. A name commonly applied to several small species of the shark
family.

DOGG. A small silver coin of the West Indies, six of which make a bitt.
Also, in meteorology, _see_ STUBB.

DOGGED. A mode of attaching a rope to a spar or cable, in
contradistinction to racking, by which slipping is prevented;
half-hitched and end stopped back, is one mode.

DOGGER. A Dutch smack of about 150 tons, navigated in the German Ocean.
It is mostly equipped with a main and a mizen mast, and somewhat
resembles a ketch or a galliot. It is principally used for fishing on
the Dogger Bank.

DOGGER-FISH. Fish bought out of the Dutch doggers.

DOGGER-MEN. The seafaring fishermen belonging to doggers.

DOGS. The last supports knocked away at the launching of a ship.

DOG'S-BODY. Dried pease boiled in a cloth.

DOG-SHORES. Two long square blocks of timber, resting diagonally with
their heads to the cleats. They are placed forward to support the
bilge-ways on the ground-ways, thereby preventing the ship from starting
off the slips while the keel-blocks are being taken out.

DOG-SLEEP. The uncomfortable fitful naps taken when all hands are kept
up by stress.

DOG'S TAIL. A name for the constellation Ursa Minor or Little Bear.

DOG-STOPPER. Put on before all to enable the men to bit the cable,
sometimes to fleet the messenger.

DOG-TONGUE. A name assigned to a kind of sole.

DOG-VANE. A small vane made of thread, cork, and feathers, or buntin,
fastened on the end of a half-pike, and placed on the weather gunwale,
so as to be readily seen, and show the direction of the wind. The term
is also familiarly applied to a cockade.

DOG-WATCH. The half-watches of two hours each, from 4 to 6, and from 6
to 8, in the evening. By this arrangement an uneven number of watches is
made--seven instead of six in the twenty-four hours; otherwise there
would be a succession of the same watches at the same hours throughout
the voyage or cruise. Theodore Hook explained them as _cur-tailed_.
(_See_ WATCH.)

DOIT. A small Dutch coin, valued at about half a farthing; formerly
current on our eastern shores.

DOLDRUMS. Those parts of the sea where calms are known to prevail. They
exist between and on the polar sides of the trade-winds, but vary their
position many degrees of latitude in the course of the year, depending
upon the sun's declination. Also applied to a person in low spirits.

DOLE. A stated allowance; but applied to a scanty share or portion.

DOLE-FISH. The share of fish that was given to our northern fishermen as
part payment for their labour.

DOLING. A fishing-boat with two masts, on the coasts of Sussex and Kent;
each of the masts carries a sprit-sail.

DO-LITTLE, OR DO-LITTLE SWORD. The old term for a dirk.

DOLLAR. For this universally known coin, see PIECE OF EIGHT.

DOLLOP. An old word for a lump, portion, or share. From the Gaelic
_diolab_.

DOLPHIN. Naturalists understand by this word numerous species of small
cetaceous animals of the genus _Delphinus_, found in nearly all seas.
They greatly resemble porpoises, and are often called by this name by
sailors; but they are distinguished by having a longer and more slender
snout. The word is also generally, but less correctly, applied to a
fish, the dorado (_Coryphæna hippuris_), celebrated for the changing
hues of its surface when dying. Also, a small light ancient boat, which
gave rise to Pliny's story of the boy going daily to school across the
Lucrine lake on a dolphin. Also, in ordnance, especially brass guns, two
handles nearly over the trunnions for lifting the guns by. Also, a
French gold coin (_dauphine_), formerly in great currency. Also, a
stout post on a quay-head, or in a beach, to make hawsers fast to. The
name is also given to a spar or block of wood, with a ring-bolt at each
end, through which a hawser can be rove, for vessels to ride by; the
same as _wooden buoys_.

DOLPHIN OF THE MAST. A kind of wreath or strap formed of plaited
cordage, to be fastened occasionally round the lower yards to prevent
nip, or as a support to the puddening, where the lower yards rest in the
sling, the use of which is to sustain the fore and main yards by the
jeers, in case the rigging or chains, by which those yards are
suspended, should be shot away in action. (_See_ PUDDENING.)

DOLPHIN-STRIKER. A short perpendicular gaff spar, under the
bowsprit-end, for guying down the jib-boom, of which indeed it is the
chief support, by means of the martingales. (_See_ MARTINGALE.)

DOLVER. The reclaimed fen-grounds of our eastern coasts.

DOMESTIC NAVIGATION. A term applied to coasting trade.

DOMINIONS. It is a settled point that a conquered country forms
immediately a part of the king's dominions; and a condemnation of ships
within its harbours as droits of admiralty, is valid, although the
conquest may not yet have been confirmed by treaty.

DON. A general name for Spaniards. One of the "perfumed" terms of its
time.--_To don._ To put on.

DONDERBASS. _See_ BOMBARD.

DONEY. The doney of the Coromandel coast is about 70 feet long, 20 feet
broad, and 12 feet deep; with a flat bottom or keel part, which at the
broadest place is 7 feet, and diminishes to 10 inches in the siding of
the stem and stern-post. The fore and after bodies are similar in form
from midships. Their light draught of water is about 4 feet, and when
loaded about 9 feet. These unshapely vessels in the fine season trade
from Madras and Ceylon, and many of them to the Gulf of Manar, as the
water is shoal between Ceylon and the southern part of the continent.
They have only one mast, and are navigated by the natives in the rudest
way; their means for finding the latitude being a little square board,
with a string fast to the centre, at the other end of which are certain
knots. The upper edge of the board is held by one hand so as to touch
the north star, and the lower edge the horizon. Then the string is
brought with the other hand to touch the tip of the nose, and the knot
which comes in contact with the tip of the nose tells the latitude.

DONJON. The keep, or place of retreat, in old fortifications. A redoubt
of a fortress; the highest and strongest tower.

DONKEY-ENGINE. An auxiliary steam-engine for feeding the boilers of the
principal engine when they are stopped; or for any other duties
independent of the ship's propelling engines.

DONKEY-FRIGATE. Those of 28 guns, frigate-built; that is, having guns
protected by an upper deck, with guns on the quarter-deck and
forecastle; ship-sloops, in contradistinction to corvettes and sloops.

DONNY. A small fishing-net.

DOOLAH. A passage-boat on the Canton river.

DOOTED. Timber rendered unsound by fissures.

DORADO. The _Coryphæna hippuris_, an oceanic fish; often called
"dolphin."

DOREY. A flat-floored cargo-boat in the West Indies, named after the
fish John Dory.

DORNICLE. A northern name for the viviparous blenny.

DORRA. From the Gaelic _dorga_; a crab-net.

DORSAL FIN. The median fin placed upon the back of fishes.

DORY. A fish, _Zeus faber_, commonly known as "John Dory," or truly
_jaune dorée_, from its golden hues.

DOTTLE. The small portion of tobacco remaining unsmoked in the pipe.

DOUBLE, TO. To cover a ship with an extra planking, usually of 4 inches,
either internally or externally, when through age or otherwise she has
become loosened; the process strengthens her without driving out the
former fastenings. Doubling, however, is a term applied only where the
plank thus used is not less than 2 inches thick.--To _double_ a cape.
(_See_ DOUBLING A CAPE.)

DOUBLE-ACTING ENGINE. One in which the steam acts upon the piston
against a vacuum, both in the upward and downward movement.

DOUBLE-BANK A ROPE, TO. To clap men on both sides.

DOUBLE-BANKED. When two opposite oars are pulled by rowers seated on the
same thwart; or when there are two men labouring upon each oar. Also,
60-gun frigates which carry guns along the gangway, as was the custom
with Indiamen, are usually styled _double-bankers_.

DOUBLE-BITTED. Two turns of the cable round the bitts instead of one.

DOUBLE-BLOCK. One fitted with a couple of sheaves, in holes side by
side.

DOUBLE-BREECHING. Additional breeching on the non-recoil system, or
security for guns in heavy weather.

DOUBLE-CAPSTAN. One shaft so constructed as to be worked both on an
upper and lower deck, as in ships of the line, or in Phillips' patent
capstan.

DOUBLE-CROWN. A name given to a plait made with the strands of a rope,
which forms part of several useful and ornamental knots.

DOUBLE DECK-NAILS. _See_ DECK-NAILS.

DOUBLE DUTCH COILED AGAINST THE SUN. Gibberish, or any unintelligible or
difficult language.

DOUBLE EAGLE. A gold coin of the United States, of 10 dollars; value £2,
1_s._ 8_d._, at the average rate of exchange.

DOUBLE-FUTTOCKS. Timbers in the cant-bodies, extending from the
dead-wood to the run of the second futtock-head.

DOUBLE-HEADED MAUL. One with double faces; top-mauls in
contradistinction to pin-mauls.

DOUBLE-HEADED SHOT. Differing from bar-shot by being similar to
dumb-bells, only the shot are hemispherical.

DOUBLE-IMAGE MICROMETER. Has one of its lenses divided, and separable to
a certain distance by a screw, which at the same time moves an index
upon a graduated scale. When fitted to a telescope for sea use, as in
chase, it is called a _coming-up glass_.

DOUBLE INSURANCE. Where the insured makes two insurances on the same
risks and the same interest.

DOUBLE-IRONED. Both legs shackled to the bilboe-bolts.

DOUBLE-JACK. _See_ JACK-SCREW.

DOUBLE-LAND. That appearance of a coast when the sea-line is bounded by
parallel ranges of hills, rising inland one above the other.

DOUBLE-SIDED. A line-of-battle ship painted so as to show the ports of
both decks; or a vessel painted to resemble one, as used to be frequent
in the Indian marine.

DOUBLE-STAR. Two stars so close together as to be separable only with a
telescope. They are either optically so owing to their accidental
situation in the heavens, or physically near each other in space, and
one of them revolving round the other.

DOUBLE-TIDE. Working double-tides is doing extra duty. (_See_ WORK
DOUBLE-TIDES.)

DOUBLE UPON, TO. _See_ DOUBLING UPON.

DOUBLE WALL-KNOT. With or without a crown, or a double crown, is made by
intertwisting the unlaid ends of a rope in a peculiar manner.

DOUBLE-WHIP. A whip is simply a rope rove through a single block; a
double whip is when it passes through a lower tail or hook-block, and
the standing end is secured to the upper block, or where it is attached.

DOUBLING. (_See_ RANK.) Putting two ranks into one.

DOUBLING A CAPE. In navigation, is to sail round or pass beyond it, so
that the point of land separates the ship from her former situation.

DOUBLING-NAILS. The nails commonly used in doubling.

DOUBLING UPON. In a naval engagement, the act of inclosing any part of a
hostile fleet between two fires, as Nelson did at the Nile. The van or
rear of one fleet, taking advantage of the wind or other circumstances,
runs round the van or rear of the enemy, who will thereby be exposed to
great danger and confusion.

DOUBLOON. A Spanish gold coin, value 16 dollars: £3, 3_s._ to £3, 6_s._
English.

DOUGH-BOYS. Hard dumplings boiled in salt water. A corruption of
_dough-balls_.

DOUSE, TO. To lower or slacken down suddenly; expressed of a sail in a
squall of wind, an extended hawser, &c. Douse the glim, your colours,
&c., to knock down.

DOUT, TO. To put out a light; to extinguish; _do out_. Shakspeare makes
the dauphin of France say in "King Henry V.:"--

    "That their hot blood may spin in English eyes,
    And dout them."

DOUTER, OR DOUSER. An extinguisher.

D'OUTRE MER. From beyond the sea.

DOVER COURT BEETLE. A heavy mallet. There is an old proverb: "A Dover
court; all speakers and no hearers."

    "A Dover court beetle, and wedges with steel,
    Strong lever to raise up the block from the wheel."--_Tusser._

DOVE-TAIL. The fastening or letting in of one timber into another by a
dove-tailed end and score, so that they hold firmly together, and cannot
come asunder endwise. The operation of cutting the mortise is called
dove-tailing.

DOVE-TAIL PLATES. Metal plates resembling dove-tails in form, let into
the heel of the stern-post and the keel, to bind them together; and also
those used for connecting the stem-foot with the fore end of the keel.

DOWAL. A coak of metal in a sheave.

DOWBREK. A northern term for the fish also called spärling or smelt.

DOWEL. A cylindrical piece of hard wood about three inches in diameter,
and the same in length, used as an additional security in scarphing two
pieces of timber together. Dowels are also used to secure the joinings
of the felloes, or circumferential parts of wheels; and by coopers in
joining together the contiguous boards forming the heads of
casks.--_Dowel_, or _dowel-bit_, is the tool used to cut the holes for
the dowels.

DOWELLING. The method of uniting the butts of the frame-timbers together
with a cylindrical piece or tenon let in at each end.

DOWN ALL CHESTS! The order to get all the officers' and seamen's chests
down below from off the gun-decks when clearing the ship for an
engagement.

DOWN ALL HAMMOCKS! The order for all the sailors to carry their hammocks
down, and hang them up in their respective berths in readiness to go to
bed, or to lessen top-weight and resistance to wind in chase.

DOWN ALONG. Sailing coastways down Channel.

DOWN EAST. Far away in that bearing. This term, as _down west_, &c., is
an Americanism, recently adopted into our vernacular.

DOWNFALLS. The descending waters of rivers and creeks.

DOWN-HAUL. A rope passing up along a stay, leading through cringles of
the staysails or jib, and made fast to the upper corner of the sail to
pull it down when shortening sail. Also, through blocks on the outer
clues to the outer yard-arms of studding-sails, to take them in
securely. Also, the cockpit term for a great-coat.

DOWN-HAUL TACKLES. Employed when lower yards are struck in bad weather
to prevent them from swaying about after the trusses are unrove.

DOWN IN THE MOUTH. Low-spirited or disheartened.

DOWN KILLOCK! Let go the grapnel; the corruption of keel-hook or anchor.

DOWN OARS! The order on shoving off a boat when the men have had them
"tossed up."

DOWNS. An accumulation of drifted sand, which the sea gathers along its
shores. The name is also applied to the anchorage or sea-space between
the eastern coast of Kent and the Goodwin Sands, the well-known
roadstead for ships, stretching from the South to the North Foreland,
where both outward and homeward-bound ships frequently make some stay,
and squadrons of men-of-war rendezvous in time of war. It is defended by
the castles of Sandwich, Deal, and Dover.

DOWN WIND, DOWN SEA. A proverbial expression among seamen between the
tropics, where the sea is soon raised by the wind, and when that abates
is soon smooth again.

DOWN WITH THE HELM! An order to put the helm a-lee.

DOWSING CHOCK. A breast-hook or piece fayed athwart the apron and lapped
on the knight-heads, or inside stuff, above the upper deck; otherwise
termed _hawse-hook_.

DOYLT. Lazy or stupid.

DO YOU HEAR THERE? An inquiry following an order, but very often
needlessly.

DRABLER. A piece of canvas laced on the bonnet of a sail to give it more
drop, or as Captain Boteler says--"As the bonnet is to the course, so in
all respects is the drabler to the bonnet." It is only used when both
course and bonnet are not deep enough to clothe the mast.

DRACHMA. A Greek coin, value sevenpence three farthings sterling; 14
cents. American or Spanish real.

DRAFT, OR DRAUGHT. A small allowance for waste on goods sold by weight.

DRAFT OF HANDS. A certain number of men appointed to serve on board a
particular man-of-war, who are then said to be _drafted_. A transfer of
hands from one ship to complete the complement of another.

DRAG. A machine consisting of a sharp square frame of iron encircled
with a net, and commonly used to rake the mud off from the platform or
bottom of the docks, or to clean rivers, or for dragging on the bottom
for anything lost. Also, a creeper.

DRAG FOR THE ANCHOR, TO. The same as _creep_ or _sweep_.

DRAGGING. An old word for dredging.

DRAGGING ON HER. Said of a vessel in chase, or rounding a point, when
she is obliged to carry more canvas to a fresh wind than she otherwise
would.

DRAG-NET. A trawl or net to draw on the bottom for flat-fish.

DRAGOMAN. The name for a Turkish interpreter; it is corrupted from
_tarij-mân_.

DRAGON. An old name for a musketoon.

DRAGON BEAM OR PIECE. A strut or abutment.

DRAGONET. A sea-fish, the gowdie, or _Callionymus lyra_.

DRAGON-VOLANT. The old name for a gun of large calibre used in the
French navy, whence the term was adopted into ours.

DRAGOON. Originally a soldier trained to serve alike on horse or foot,
or as Dr. Johnson equivocally explains it, "who fights indifferently on
foot or on horseback." (_See_ TROOP.) The term is now applied to all
cavalry soldiers who have no other special designation.

DRAG-ROPES. Those used in the artillery by the men in pulling the gun
backwards and forwards in practice and in action.

DRAGS. Whatever hangs over the ship into the sea, as shirts, coats, or
the like; and boats when towed, or whatever else that after this manner
may hinder the ship's way when she sails, are called _drags_.

DRAG-SAIL. Any sail with its clues stopped so as when veered away over
the quarter to make a stop-water when veering in emergency. The
drag-sail formed by the sprit-sail course was frequently used in former
wars to retard the ship apparently running away until the enemy got
within gun-shot.

DRAG-SAW. A cross-cut saw.

DRAG THE ANCHOR, TO. The act of the anchors coming home.

DRAKE. An early piece of brass ordnance.

DRAKKAR. A Norman pirate boat of former times.

DRAUGHT, OR DRAFT. The depth of water a ship displaces, or of a body of
fluid necessary to float a vessel; hence a ship is said to draw so many
feet of water when she requires that depth to float her, which, to be
more readily known, are marked on the stem and stern-post from the keel
upwards. Also, the old name for a chart. Also, the delineation of a ship
designed to be built, drawn on a given scale, generally a quarter-inch
to the foot, for the builders. (_See_ SHEER-DRAUGHT.)

DRAUGHT-HOOKS. Iron hooks fixed on the cheeks of a gun-carriage for
dragging the gun along by _draught-ropes_.

DRAUGHTSMAN. The artist who draws plans or charts from instructions or
surveys.

DRAW. A sail _draws_ when it is filled by the wind. A ship _draws_ so
many feet of water.--_To let draw a jib_ is to cease from flattening-in
the sheet.--_Draw_ is also a term for halliards in some of the northern
fishing-boats.--_To draw._ To procure anything by official demand from a
dockyard, arsenal, or magazine.--_To draw up the courses._ To take
in.--_To draw upon a ship_ is to gain upon a vessel when in pursuit of
her.

DRAWBACK. An abatement or reduction of duties allowed by the
custom-house in certain cases; as for stores to naval officers in
commission.

DRAW-BELLOWS. A northern term for _limber-holes_ (which see).

DRAWING. The state of a sail when there is sufficient wind to inflate
it, so as to advance the vessel in her course.

DRAWING UP. Adjusting a ship's station in the line; the converse of
_dropping astern_.

DRAWING WATER. The number of feet depth which a ship submerges.

DRAWN BATTLE. A conflict in which both parties claim the victory, or
retire upon equal terms.

DRAW-NET. Erroneously used for _drag-net_.

DRAWN FOR THE MILITIA. When men are selected by ballot for the defence
of the country.

DRAW THE GUNS. To extract the charge of wad, shot, and cartridge from
the guns.

DREDGE. An iron scraper-framed triangle, furnished with a bottom of hide
and stout cord net above, used for taking oysters or specimens of shells
from the bottom.

DREDGER-BOAT. One that uses the net so called, for turbots, soles,
sandlings, &c.

DREDGING. Fishing by dragging the dredge.

DREDGING MACHINE. A large lighter, or other flat-bottomed vessel,
equipped with a steam-engine and machinery for removing the mud and silt
from the bottom, by the revolution of iron buckets in an endless chain.

DREDGY. The ghost of a drowned person.

DREINT. The old word used for drowned, from the Anglo-Saxon.

DRESS, TO. To place a fleet in organized order; also, to arrange men
properly in ranks; to present a true continuous line in front.--_To
dress a ship._ To ornament her with a variety of colours, as ensigns,
flags, pendants, &c., of various nations, displayed from different parts
of her masts, rigging, &c., on a day of festivity.

DREW. A name in our northern isles for the _Fucus loreus_, a narrow
thong-shaped sea-weed.

DRIBBLE. Drizzling showers; light rain.

DRIES. A term opposed to _rains_ on the west coast of Africa.

DRIFT. The altered position of a vessel by current or falling to leeward
when hove-to or lying-to in a gale, when but little head-way is made by
the action of sails. In artillery, a priming-iron of modern introduction
used to clear the vent of ordnance from burning particles after each
discharge. Also, a term sometimes used for the constant deflection of a
rifled projectile. (_See_ DEFLECTION.)

DRIFTAGE. The amount due to lee-way. (_See_ DRIFT.)

DRIFT-BOLTS. Commonly made of steel, are used as long punches for
driving out other bolts.

DRIFT-ICE. The debris of the main pack. (_See_ OPEN ICE.)

DRIFTING-UP. Is used as relating to sands which are driven by the winds.
As at Cape Blanco, on the coast of Africa, off the tail of the Desert of
Zahara, where the houses and batteries have been thus obliterated.

DRIFT-MUD. Consisting chiefly of an argillaceous earth, brought down by
the rivers, floated about, and successively deposited in banks; forming
the alluvial and fertile European settlements of Guiana.

DRIFT-NET. A large net, with meshes of one inch, used in the pilchard
fishery in August; also, for herrings and mackerel in March: used in
drifting in the Chops of the Channel. Also, of strong gauze, for
molluscs.

DRIFT-PIECES. Solid pieces fitted at the drifts, forming the scrolls on
the drifts: they are commonly mitred into the gunwale.

DRIFTS. Detached masses of soil and underwood torn off the shore by
floods and floating about, often mistaken for rocks and dangers. Also,
in ship-building, those parts where the sheer is raised, and the rails
are cut off, ending with a scroll; as the drift of the quarter-deck,
poop-deck, and forecastle.

DRIFT-SAIL. A contrivance, by means of immersing a sail, to diminish the
drift of a ship during a gale of wind. (_See_ DRAGS.)

DRIFT-WAY. Synonymous with _lee-way_.

DRILL. Systematized instruction in the practice of all military
exercises.

DRILL-SHIPS. A recent establishment of vessels in which the volunteers
composing the Royal Naval Reserve are drilled into practice.

DRINK-PENNY. Earnest money at rendezvous houses, &c.

DRIP-STONE. The name usually given to filters composed of porous stone.

DRIVE, TO [from the Anglo-Saxon _dryfan_]. A ship drives when her anchor
trips or will not hold. She drives to leeward when beyond control of
sails or rudder; and if under bare poles, may drive before the wind.
Also, to strike home bolts, tree-nails, &c.

DRIVER. A large sail formerly used with the wind aft or quartering. It
was a square sail cut like a studding-sail, and set with a great yard on
the end of the spanker-boom, across the taffrail. The name latterly has
been officially applied to the spanker, both being the aftermost sails
of a ship, the ring-tail being only an addition, as a studding or
steering sail. (_See_ STEERING-SAIL.) Also, the foremost spur in the
bilge-ways, the heel of which is fayed to the fore-side of the foremost
poppet, and the sides of it look fore and aft. Also, a sort of
fishing-boat.

DRIVER-BOOM. The boom to which the driver is hauled out.

DRIVING A CHARGE. Ramming home the loading of a piece of ordnance.

DRIVING PILES. The motion of a ship bobbing in a head sea, compared to
the vertical fall of monkeys on pile heads.

DROG. A Gaelic term, still in use, to express the agitation of the sea.

DROGHER. A small craft which goes round the bays of the West India Islands,
to take off sugars, rum, &c., to the merchantmen.--_Lumber-drogher_ is a
vessel built solely for burden, and for transporting cotton and other
articles coastwise.

DROGHING. The carrying trade of the West India coasts.

DROITS OF ADMIRALTY. Rights, or rather perquisites, which flowed
originally from the king by grant or usage, and now reserved to the
crown by commission. They are of two kinds--viz. the civil, or those
arising from wrecks of the sea, flotsam, jetsam, and lagan, royal
fishes, derelicts, and deodands, ejectamenta maris, and the goods of
pirates, traitors, felons, suicides, and fugitives within the admiralty
jurisdiction; and the prize droits, or those accruing in the course of
war, comprehending all ships and goods taken without commission, all
vessels improperly captured before hostilities have been formally
declared, or found or by accident brought within the admiralty, salvage
for all ships rescued, and all ships seized, in any of the ports,
creeks, or roads of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
before any declaration of war or reprisals by the sovereign.

DROM-FISH. A large fish taken and cured in quantities in the Portuguese
harbours of South America, as well for ship's stores as for the times of
fast.

DROMON. A Saracen term denoting the large king's ships from the ninth to
the fifteenth century.

DROP, OR DROOP. When a line diverges from a parallel or a curve. It is
also a name generally used to the courses, but sometimes given to the
depth of the square sails in general; as, "Her main top-sail drops
seventeen yards." The depth of a sail from head to foot amidships.--_To
drop anchor_ is simply to anchor:--underfoot, in calms, a kedge or
stream is dropped to prevent drift.

DROP ASTERN, TO. To slacken a ship's way, so as to suffer another one to
pass beyond her. Also, distancing a competitor.

DROP DOWN A RIVER. Synonymous with _falling_ (which see).

DROP-DRY. Completely water-tight.

DROPPING. An old mode of salute by lowering flags or uppermost sails.

DROPS. In ship-building, are small foliages of carved work in the stern
munnions and elsewhere. The term also means the fall or declivity of a
deck, which is generally of several inches.

DROUD. A fish of the cod kind, frequenting the west coast of Scotland.

DROUGES. Quadrilateral pieces of board, sometimes attached to the
harpoon line, for the purpose of checking in some degree the speed of
the whale.

DROW. An old northern term for a severe gust of wind accompanied with
rain.

DROWNED LAND. Extensive marshes or other water-covered districts which
were once dry and sound land.

DROWNING. An early naval punishment; Richard I. enacted that whoever
killed a man on ship-board, "he should be bound to the corpse, and
thrown into the sea."

DROWNING-BRIDGE. A sluice-gate for overflowing meadows.

DROWNING THE MILLER. Adding too much water to wine or spirits; from the
term when too much water has been put into a bowl of flour.

DRUB. To beat. (Captain's despatch.) "We have drubbed the enemy."

DRUDGE. A name truly applied to a cabin-boy.

DRUGGERS. Small vessels which formerly exported fish from Dieppe and
other Channel ports, and brought back from the Levant spices and drugs.

DRUM. _See_ STORM-DRUM.

DRUM-CAPSTAN. A contrivance for weighing heavy anchors, invented by Sir
S. Morland, who died in 1695.

DRUMHEAD COURT-MARTIAL. Sudden court held in the field for the immediate
trial of thefts or misconduct. (_See_ PROVOST-MARSHAL.)

DRUMHEAD OF CAPSTAN. A broad cylindrical piece of elm, resembling a
millstone, and fixed immediately above the barrel and whelps. On its
circumference a number of square holes are cut parallel to the deck, to
receive the bars.

DRUMLER. An ancient transport. (_See_ DROMON.) Also, a small piratical
vessel of war.

DRUMMER. The marine who beats the drum, and whose pay is equivalent to
that of a private of fourteen years' standing. Also, a singular fish of
the corvinas kind, which has the faculty of emitting musical noises,
whence it has acquired the name of _crocros_.

DRUXY. Timber in a state of decay, the condition of which is manifested
by veins or spots in it of a whitish tint.

DRY-BULB THERMOMETER. The readings of this instrument, when compared
with those of a wet-bulb thermometer, indicate the amount of moisture in
the air, and thence the probability of rain.

DRY DOCK. An artificial receptacle for examining and repairing vessels.
(_See_ GRAVING-DOCK.)

DRY DUCKING. Suspending a person by a rope a few yards above the surface
of the water.

DRY FLOGGING. Punishing over the clothes of a culprit.

DRY GALES. Those storms which are accompanied with a clear sky, as the
_northers_ of the Gulf of Mexico, the _harmattan_ of Africa, &c.

DRY HOLY-STONING. _See_ HOLY-STONE.

DRY-ROT. A disease destructive of timber, occasioned by a fungus, the
_Merulius lachrymans_, which softens wood and finally destroys it; it
resembles a dry pithy cottony substance, whence the name dry-rot, though
when in a perfect state, its sinuses contain drops of clear water, which
have given rise to its specific Latin name. Free ventilation and
cleanliness appear to be the best preservatives against this costly
evil.

DRY ROWING. "Row dry." Not to dash the spray with the blade of the oar
in the faces of those in the stern-sheets.

D.S.Q. Means, in the complete book, discharged to sick quarters.

DUB. A northern term for a pool of deep and smooth water in a rapid
river.

DUBB, TO. To smooth and cut off with an adze the superfluous wood.--_To
dubb a vessel bright_, is to remove the outer surface of the plank
completely with an adze. Spotting to examine planks with the adze is
also dubbing.

DUBBAH, OR DUBBER. A coarse leathern vessel for holding liquids in
India.

DUBHE. A standard nautical star in the Great Bear.

DUCAT. A well-known coin in most parts of Europe; the average gold ducat
being nine shillings and sixpence, and the silver three shillings and
fourpence.

DUCATOON. A coin of the Dutch Oriental Isles, of seven shillings. Also,
a silver coin of Venice, value four shillings and eightpence.

DUCK, TO. To dive, or immerse another under water; or to avoid a shot.

DUCK. The finest canvas (No. 8) for small sails, is sometimes so called;
but it is really a lighter cloth than canvas, and is greatly used by
seamen and soldiers on tropical stations for frocks and trousers.

DUCKING. A penalty which veteran sailors inflict on those who, for the
first time, pass the tropics, the equator, or formerly even the Straits
of Gibraltar; and is usually performed in the grog-tub or half-butt,
with the assistance of a few buckets of water; the usual fine, however,
always prevents the penalty being inflicted.

DUCKING AT THE YARD-ARM. A marine punishment unknown, except by name, in
the British navy; but formerly inflicted by the French for grave
offences, thus: the criminal was placed astride a short thick batten,
fastened to the end of a rope which passed through a block hanging at
the yard-arm. Thus fixed, he was hoisted suddenly up to the yard, and
the rope being then slackened at once, he was plunged into the sea. This
chastisement was repeated several times; conformable to the sentence, a
gun advertised the other ships of the fleet thereof that their crews
might become spectators. If the offence was very great, he was drawn
underneath the keel of the ship, which was called keel-hauling. (_See_
KEEL-HAULING.)

DUCKS. The general name for a sailor's dress in warm climates. Also, the
military English of Bombay. _See also_ JEMMY DUCKS, the keeper of the
poultry on board ship. Dried herrings, or Digby ducks in N. S.

DUCK-UP! A term used by the steersman when the main-sail, fore-sail, or
sprit-sail hinders his seeing to steer by a landmark, upon which he
calls out, "Duck-up the clue-lines of those sails," that is, haul the
sails out of the way. Also, when a shot is made by a chase-piece, if the
clue of the sprit-sail hinders the sight, they call out, "Duck-up," &c.

DUDGEON. An old word for the box-handle of a dirk; it is mentioned by
Shakspeare with the blade of the ideal dagger which Macbeth saw before
him. It also means offence, anger.

DUDS. A cant term for clothes or personal property. The term is old, but
still in common use, though usually applied to clothing of an inferior
quality, and even rags and tatters.

DUEL. A single combat at a time and place appointed in consequence of a
challenge; a practice which had its uses and abuses, now prohibited.

DUELLO. An Italian word expressive of duelling, long appropriated into
our language.

DUFF. Pudding or dough.

DUFFERS. Low pedlars; also those women who assist smugglers. Also,
cowardly fellows.

DUG-OUT. A canoe.

DUKE OF YORK. A nickname for a particular storm trysail used in the
northern seas.

DULCE, DULSE, DELSE. _Iridea dulce_, one of the edible fuci. It is an
article of trade in America and Holland, and is plentiful on the rocky
coasts of Ireland and western England. It probably derived its name from
being sweet and pleasant, not requiring cooking.

DULEDGE PLATES. An old name for the tyre-streaks or iron plates on the
circumference of the wheel of a field-piece. Duledge was also used for
dowel, the wooden pin connecting the felloes.

DULL'D. When said of the wind, fallen or moderated.

DULLISH. The Manx term for the marine eatable leaf _dillisk_.

DUMB-CHALDER. A metal cleat bolted to the back of the stern-post for one
of the pintles to rest upon, to lessen both strain and friction. (_See_
PINTLES.)

DUMB-CLEAT. Synonymous with _dumb-chalder_ and _thumb-cleat_.

DUMB-CRAFT. Lighters, lumps, or punts, not having sails. Also, a name
for the screws used for lifting a ship on a slip.

DUMB-PINTLE. A peculiar rudder-strap. (_See_ PINTLES.)

DUMB-SCRAPING. Scraping wet decks with blunt scrapers.

DUMFOUNDER. To confuse or perplex.

DUMMY. A wood frame landing-place in front of a pier.

DUMP-BOLT. A short bolt driven in to the plank and timber as a partial
security previous to the thorough fastenings being put in.

DUMPS. Nearly synonymous with _down in the mouth_.

DUN. A hill, an eminence.

DUNBAR MEDLAR. A salted herring.

DUNDERHEAD. A term used for the devil, as also for a stupid fellow.

DUN-DIVER. A name for the goosander (_Mergus merganser_) in immature
plumage.

DUNES. An Anglo-Saxon word still in use, signifying mounds or ridges of
drifted sands. (_See_ DOWNS.)

DUN-FISH. A peculiar preparation of cod for the American market, by
which it retains a dun or dark yellow colour. Dunning is extensively
carried on in the spring at Portsmouth and other places in New
Hampshire.

DUNGAREE-DUCK. A name given to a small dried fish in Bombay.

DUNGAREE-STUFF. A blue or striped cotton cloth much worn by the
seafaring classes in India.

DUNGIYAH. A broad-beamed flat-bottomed Arabian coaster trading between
the Red Sea, Gulf of Persia, and the Malabar coast.

DUN-HEAD. In east-country barges the after-planking which forms the
cabin.

DUNKIRKS. The well-known name for pirates who sailed out of Dunkirk.

DUNLIN. The name of a species of sand-piper (_Tringa cinclus_).

DUNN, OR DUIN. A Gaelic word for a fort, a hill, a heap, or a knoll.

DUNNAGE. Loose wood or other substances, as horns, rattan, coir, &c., to
stow amongst casks and other cargo to prevent their motion. A vessel
dunnages below the dry cargo to keep it from bilge-water.

DUNNAGE BATTENS. An extra floor in a merchantman to preserve the cargo
from wet in the event of leakage. They are also used in magazines and
sail-rooms so as to form a vacant space beneath the powder-barrels and
ceiling.

DUNNAGED. Goods or packages secured with dunnage.

DUNNAGE GRATINGS. Express gratings placed on a steamer's deck to place
cargo upon, serving as dunnage.

DUNTER. A northern designation of the porpoise.

DUNTER-GOOSE. A name in the Orkneys for the _Somateria mollissima_, or
eider-duck.

DUR-MAST. An inferior oak of more rapid growth than the true English.

DUST. The refuse of biscuit in the bread-room. Also used for money. This
term probably got into use in India, where the boat hire on the Ganges
was added to by the Ghât-Manjees, in the way of "Dustooree." Moreover, a
tumult or uproar.

DUTCH. Language, or rather gibberish, which cannot be understood by a
listener. (_See_ DOUBLE DUTCH.)

DUTCH-CAPER. A light-armed vessel of the seventeenth century, adapted
for privateering, and much used by the Dutch.

DUTCH CONSOLATION. "Whatever ill befalls you, there's somebody that's
worse;" or "It's very unfortunate; but thank God it's no worse."

DUTCH COURAGE. The excitement inspired by drinking spirits; false
energy.

DUTCH EEL-SKUYT. A flat-bottomed somewhat cutter-rigged sea-boat,
carrying lee-boards, fitted with two water-tight bulk-heads, making a
well for keeping live fish in, the water being admitted through
perforated plates fastened on inside the ribs.

DUTCHIFYING. A term used for converting square sterns to round ones.

DUTCHMAN'S BREECHES. The patch of blue sky often seen when a gale is
breaking, is said to be, however small, "enough to make a pair of
breeches for a Dutchman." Others assign the habiliment to a Welshman,
but give no authority for the assumption.

DUTCH PLAICE. The _Pleuronectes platessa_. When small, it is called
fleak; when large, Dutch plaice.

DUTCH PUMP. A punishment so contrived that, if the prisoner would not
pump hard, he was drowned.

DUTCH RECKONING. A bad day's work, all in the wrong.

DUTCH REDS. High-smoked herrings prepared in Holland.

DUTIES. Taxes levied by the custom-house upon goods exported or
imported.

DUTTEES. Coarse brown calicoes of India.

DUTY. The exercise of those functions which belong to the service, and
are carried out from the highest to the lowest.

DWANG-STAFF. This is otherwise the _wrain-staff_ (which see).

DYCE. A langridge for the old hail-shot pieces.

DYCE, OR THYST, "VERY WELL DYCE." (_See_ THUS.)

DYELLE. A kind of mud-drag used for cleaning rivers on our eastern
coasts.

DYING MAN'S DINNER. A snatch of refreshment when the ship is in extreme
danger.

DYKE. From the Anglo-Saxon _dic_, a mound or bank; yet in some parts of
England the word means a ditch.

DYKE-CAM. A ditch-bank.

DYNAMOMETER. An instrument for measuring the amount of force, and used
for indicating the thrust or force of a screw-propeller, or any other
motor. There are many, varying in mode according to the express purpose
of each, but all founded on the same principle as the name
expresses--_power_ and _measure_, so that a steel-yard is the simplest
exponent.




E.


E. The second class of rating on Lloyd's books for the comparative
excellence of merchant ships. (_See_ A.)

EAGER. _See_ EAGRE.

EAGLE. The insignia of the Romans, borrowed also by moderns, as Frederic
of Prussia and Napoleon. Also, a gold coin of the United States, of the
value of five dollars, or £1, 0_s._ 10_d._ sterling, at the average rate
of exchange.

EAGLE, OR SPREAD-EAGLE. A punishment inflicted by _seizing_ the offender
by his arms and legs to the shrouds, and there leaving him for a
specified time.

EAGRE, OR HYGRE. The reciprocation of the freshes of various rivers, as
for instance the Severn, with the flowing tide, sometimes presenting a
formidable surge. The name seems to be from the Anglo-Saxon _eágor_,
water, or _Ægir_, the Scandinavian god of the sea. (_See_ BORE and
HYGRE.)

EAR. A west-country term for a place where hatches prevent the influx of
the tide.

EARING-CRINGLE, AT THE HEAD OF A SAIL. In sail-making it is an eye
spliced in the bolt-rope, to which the much smaller head-rope is
attached. The earings are hauled out, or lashed to cleats on the yards
passing through the head corners or cringles of the sails.

EARINGS. Certain small ropes employed to fasten the upper corners of a
sail to its yard, for which purpose one end of the earing is passed
through itself; and the other end is passed five or six times round the
yard-arm, and through the cringle; the two first turns, which are
intended to stretch the head of the sail tight along the yard, are
passed beyond the lift and rigging on the yard-arm, and are called
outer turns, while the rest, which draw it close up to the yard, and are
passed within the lift, &c., are called inner turns. Below the above are
the _reef-earings_, which are used to reef the sail when the
reef-tackles have stretched it to take off the strain.

EARNE. _See_ ERNE.

EARNEST. A sum paid in advance to secure a seaman's service.

EARS. In artillery the lugs or ear-shaped rings fashioned on the larger
bombs or mortar-shells for their convenient handling with shell-hooks.
The irregularity of surface caused by the ears is intended to be
modified in future construction by the substitution of _lewis-holes_
(which see).

EAR-SHOT. The distance or range of hearing.

EARS OF A BOAT. The knee-pieces at the fore-part on the outside at the
height of the gunwale.

EARS OF A PUMP. The support of the bolt for the handle or break.

EARTH. One of the primary planets, and the third in order from the sun.

EARTH-BAGS. _See_ SAND-BAGS.

EAR-WIGGING. Feeding an officer's ear with scandal against an absent
individual.

EASE, TO STAND AT. To remain at rest.

EASE AWAY! To slacken out a rope or tackle-fall.

EASE HER! In a steamer, is the command to reduce the speed of the
engine, preparatory to "stop her," or before reversing for "turn
astern."

EASE OFF! EASE OFF HANDSOMELY, OR EASE AWAY THERE! To slacken out a rope
or tackle-fall carefully.

EASE THE HELM! An order often given in a vessel close-hauled, to put the
helm down a few spokes in a head sea, with the idea that if the ship's
way be deadened by her coming close to the wind she will not strike the
opposing sea with so much force. It is thought by some that extreme
rolling as well as pitching are checked by shifting the helm quickly,
thereby changing the direction of the ship's head, and what is
technically called "giving her something else to do."

EASE UP, TO. To come up handsomely with a tackle-fall.

EAST. From the Anglo-Saxon, _y'st_. One of the cardinal points of the
compass. Where the sun rises due east, it makes equal days and nights,
as on the equator.

EAST-COUNTRY. A term applied to the regions bordering on the Baltic.

EAST-COUNTRY SHIPS. The same as _easterlings_.

EASTERLINGS. Traders of the Baltic Sea. Also, natives of the Hanse
Towns, or of the east country.

EASTERN AMPLITUDE. An arc of the horizon, intercepted between the point
of the sun's rising and the east point of the magnetic compass.

EAST INDIA HOY. A sloop formerly expressly licensed for carrying stores
to the E. I. Company's ships.

EASTING. The course made good, or gained, to the eastward.

EASTINTUS. From the Saxon, _east-tyn_, an easterly coast or country.
_Leg. Edward I._

EAST WIND. This, in the British seas, is generally attended with a hazy
atmosphere, and is so ungenial as to countenance the couplet--

    "When the wind is in the east,
    'Tis good for neither man nor beast."

EASY. Lower gently. A ship not labouring in a sea.--_Taking it easy._
Neglecting the duty. "Not so violent."

EASY DRAUGHT. The same as _light draught of water_ (which see).

EASY ROLL. A vessel is said to "roll deep but easy" when she moves
slowly, and not with quick jerks.

EATING THE WIND OUT OF A VESSEL. Applies to very keen seamanship, by
which the vessel, from a close study of her capabilities, steals to
windward of her opponent. This to be done effectually demands very
peculiar trim to carry weather helm to a nicety.

EAVER. A provincial term for the direction of the wind. A quarter of the
heavens.

EBB. The lineal descendant of the Anglo-Saxon _ep-flod_, meaning the
falling reflux of the tide, or its return back from the highest of the
flood, full sea, or high water. Also termed _sæ-æbbung_, sea-ebbing, by
our progenitors.

EBB, LINE OF. The sea-line of beach left dry by the tide.

EBBER, OR EBBER-SHORE. From the Anglo-Saxon signifying shallow.

EBB-TIDE. The receding or running out of the sea, in contradistinction
to flood.

EBONY. A sobriquet for a negro.

ECHELON. [Fr.] Expressing the field-exercise of soldiers, when the
divisions are placed in a situation resembling the steps of a ladder,
whence the name.

ECHINUS. A word lugged in to signify the sweep of the tiller. (_See_
SEA-EGG.)

ECLIPSE. An obscuration of a heavenly body by the interposition of
another, or during its passage through the shadow of a larger body. An
_eclipse of the sun_ is caused by the dark body of the moon passing
between it and the earth. When the moon's diameter exceeds the sun's,
and their centres nearly coincide, a _total eclipse_ of the sun takes
place; but if the moon's diameter be less, then the eclipse is
_annular_.

ECLIPTIC. The great circle of the heavens which the sun appears to us to
describe in the course of a year, in consequence of the earth's motion
round that luminary. It is inclined to the equinoctial at an angle of
nearly 23° 28', called the obliquity of the ecliptic, and cuts it in two
points diametrically opposite to each other, called the equinoctial
points. The time when the sun enters each of these points (which occurs
about the 20th of March and 23d of September, respectively) is termed
the equinox, day and night being then equal; at these periods,
especially about the time of the vernal equinox, storms, called the
equinoctial gales, are prevalent in many parts of the globe. The two
points of the ecliptic, which are each 90° distant from the equinoctial
points, are called the solstitial points. That great circle which passes
through the equinoctial points and the poles of the earth, is called the
equinoctial colure; and that which passes through the solstitial points
and the poles of the earth, the solstitial colure.

ECLIPTIC CONJUNCTION. Is the moon in conjunction with the sun at the
time of new moon, both luminaries having then the same longitude, or
right ascension.

ECLIPTIC LIMITS. Certain limits of latitude within which eclipses take
place, and beyond which they cannot occur.

ECONOMY. A term expressive of the system and internal arrangement
pursued in a ship.

EDDY. Sometimes used for the dead-water under a ship's counter. Also,
the water that by some interruption in its course, runs contrary to the
direction of the tide or current, and appears like the motion of a
whirlpool. Eddies in the sea not unfrequently extend their influence to
a great distance, and are then merely regarded as contrary or revolving
currents. It is the back-curl of the water to fill a space or vacuum
formed sometimes by the faulty build of a vessel, having the after-body
fuller than the fore, which therefore impedes her motion. It also occurs
immediately after a tide passes a strait, where the volume of water
spreads suddenly out, and curves back to the edges. The Chinese pilots
call eddies, chow-chow water.

EDDY-TIDE. When the water runs back from some obstacle to the free
passage of the stream.

EDDY-WIND. That which is beat back, or returns, from a sail, bluff hill,
or anything which impedes its passage; in other words, whenever the
edges or veins of two currents of air, coming from opposite directions,
meet, they form an eddy, or _whirlwind_ (which see). They are felt
generally near high coasts intersected by ravines. The eddy-wind of a
sail escaping, in a curve, makes the sail abaft shiver.

EDGE AWAY, TO. To decline gradually from the course which the ship
formerly steered, by sailing larger, or more off, or more away from
before the wind than she had done before.

EDGE DOWN, TO. To approach any object in an oblique direction.

EDGING OF PLANK. Sawing or hewing it narrower.

EDUCTION PIPE. A pipe leading from the bottom of a steam-cylinder to the
upper part of the condenser in a steam-engine.

EEAST. The Erse term for a fish, still used in the Isle of Man.

EEKING. _See_ EKEING.

EEL. A well-known fish (_Anguilla vulgaris_), of elongated form, common
in rivers and estuaries, and esteemed for food.

EELER. An adept at knowing the haunts and habits of eels, and the
methods of taking them.

EEL-FARES. A fry or brood of eels.

EEL-GRASS. A name for the sea-wrack (_Zostera marina_); it is thrown
ashore by the sea in large quantities.

EEL-POUT. A name for the burbot (_Molva lota_), a fresh-water fish.

EEL-SKUYT. _See_ DUTCH EEL-SKUYT.

EEL-SPEAR. A sort of trident with ten points for catching eels, called
in Lincolnshire an _eel-stang_.

EFFECTIVE. Efficient, fit for service; it also means the being present
and at duty.

EFFECTS. Personal property; sale of effects; or the auction of the
property of deceased officers and seamen:

    "The _effects_ of that sail
    Will be a sale of _effects_."

EFFLUENT, OR DIVERGENT, applied to any stream which runs out of a lake,
or out of another river. All tributaries are affluents.

EGG, TO. To instigate, incite, provoke, to urge on: from the Anglo-Saxon
_eggion_.

EGGS. These nutritious articles of food might be used longer at sea than
is usual. The shell of the egg abounds with small pores, through which
the aqueous part of the albumen constantly exhales, and the egg in
consequence daily becomes lighter, and approaches its decomposition.
Reaumur varnished them all over, and thus preserved eggs fresh for two
years; then carefully removing the varnish, he found that such eggs were
still capable of producing chickens. Some employ, with the same
intention, lard or other fatty substance for closing the pores, and
others simply immerse the egg for an instant in boiling water, by which
its albumen is in part coagulated, and the power of exhalation thereby
checked. Eggs packed in lime-water suffered to drain, have after three
years' absence in the West Indies been found good; this does not destroy
vitality.

EGMONT, OR PORT EGMONT FOWLS. The large Antarctic gulls with dark-brown
plumage, called _shoemakers_.

EGRESS. At a transit of an inferior planet over the sun, this term means
the passing off of the planet from his disc.

EGYPTIAN HERRING. A northern coast name for the gowdanook, saury-pike,
or _Scomberesox saurus_.

EIDER DUCK. The _Somateria mollissima_. A large species of duck,
inhabiting the coasts of the northern seas. The down of the breast, with
which it lines its nest, is particularly valuable on account of its
softness and lightness.

EIGHEN. The index of the early quadrant.

EILET-HOLE [Fr. _[oe]illet_]. _Refer to_ EYELET-HOLES.

EJECTAMENTA MARIS. Sea products thrown on the beach, whence they become
droits of admiralty. (_See_ JETSAM.)

EKE, TO. [Anglo-Saxon _eácan_, to prolong.] To make anything go far by
reduction and moderation, as in shortening the allowance of provisions
on a voyage unexpectedly tedious.

EKEING. A piece of wood fitted, by scarphing or butting, to make good a
deficiency in length, as the end of a knee and the like. The _ekeing_ is
also the carved work under the lower part of the quarter-piece, at the
aft part of the quarter-gallery.

ELBOW. That part of a river where it suddenly changes its direction,
forming a reach to the next angle or turn. Also, a promontory. Also, a
communication in a steam-pipe.

ELBOW-GREASE. Hard labour with the arms.

ELBOW IN THE HAWSE. Two crosses in a hawse. When a ship, being moored in
a tide-way, swings twice the wrong way, thereby causing the cables to
take half a round turn on each other. (_See_ HAWSE.)

ELDEST. The old navy term for _first_, as applied to the senior
lieutenant.

ELEMENTS. The first principles of any art or science.--The _elements of
an orbit_ are certain proportions which define the path of a heavenly
body in space, and enable the astronomer to calculate its position for
past or future times.

ELEPHANTER. A heavy periodical rain of Bombay.

ELEPHANT-FISH. The _Chimæra callorynchus_, named from the proboscis-like
process on its nose. Though inferior to many other fish, it is yet
palatable food.

ELEVATE! In great-gun exercise, the order which prepares for adjusting
the quoin.

ELEVATED POLE. That terrestrial pole which is above the horizon of a
spectator.

ELEVATION, IN SHIP-BUILDING. A vertical and longitudinal view of a
vessel, synonymous with _sheer-draught_ and _sheer-plan_. In other
words, it is the orthographic design whereon the heights and lengths are
expressed.

ELEVATION, ANGLE OF. In gunnery, that which the axis of the bore makes
with the plane of the horizon. It is attained by sinking the breech of
the gun until its axis points above the object to be fired at, so that
the shot may describe a curve somewhat similar to a parabola,
counteracting the action of gravity during its flight, and alighting
upon the mark.

ELGER. An eel-spear, _Promptorium Parvulorum_, yielding many together.

ELIGUGS. Aquatic birds of passage of the auk kind on our western coasts;
called also razor-bills.

ELITE. The élite of naval or military forces is the choicest selection
from them.

ELLECK. The trivial name of the _Trigla cuculus_.

ELLIOT-EYE. The Elliot-eye, introduced by the Hon. Admiral Elliot,
secretary of the Admiralty, is an eye worked over an iron thimble in the
end of a hempen bower-cable, to facilitate its being shackled to the
chain for riding in very deep water.

ELLIPSE. In geometry, an oval figure, formed of the section of a cone by
a plane cutting through both its sides obliquely.

ELMO'S FIRE, ST. _See_ COMPASANT.

ELONGATION. The angular distance of a heavenly body from the sun
eastward or westward.

ELVERS. The name of eels on the western coasts of England.

EMBARGO. A temporary injunction or arrest laid on ships or merchandise
by public authority, sometimes general, to prevent all ships departing,
and sometimes partial, as upon foreign ships only, or to prevent their
coming in. A breach of embargo, under the knowledge of the insured,
discharges the underwriters from liability.

EMBARK, TO. To go on board, or to put on board a vessel.

EMBARKATION. Applies to the shipping of goods, troops, and stores. Also,
the peculiar boats of a country. [Sp. _embarcation_.]

EMBARMENT. An old term, meaning an embargo.

EMBARRAS. An American term for places where the navigation of rivers or
creeks is rendered difficult by the accumulation of driftwood, trees,
&c.

EMBATTLE. To arrange forces for conflict.

EMBATTLED. In buildings, crenellated or pierced with loop-holes.

EMBEDDED. Firmly fixed in the mud or sand.

EMBER-GOOSE (OR IMBER?). A name for the great northern diver or loon
(_Colymbus glacialis_).

EMBEZZLEMENT, or simple theft, by persons belonging to a merchant ship,
is not deemed a peril of the sea. But robbery violently committed by
persons not belonging to the ship, is a peril for which the insurer is
answerable.--_To embezzle_ is to misappropriate by a breach of trust.

EMBOUCHURE. A French word adopted as signifying the mouth of a river, by
which its waters are discharged, or by which it is entered. The term is
now in general use.

EMBRASURES. The cut or opening made through the parapet of a battery for
the muzzle of the gun and the passage of the shot.

EMERALDERS. A term for the natives of Ireland, from its evergreen
verdure.

EMERGENCY. Imminent want in difficult circumstances.

EMERSION. The prismatic space or solid raised out on the weather side by
the inclination of the ship. In astronomy it signifies the re-appearance
of a celestial object after undergoing occultation or eclipse.

EMINENCE. A high or rising ground overlooking the country around.

EMISSARY. A culvert or drain.

EMPRISE. A hazardous attempt upon the enemy.

EMPTIONS. Stores purchased.

EMPTY. Cargo discharged.

EMPTY BASTION. In fortification is a bastion whereof the terreplein, or
terrace in rear of the parapet, not having been carried farther to the
rear than its regular distance, leaves a large space within it of a
lower level.

EMPTY BOTTLE. _See_ MARINE OFFICER.

ENCAMPMENT. _See_ CAMP.

ENCEINTE. [Fr.] A slightly bastioned wall or rampart line of defence,
which sometimes surrounds the body of a place; when only flanked by
turrets it is called a Roman wall.

ENCIRCLING REEFS. A name given to a form of coral reef, the architecture
of myriads of zoophytes in tropical seas.

ENCOUNTER. The hostile meeting of two ships or squadrons; also, a
conflict between troops.

ENDANGER, TO. To expose to peril.

ENDECAGON. In geometry, a plane figure of eleven sides and angles.

ENDELONG. The old English word for lengthways.

END FOR END. Reversing cordage, casks, logs, spars, &c.--To shift a rope
_end for end_, as in a tackle, the fall is made the standing part, and
the standing part becomes the fall; or when a rope runs out all a block,
and is unreeved; or in coming to an anchor, if the stoppers are not well
put on, and the cable runs all out end for end. (_See_ AN-END.)

END OF A TRENCH. The place where the trenches are opened.

END-ON. Said particularly of a ship when only her bows and head-sails
are to be seen, but generally used in opposition to _broadside-on_.

ENEMY. The power or people against whom war is waged.

ENFIELD RIFLE. The name of the present regulation musket for infantry,
as made at the government works at Enfield, on an improvement of the
Minié principle; whether the breach-loading rifle, which it is intended
to substitute for this arm, will acquire the same title, remains to be
determined.

ENFILADE FIRE. Is that which sweeps a line of works or men from one end
to the other; it is on land nearly the equivalent to "raking fire" at
sea.

ENGAGEMENT. In a naval sense, implies a battle at sea, or an action of
hostility between single ships, squadrons, or fleets of men-of-war.
Also, a conflict between two contending armies.

ENGINE, MARINE. (_See_ MARINE ENGINES.) Engine was of old a military
machine for warfare.

ENGINE-BEARERS. Sleepers, or pieces of timber placed between the
keelson, in a steamer, and the boilers of the steam-engine, to form a
proper seat for the boilers and machinery.

ENGINEER. A duly qualified officer appointed to plan and direct the
attack or defence of a fortification, as well as the construction of
fortified works. Engineers are also persons in charge of the machinery
of steam-vessels. In government steamers they are in three classes,
under warrant from the admiralty.

ENGINE-ROOM TELEGRAPH. A dial-contrivance by which the officer on deck
can communicate with the engineer below.

ENGLAND EXPECTS EVERY MAN WILL DO HIS DUTY. This is introduced into a
naval vocabulary, not as wanting explanation, but that in recording the
most remarkable signal ever made to a fleet, we may remind the tyro,
that these words of Nelson are admirably adapted for all the varying
changes of sea-life, whether in times of war or peace.

ENGLISH. A term applied to the vessels and men of the whole empire, and
its maritime population. "Indeed," says Burke in a letter to Admiral
Keppel, "I am perfectly convinced that _Englishman_ and _seaman_ are
names that must live and die together."

ENLARGE. The wind is said to enlarge when it veers from the side towards
the stern.

ENLISTMENT. The engaging recruits for the army or marines.

ENNEAGON. A figure that has nine sides and as many angles.

ENNIS, OR INNIS. A term for island on the west coast of Ireland and in
some parts of Scotland.

ENROL, TO. To enter the name on the roll of a corps.

ENSCONCE, TO. To intrench; to protect by a slight fortification.

ENSENADA [Sp. bay]. This term is frequently used on the coasts of Chili
and Peru.

ENSIGN. [From the Anglo-Saxon _segn_.] A large flag or banner, hoisted
on a long pole erected over the stern, and called the ensign-staff. It
is used to distinguish the ships of different nations from each other,
as also to characterize the different squadrons of the navy; it was
formerly written _ancient_. Ensign is in the army the title of the
junior rank of subaltern officers of infantry; from amongst them are
detailed the officers who carry the colours.

ENTERING AT CUSTOM-HOUSE. The forms required of the master of a merchant
ship before her cargo can be discharged.

ENTERING-LADDERS. Are of two sorts; one of them being used by the
vessel's side in harbour or in fair weather, the other is made of ropes,
with small staves for steps, and is hung out of the gallery to come
aboard by, when the sea runs so high as to risk staving the boat if
brought alongside; the latter are termed stern-ladders.

ENTERING-PORTS. Ports cut down on the middle gun-deck of three-deckers,
to serve as door-ways for persons going in and out of the ship.

ENTERING-ROPES, OR SIDE-ROPES. Three are sometimes used to aid in
climbing the ship's side. They hang from the upper part on the right,
left, and middle of the steps. (_See_ GANGWAY.) The upper end of an
entering-rope is rove through an eye in the iron stanchion at the
gangway; it is walled, crowned, and otherwise ornamentally fitted.

ENTERPRISE. An undertaking of difficulty and danger.

ENTRANCE. A term for the bow of a vessel, or form of the _fore-body_
under the load water-line; it expresses the figure of that which
encounters the sea, and is the opposite of _run_. Also, the first
appearance of a person on board after entry on the ship's books. Also,
the fore-foot of a ship. Also, the mouth of a harbour.

ENTRANCE MONEY. Payment on entering a mess.

ENTRY. In the ship's books; first putting down the appearance or day on
which a man joins. Also, the forcing into an enemy's ship.

ENVELOPE. In astronomy, a band of light encircling the head of a comet
on the side near the sun, and passing round it, so as to form the
commencement of the tail.--In fortification, a work of single lines
thrown up to inclose a weak ground; usually a mere earth-work.

EPAULE, OR SHOULDER. In fortification, that part of a bastion adjacent
to the junction of a face with a flank. The actual meeting of these two
lines forms the "angle of the shoulder."

EPAULEMENT. In fortification, a covering mass raised to protect from the
fire of the enemy, but differing from a parapet in having no arrangement
made for the convenient firing over it by defenders. It is usually
adopted for side-passages to batteries and the like.

EPAULET. The bullion or mark of distinction worn on the shoulders by
officers, now common to many grades, but till recently worn only by
captains and commanders, whence the brackish poet--

    "Hail, magic power that fills an _epaulet_,
    No wonder hundreds for thee daily fret!"

the meaning of which is now pointless.

EPHEMERIS, OR NAUTICAL ALMANAC. This in its wide sense, and recognizing
its value to navigators and astronomers, must be pronounced one of the
most useful of publications. How Drake and Magellan got on is matter of
marvel, for sailors were not especially administered to till 1675, when
the _Kalendarium Nauticum_, by Henry Seaman, Mariner, appeared; it
comprised the usual matter of annual almanacs, and was enriched with
such precepts and rules in the practice of navigation and traffic as are
in daily use. But in 1767 our nautical almanac, a tabular statement of
the geocentric planetary positions, which may be said to have created a
new era in voyaging, was published; and this book, with certain
alterations, was in force up to 1830, when a commission of the Royal
Society and astronomers established the present _Ephemeris_, now so much
valued. It is published annually, but computed to four years in advance,
to accommodate those proceeding on long voyages. Attempts have been made
in other countries to publish _The Nautical Almanac_, improved and
corrected, but they are mere copies, corrected by the errata furnished
annually in advance.

EPICYCLOID. A geometrical curve generated by making a circle roll upon
the circumference of another circle; it is found useful in determining
the figure of the teeth of wheel-work, and other purposes in mechanics.
If the generating circle proceeds along the convexity of the periphery,
it is called an upper or exterior epicycloid; if along the concavity, a
lower or interior epicycloid.

EPOCH. The time to which certain given numbers or quantities apply.

EPROUVETTE. A small piece of ordnance specially fitted for testing the
projectile force of samples of gunpowder.

EQUATED ANOMALY. This is also called the true anomaly, and is the
distance of the sun from the apogee, or a planet from its aphelion, seen
from the sun.

EQUATION, ANNUAL. _See_ ANNUAL EQUATION.

EQUATION OF EQUINOXES. The difference between the mean and apparent
places of the equinox.

EQUATION OF THE CENTRE. The difference between the true and mean
anomalies of a planet.

EQUATION OF TIME. The difference between mean and apparent time, or the
acceleration or retardation of the sun's return to the meridian.

EQUATOR. Called also the equinoctial line, or simply the line, being an
imaginary circle round the earth, dividing the globe into two equal
parts, and equally distant from both poles. Extended to the heavens, it
forms a circle called the celestial equator, which in like manner
divides the heavens into two equal parts, the northern and southern
hemispheres.

EQUATORIAL CURRENT. The set, chiefly westerly, so frequently met with
near the equator, especially in the Atlantic Oceans.

EQUATORIAL DOLDRUMS. _See_ DOLDRUMS.

EQUATORIAL SECTOR. An instrument of large radius for finding the
difference in the right ascension and declination of two heavenly
bodies.

EQUATORIAL TELESCOPE. A glass so mounted that it enables the observer to
follow the stars as they move equatorially.

EQUES AURATUS. An heraldic term for a knight.

EQUILATERAL TRIANGLE. A figure of three equal straight sides, and
therefore of three equal angles.

EQUINOCTIAL. Synonymous with _equator_ (which see).

EQUINOCTIAL GALES. Storms which are observed to prevail about the time
of the sun's crossing the equator, at which time there is equal day and
night throughout the world.

EQUINOCTIAL POINTS. _See_ ECLIPTIC.

EQUINOXES. The two points of intersection of the ecliptic and the
equator; so called, because on the sun's arrival at either of them, the
night is everywhere equal in length to the day.

EQUIP, TO. A term frequently applied to the business of fitting a ship
for a trading voyage, or arming her for war. (_See_ FITTING.)

EQUIPAGE. An admiral's retinue. Camp equipage consists of tents,
furniture, cooking utensils, &c.

EQUIPMENT. The complete outfit of an officer.

EQUITABLE TITLE. Either this, or a legal claim, are absolutely necessary
to establish an insurable interest in a ship or cargo. (_See_ QUALIFIED
PROPERTY.)

ERIGONE. A name sometimes applied to the constellation Virgo.

ERNE. From the Anglo-Saxon _earne_, a vulture, a bird of the eagle kind.
Now used to denote the sea-eagle.

ERRATIC WINDS. _See_ VARIABLES.

ESCALADE. The forcing a way over a rampart or other defence, properly by
means of ladders or other contrivances for climbing.

ESCAPE-VALVES. In marine engines. (_See_ CYLINDER ESCAPE-VALVES.)

ESCARP. In fortification, that steep bank or wall immediately in front
of and below the rampart, which is thus secured against being directly
stormed by a superior force; it is generally the inner side of the
ditch.

ESCHEATOR, THE KING'S. An officer at the exchequer of very ancient
establishment, under the lord-treasurer, whose business it is to inform
of escheats and casual profits of the crown, and to seize them into the
king's hands.

ESCORT. A guard of troops attending an individual by way of distinction.
Also, a guard placed over prisoners on a march.

ESCUTCHEON. The compartment in the middle of the ship's stern, where her
name is written. [Derived from _ex-scutum_.]

ESKIPPAMENTUM. An archaism for tackle or ship-furniture.

ESKIPPER. Anglo-Norman to ship, and _eskipped_ was used for shipped.

ESKIPPESON. An old law term for a shipping or passage by sea.

ESNECCA. In the twelfth century, a royal yacht, though some deem it to
have been a kind of transport.

ESPIALS. Night watches afloat, in dockyards and harbours; generally a
boat named by the ordinary.

ESPLANADE. Generally that space of level ground kept vacant between the
works of a fortress and neighbouring houses or other obstructions;
though originally applied to the actual surface of the glacis.

ESQUIMAUX. A name derived from _esquimantsic_, in the Albinaquis
language, _eaters of raw flesh_. Many tribes in the Arctic regions are
still ignorant of the art of cookery.

ESSARA. The prickly heat.

ESTABLISHMENT. The regulated complement or quota of officers and men to
a ship, either in time of war or peace. The equipment. The regulated
dimensions of spars, cabin, rigging, &c.--_Establishment of a port._ An
awkward phrase lately lugged in to denote the tide-hour of a port.

ESTIVAL. _See_ ÆSTIVAL.

ESTOC. A small stabbing sword.

ESTUARY. An inlet or shoaly arm of the sea into which a river or rivers
empty, and subject to tidal influence.

ESTURE. An old word for the rise and fall of water.

ETESIAN WINDS. The _Etesiæ_ of the ancients; winds which blow constantly
every year during the time of the dog-days in the Levant.

ETIQUETTE. Naval or military observances, deemed to be law.

EUPHROE. _See_ UVROU.

EVACUATE. To withdraw from a town or fortress, in virtue of a treaty or
capitulation; or in compliance with superior orders.

EVECTION. A term for the libration of the moon, or that apparent
oscillatory inequality in her motion, caused by a change in the
excentricity of her orbit, whereby her mean longitude is sometimes
increased or diminished to the amount of 1° 20', whereby we sometimes
see a little further round one side than at others.

EVE-EEL. A northern name for the conger; from the Danish _hav-aal_, or
sea-eel.

EVENING GUN. The warning-piece, after the firing of which the sentries
challenge.

EVEN KEEL. When a ship is so trimmed as to sit evenly upon the water,
drawing the same depth forward as aft. Some vessels sail best when
brought by the head, others by the stern.

EVERY INCH OF THAT! An exclamation to belay a rope without rendering it.

EVERY MAN TO HIS STATION. _See_ STATION.

EVERY ROPE AN-END. The order to coil down the running rigging, or braces
and bowlines, after tacking, or other evolution. Also, the order, when
about to perform an evolution, to see that every rope is clear for
running.

EVERY STITCH SET. All possible canvas spread.

EVOLUTION. The change of form and disposition during man[oe]uvres,
whether of men or ships; movements which should combine celerity with
precision and regularity.

EWAGE. An old law term meaning the toll paid for water-passage.

EXALTATION. A planet being in that sign in which it is supposed to exert
its utmost influence.

EXAMINATION. A searching by, or cognizance of, a magistrate, or other
authorized officer. Now strict in navy and army.

EXCENTRIC. In a steam-engine, a wheel placed on the crank-shaft, having
its centre on one side of the axis of the shaft, with a notch for the
_gab-lever_.

EXCENTRIC ANOMALY. An auxiliary angle employed to abridge the
calculations connected with the motion of a planet or comet in an
elliptic orbit.

EXCENTRICITY. In astronomical parlance, implies the deviation of an
elliptic orbit from a circle.

EXCENTRIC ROD, by its action on the gab-lever, which it catches either
way, puts the engine into gear.

EXCHANGE. A term in the mercantile world, to denote the bills by which
remittances are made from one country to another, without the
transmission of money. The removal of officers from one ship to another.
Also, a mutual agreement between contending powers for exchange of
prisoners.

EXCHEQUERED. Seized by government officers as contraband. Marked with
the broad arrow. It also refers to proceedings on the part of the crown
against an individual in the Exchequer Court, where suits for debts or
duties due to the crown are brought.

EXECUTION. The Lords of the Admiralty have a right to issue their
warrant, and direct the time and manner, without any special warrant
from the crown for that purpose.--_Military execution_ is the ravaging
and destroying of a country that refuses to pay contribution.

EXECUTIVE BRANCH. The commissioned and working officers of the ship, as
distinguished from the civilian branch.

EXERCISE. The practice of all those motions, actions, and management of
arms, whereby men are duly trained for service. Also, the practice of
loosing, reefing, and furling sails.--_Exercise_, in naval tactics, may
be applied to the forming a fleet into order of sailing, line of battle,
&c. The French term is _évolutions_ or _tactiques_, and may be defined
as the execution of the movements which the different orders and
disposition of fleets occasionally require, and which the several ships
are directed to perform by means of signals. (_See_ SIGNALS.)

EX LEX. An outlaw (a term of law).

EXPANSION-VALVE. In the marine engine, a valve which shuts off the steam
in its passage to the slide-valves, when the piston has travelled a
certain distance in the cylinder, leaving the remaining part of the
stroke to be performed by the expansion of the steam.

EXPEDIENT. A stratagem in warfare.

EXPEDITION. An enterprise undertaken either by sea or land, or both,
against an enemy; it should be conducted with secrecy and rapidity of
movement.

EXPENDED. Used up, consumed, or asserted to be so.

EXPENSE BOOKS. Accounts of the expenditure of the warrant officer's
stores, attested by the signing officers.

EXPLOITING. Transporting trees or timber by a river. Exploit was an old
verb meaning to perform.

EXPLORATOR. An examiner of a country. A scout.

EXPORT, TO. To send goods or commodities out of a country, for the
purposes of traffic, under the general name of exports.

EXPORTATION. The act of sending exports to foreign parts.

EXPORTER. The person who sends the exports abroad.

EXPOSED ANCHORAGE. An open and dangerous place, by reason of the
elements or the enemy.

EXTERIOR SIDE. The side of an imaginary polygon, upon which the plan of
a fortification is constructed.

EXTERIOR SLOPE. In fortification, that slope of a work towards the
country which is next outward beyond its superior slope.

EXTERNAL CONTACT. In a transit of Mercury or Venus over the sun's disc,
this expression means the first touch of the planet's and sun's edges,
before any part of the former is projected on the disc of the luminary.

EXTRAORDINARIES. Contingent expenses.

EXTREME BREADTH. The extent of the midships, or dead flat, with the
thickness of the bottom plank included.

EXTREMITIES. The stem and stern posts of a ship.

EY. _See_ EYGHT.

EYE. The circular loop of a shroud or stay where it goes over the
mast.--_To eye_, to observe minutely.--_Flemish eye_, a phrase
particularly applied to the eye of a stay, which is either formed at
the making of the rope; or by dividing the yarns into two equal parts,
knotting each pair separately, and pointing the whole over after
parcelling. This eye stopped by the mouse forms the collar. It is not
strong, soon rots, and seldom, if ever, used now where strength is of
more importance than neatness.

EYE-BOLTS. Those which have an eye or opening in one end, for hooking
tackles to, or fastening ropes.

EYELET-HOLES, are necessary in order to bend a sail to its yard or boom,
or to reef it; they consist of round holes worked in a sail to admit a
cringle or small rope through, chiefly the robands (or rope-bands), and
the points of the reef-line. (_See_ SAIL.)

EYE OF A BLOCK-STROP. That part by which it is fastened or suspended to
any particular place upon the sails, masts, or rigging; the eye is
sometimes formed by making two eye-splices, termed lashing eyes, on the
ends of the strop, and then seizing them together with a small line, so
as to bind both round a mast, yard, or boom, as is deemed necessary.

EYE OF AN ANCHOR. The hole in the shank wherein the ring is fixed.

EYE OF A STAY. That part of a stay which is formed into a sort of collar
to go round the mast-head; the eye and mouse form the collar.

EYE OF THE WIND. The direction to windward from whence it blows. (_See_
WIND'S-EYE.)

EYE-SHOT. Within sight.

EYES OF A MESSENGER. Eyes spliced in its ends to lash together.

EYES OF A SHIP. (_See_ EYES OF HER.)

EYES OF HER. The foremost part of the bay, or in the bows of a ship. In
olden times, and now in Spanish and Italian boats, as well as Chinese
junks, an eye is painted on each bow. The hawse-holes also are deemed
the "eyes of her."

EYE-SORE. Any disagreeable object.

EYE-SPLICE. (_See_ SPLICE.) A kind of splice made by turning the end of
a rope back, and the strands passed through the standing part.--_Eye of
a splice_, the strand turned up, by the fid or marline-spike, to receive
the opposite strand.

EYGHT. An alluvial river-island, where osiers usually grow, called also
_ait_, _ayt_, _ey_, _eyet_, or _eyot_. Also, the thickest part of a
scule of herrings; when this is scattered by the fishermen, it is termed
"breaking the ey."




F.


FACE. The edge of a sharp instrument. Also, the word of command to
soldiers, marines, and small-arm men, to turn upon the heel a quarter or
half a circle round in the direction ordered.

FACED. Turned up with facings on the cuffs and collars of uniforms and
regimentals.

FACE OF A GUN. The surface of the metal at the extremity of the muzzle.

FACE-PIECE. A piece of elm tabled on to the knee of the head, in the
fore-part, to assist the conversion of the main piece; and likewise to
shorten the upper bolts, and prevent the cables from rubbing against
them as the knee gets worn.

FACES OF A WORK. In fortification, are the two lines forming its most
prominent salient angle.

FACHON. An Anglo-Norman term for a sword or falchion.

FACING. Letting one piece of timber into another with a rabbet to give
additional strength or finish. Also, a movement for forming soldiers and
small-arm men.--_Facings._ The front of regimentals and uniforms.

FACK. _See_ FAKE.

FACTOR. A commercial superintendent, or agent residing beyond sea,
commissioned by merchants to buy or sell goods on their account by a
letter of attorney.

FACTORAGE. A certain percentage paid to the factor by the merchant on
all he buys or sells.

FACTORY. A place where a considerable number of factors reside; as
Lisbon, Leghorn, Calcutta, &c. Factory comprehends the business of a
firm or company, as that of the India Company at Canton, or the Hudson's
Bay Fur Company in North America.

FACULÆ. Luminous streaks upon the disc of the sun, among which the
maculæ, or dark spots, usually appear.

FADOME. The old form used for _fathom_ (which see).

FAFF, TO. To blow in flaws.

FAG, TO. To tire.--_A fag._ A deputy labouring-man, or one who works
hard for another.

FAG-END. Is the end of any rope. This term is also applied to the end of
a rope when it has become untwisted.

FAGGOTS. Men who used to be hired to answer to names on the books, when
the crew were mustered by the clerk of the cheque. Such cheating was
once still more prevalent in the army.

FAGOT. A billet for stowing casks. A _fascine_ (which see).

FAG-OUT, TO. To wear out the end of a rope or end of canvas.

FAIK, OR FALK. A name in the Hebrides for the sea-fowl razor-bill (_Alca
torda_).

FAIR. A general term for the wind when favourable to a ship's course, in
opposition to contrary or foul; _fair_ is more comprehensive than
_large_, since it includes about 16 points, whereas large is confined to
the beam or quarter, that is, to a wind which crosses the keel at right
angles, or obliquely from the stern, but never to one right astern.
(_See_ LARGE and SCANT.)--_Fair_, in ship-building, denotes the evenness
or regularity of a curve or line.--_To fair_, means to clip the timbers
fair.

FAIR-CURVE. In delineating ships, is a winding line whose shape is
varied according to the part of the ship it is intended to describe.
This curve is not answerable to any of the figures of conic sections,
although it occasionally partakes of them all.

FAIRING. Sheering a ship in construction. Also, the draught of a ship.
To run off a great number of different lines or curves, in order to
ascertain the fairness in point of curvature of every part, and the
beauty of the whole.

FAIR-LEAD. Is applied to ropes as suffering the least friction in a
block, when they are said to lead fair.

FAIR-LEADER. A thimble or cringle to guide a rope. A strip of board with
holes in it, for running-rigging to lead through, and be kept clear, so
as to be easily distinguished at night.

FAIR-MAID. A west-country term for a dried pilchard.

FAIR-WAY. The navigable channel of a harbour for ships passing up or
down; so that if any vessels are anchored therein, they are said to lie
in the fair-way. (_See_ PILOT'S FAIR-WAY.) Also, when the proper course
is gained out of a channel.

FAIR-WEATHER. That to which a ship may carry the small sails.

FAKE. One of the circles or windings of a cable or hawser, as it lies
disposed in a coil. (_See_ COILING.) The fakes are greater or smaller in
proportion to the space which a cable is allowed to occupy.

FALCON. In early times a small cannon, having a length of about 7 feet,
a diameter of bore of 3 inches, and throwing a ball of nearly 3 lbs.
weight, with a point-blank range of 130 paces, and a random one of 1500.

FALCONET. A primitive cannon smaller than the falcon; it threw a ball of
1-1/2 lb.

FALK. _See_ FAKE.

FALL. A vertical descent of a river through a narrow rocky pass, or over
a ledge, to the impediment of navigation. Also, the loose end of a
tackle, or that part to which the power is applied in hoisting, and on
which the people pull. Also, in ship-building, the descent of a deck
from a fair-curve lengthwise, as frequently seen in merchantmen and
yachts, to give height to the commander's cabin, and sometimes forward
at the hawse-holes. Also, a large cutting down of timber. Also, North
American English for autumn, when the navigation of northern inland
waters is about to close till the succeeding spring.

FALL, TO. A town or fortress is said to fall when it is compelled to
surrender to besiegers.

FALL ABOARD OF, TO. To strike another vessel, or have a collision with
it. Usually applied to the motion of a disabled ship coming in contact
with another.

FALL! A FALL! The cry to denote that the harpoon has been effectively
delivered into the body of a whale.

FALL ASTERN, TO. To lessen a ship's way so as to allow another to get
ahead of her. To be driven backwards.

FALL BACK, TO. To recede from any position previously occupied.

FALL CALM, TO. Speaking of the weather, implies a total cessation of the
wind.

FALL CLOUD. _See_ STRATUS.

FALL DOWN, TO. To sail, drift, or be towed to some lower part nearer a
river's mouth or opening.

FALLEN-STAR. A name for the jelly-fish or _medusa_, frequently thrown
ashore in summer and autumn.

FALL FOUL OF, TO. To reprimand severely. (_See_ FALL ABOARD OF.)

FALL IN, TO. The order to form, or take assigned places in ranks. (_See_
ASSEMBLY.)

FALLING GLASS. When the mercury of the barometer is sinking in the tube.

FALLING HOME. When the top-sides are inclined within the perpendicular;
opposite of _wall-sided_. (_See_ TUMBLING HOME.)

FALLING OFF. The opposite of _griping_, or _coming up to the wind_; it
is the movement or direction of the ship's head to leeward of the point
whither it was lately directed, particularly when she sails near the
wind, or lies by. Also, the angle contained between her nearest approach
to the direction of the wind, and her furthest declination from it when
_trying_.

FALLING OUT. When the top-sides project beyond a perpendicular, as in
flaring.

FALLING STARS. Meteors which have very much the appearance of real
stars. They were falsely regarded as foreboders of wind, as Seneca in
_Hippolytus_, "Ocior cursum rapiente flamma stella cum ventis agitata
longos porrigit ignes." Some are earthy, others metallic.

FALLING TIDE, OR EBB OF TIDE. This phrase, implying a previous flow of
tide towards high-water, requires here only a partial explanation: the
sea, after swelling for about six hours, and thus entering the mouths of
rivers, and rising along the sea-shore more or less, according to the
moon's age and other circumstances, rests for a quarter of an hour, and
then retreats or ebbs during the next six hours. After a similar pause
the phenomenon recommences,--occupying altogether about twelve hours and
fifty minutes. A table of the daily time of high-water at each port is
requisite for the shipping. There are curious variations to this law, as
when strong rivers rise and fall, and yet do not admit salt water. Their
currents, indeed, of fresh water, are found far off the land, as in the
Tiber, and off several in the West Indies, South America, &c. (_See_
TIDE.)

FALL IN WITH, TO. To meet, when speaking of a ship; to discover, when
speaking of the land.

FALL OF TIDE. An ebb.

FALL OUT, TO. To increase in breadth. Among soldiers and small-arm men,
to quit the ranks of a company.

FALLS. When a ship is not flush, this is the term given to those risings
of some parts of her decks (which she may have) more than others.

FALL-WIND. A sudden gust.

FALMADAIR. An old word signifying rudder, or a pilot.

FALSE ALARM. _See_ ALARM.

FALSE ATTACK. A feigned assault, made to induce a diversion or
distraction of the enemy's forces, in order that the true object
elsewhere may be carried.

FALSE COLOURS. To sail under false colours and chase is an allowable
stratagem of war, but firing under them is not permitted by the maritime
law of England.

FALSE FIRE, BLUE FLAMES. A composition of combustibles filled into a
wooden tube, which, upon being set fire to, burns with a light blue
flame from a half to several minutes. They are principally used as
night-signals, but often to deceive an enemy.

FALSE KEEL. A kind of supplemental or additional keel secured under the
main one, to protect it should the ship happen to strike the ground.

FALSE KELSON, OR KELSON RIDER. A piece of timber wrought longitudinally
above the main kelson.

FALSE MUSTER. An incorrect statement of the crew on the ship's books,
which if proved subjects the captain to cashiering.

FALSE PAPERS. Frequently carried by slavers and smugglers.

FALSE POST. _See_ FALSE STERN-POST.

FALSE RAIL. A thin plank fayed at the head-rails as a strengthener.

FALSE STEM. A hard timber fayed to the fore-part of the main stem, its
tail covering the fore-end of the keel. (_See_ CUT-WATER.)

FALSE STERN. An additional stern fixed on the main one, to increase the
length and improve the appearance of a vessel.

FALSE STERN-POST. A piece bolted to the after-edge of the main
stern-post to improve steerage, and protect it should the ship tail
aground.

FAMILY-HEAD. When the stem was surmounted with several full-length
figures, as was the custom many years ago.

FAMLAGH. The Erse or Manx term for oar or ore weed, wrack, or manure of
sea-weed.

FANAL [Fr.] A lighthouse.

FANCY-LINE. A line rove through a block at the jaws of a gaff, used as a
down-haul. Also, a line used for cross-hauling the lee topping-lift.
Also, a cord laid up neatly for sashed cabin-windows. Sometimes used for
_tracing-line_.

FANE. An old term for weather-cock: "a fayne of a schipe." (_See_ VANE.)

FANG, TO. To pour water into a pump in order to fetch it, when otherwise
the boxes do not hold the water left on them.

FANGS. The valves of the pump-boxes.

FANIONS. Small flags used in surveying stations, named after the
bannerets carried by horse brigades, and corrupted from the Italian word
_gonfalone_, a standard.

FANNAG-VARRY. The Erse term for a shag or cormorant, still in use on our
north-western shores, and in the Isle of Man.

FANNING. The technical phrase for breadthening the after-part of the
tops. Also, widening in general.

FANNING-BREEZE. One so gentle that the sail alternately swells and
collapses.

FANTODS. A name given to the fidgets of officers, who are styled
jib-and-staysail Jacks.

FARDAGE. Dunnage; when a ship is laden in bulk.

FARE [Anglo-Saxon, _fara_]. A voyage or passage by water, or the money
paid for such passage. Also, a fishing season for cod; and likewise the
cargo of the fishing vessel. (_See_ HOW FARE YE?)

FARE-CROFTS. The vessels that formerly plied between England and France.

FARRANE. The Erse term for a gentle breeze, still used on our
north-western shores.

FARTHEL. An old word for furling sails. Also, a burden, according to
Shakspeare in _Hamlet_; and a weight, agreeably to the depositions of
the "Portingalls" before Sir Francis Drake, _in re_ the great carrack's
cargo in 1592; there were "ij^_c_ fardells of synamon:" of this famous
prize the queen reserved to herself the lion's share.

FASCINES. Faggots of brush or other small wood, varying according to the
object in view and the material available, from about 6 to 9 inches in
diameter, and from 6 to 18 feet in length, firmly bound with withes at
about every 18 inches. They are of vast use in military
field-engineering.

FASH. An irregular seam. The mark left by the moulds upon cast bullets.
(Short for _fashion_--ship-fashion, soldier-fashion.)

FASHION-PIECES. The fashion of the after-part of a ship, in the plane of
projection. They are the hindmost timbers in the run of a ship, which
terminate the breadth, and form the shape of the stern; they are united
to the stern-post, and to the end of the wing-transom by a rabbet.

FASKIDAR. A name of the _Cataractes parasiticus_, or Arctic gull.

FAST. A rope, cablet, or chain by which a vessel is secured to a wharf;
and termed bow, head, breast, quarter, or stern fasts, as the case may
be.

FAST AGROUND. Immovable, or high and dry.

FAST AND LOOSE. An uncertain and shuffling conduct.

FASTENINGS. "Let go the fasts!" throw off the ropes from the bollards or
cleats. Also used for the bolts, &c., which hold together the different
parts of a ship.

FASTNESS. A strong post, fortified by nature and art.

FAST SAILER. A ship which, in nautical parlance, "has legs."

FAST STAYING. Quick in going about.

FAT, OR BROAD. If the tressing in or tuck of a ship's quarter under
water hangs deep, or is overfull, they say she has a _fat_ quarter.

FATHER. The dockyard name given to the person who constructs a ship of
the navy.

FATHER-LASHER. A name of the scorpius or scorpion, _Cottus scorpius_, a
fish about 9 inches long, common near rocky coasts.

FATHOM [Anglo-Saxon, _fædm_]. The space of both arms extended. A measure
of 6 feet, used in the length of cables, rigging, &c., and to divide the
lead (or sounding) lines, for showing the depth of water.--_To fathom_,
is to ascertain the depth of water by sounding. To conjecture an
intention.

FATHOM-WOOD. Slab and other offal of timber, sold at the yards, by
fathom lots: cubic measurement.

FATIGUE-PARTY. A party of soldiers told off to any labour-duty not
strictly professional.

FAULCON. A small cannon. (_See_ FALCON.)

FAUN. Anglo-Norman for a flood-gate or water-gate.

FAUSSEBRAYE. In fortification, a kind of counterguard or low rampart,
intended to protect the lower part of the main escarp behind it from
being breached, but considered in modern times to do more harm than good
to the defence.

FAVOUR, TO. To be careful of; also to be fair for.--"_Favour her_" is
purely a seaman's term; as when it blows in squalls, and the vessel is
going rap-full, with a stiff weather-helm and bow-seas, "favour her boy"
is "ease the helm, let the sails lift, and head the sea." So, in hauling
in a rope, _favour_ means to trust to the men's force and elasticity,
and not part the rope by taking a turn on a cleat, making a dead nip. A
thorough seaman "favours" his spars and rigging, and sails his ship
economically as well as expeditiously.

FAY, TO. To fit any two pieces of wood, so as to join close and fair
together; the plank is said to fay to the timbers, when it lies so close
to them that there shall be no perceptible space between them.

FAY FENA. A kind of Japanese galley, of 30 oars.

FEALTY. Loyalty and due devotion to the queen's service.

FEARN. A small windlass for a lighter.

FEAR-NOUGHT. Stout felt woollen cloth, used for port-linings, hatchway
fire-screens, &c. The same as _dread-nought_.

FEATHER. (_See_ SWINE'S or SWEDISH FEATHER.) It is used variously. (_See
also_ FULL FEATHER and WHITE FEATHER.)

FEATHER, TO CUT A. When a ship has so sharp a bow that she makes the
spray feather in cleaving it.

FEATHER AN OAR, TO. In rowing, is to turn the blade horizontally, with
the top aft, as it comes out of the water. This lessens the resistance
of the air upon it.

FEATHER-EDGED. A term used by shipwrights for such planks as are thicker
on one edge than the other.

FEATHERING-PADDLES. (Morgan's patent.)

FEATHER-SPRAY. Such as is observed at the cut-water of fast steamers,
forming a pair of wing feathers.

FEATHER-STAR. The _Comatula rosacea_, one of the most beautiful of
British star-fishes.

FEAZE, TO. To untwist, to unlay ropes; to teaze, to convert it into
oakum.

FEAZINGS. The fagging out or unravelling of an unwhipped rope.

FECKET. A Guernsey frock.

FECKLESS. Weak and silly.

FEEDER. A small river falling into a large one, or into a dock or float.
_Feeders_, in pilot slang, are the passing spurts of rain which feed a
gale.

FEEDING-GALE. A storm which is on the increase, sometimes getting worse
at each succeeding squall. When a gale freshens after rain, it is said
to have fed the gale.

FEEDING-PART OF A TACKLE. That running through the sheaves, in
opposition to the standing part.

FEED OF GRASS. A supply of any kind of vegetables.

FEED-PUMP. The contrivance by which the boilers of a steamer are
supplied with water from the hot-well, while the engines are at work.

FEED-WATER. In steamers, the water which supplies the boiler.

FEEL THE HELM, TO. To have good steerage way, carrying taut
weather-helm, which gives command of steerage. Also said of a ship when
she has gained head-way after standing still, and begins to obey the
helm.

FEINT. A mock assault, generally made to conceal a true one.

FELL, TO. To cut down timber. To knock down by a heavy blow. _Fell_ is
the Anglo-Saxon for a skin or hide.

FELL-HEAD. The top of a mountain not distinguished by a peak.

FELL IN WITH. Met by chance.

FELLOES [from _felly_]. The arch-pieces which form the rim or
circumference of the wheel, into which the spokes and handles are
fitted.

FELLOW. A sailor's soubriquet for himself; he will ask if you "have
anything for a fellow to do?"

FELLS. Upland levels and mountainous tracts.

FELT. Stuff made of wool and hair. Patent felt is saturated with tar,
and used to place inside the doubling or sheathing of a vessel's bottom.
Employed also in covering the boilers and cylinders of steam-engines.

FELUCCA. (_See_ LUNTRA.) A little vessel with six or eight oars,
frequent in the Mediterranean; its helm may be applied in the head or
stern, as occasion requires. Also, a narrow decked galley-built vessel
in great use there, of one or two masts, and some have a small mizen;
they carry lateen sails.

FEN. Low tracts inundated by the tides, capable, when in a dry state, of
bearing the weight of cattle grazing upon them; differing therein from
bog or quagmire. When well drained, they form some of the best land in
the country.

FENCE. A palisade. Also, the arm of the hammer-spring of a gun-lock.

FENCIBLES. Bodies of men raised for limited service, and for a definite
period. In rank they are junior to the line and royal marines, but
senior to yeomanry or volunteers.

FENCING. The art of using the small-sword with skill and address.

FEND. An aphæresis from defend; to ward off.

FEND OR FENDER BOLTS. Made with long and thick heads, struck into the
outermost bends or wales of a ship, to save her sides from hurts and
bruises.

FENDER-PILES. In a dock, &c.

FENDERS. Two pieces of oak-plank fayed edgeways against the top-sides,
abreast the main hatchway, to prevent the sides being chafed by the
hoisting of things on board. They are not wanted where the yard-tackles
are constantly used. Also, pieces of old cable, or other materials, hung
over the side to prevent it from chafing against a wharf; as also to
preserve a small vessel from being damaged by a large one. The fenders
of a boat are usually made of canvas, stuffed, and neatly painted.

FEND OFF, TO. In order to avoid violent contact, is, by the application
of a spar, junk, rattans, &c., to prevent one vessel running against
another, or against a wharf, &c. Fend off, with the boat-hook or
stretchers in a boat.--_Fend the boat_, keep her from beating against
the ship's side.

FERNAN BAG. A small ditty-bag, often worn by sailors, for holding
tobacco and other things. They have applied the term to the pouches in
monkeys' cheeks, where they carry spare food.

FERRARA. A species of broadsword, named after the famous Spanish
sword-smith, Andrea Ferrara.

FERRIAGE. An old right of the admiralty over all rivers between the sea
and the first bridges.

FERRY. A passage across a river or branch of the sea by boat.

FERRY-BOATS. Vessels or wherries duly licensed for conveying passengers
across a river or creek.

FETCH, TO. To reach, or arrive at; as, "we shall fetch to windward of
the lighthouse this tack."

FETCH HEAD-WAY OR STERN-WAY. Said of a vessel gathering motion ahead or
astern.

FETCHING THE PUMP. Pouring water into the upper part in order to expel
the air contained between the lower box and that of the pump-spear.
(_See_ PUMP.)

FETCH OF A BAY OR GULF. The whole stretch from head to head, or point to
point.

FETCH WAY, TO. Said of a gun, or anything which escapes from its place
by the vessel's motion at sea.

FETTLE, TO. To fit, repair, or put in order. Also, a threat.

FEU-DE-JOIE. A salute fired by musketry on occasions of public
rejoicing, so that it should pass from man to man rapidly and steadily,
down one rank and up the other, giving one long continuous sound.

FEZ. A red cloth skull-cap, worn by the people of Fez and Morocco, and
in general use amongst Mediterranean sailors.

F.G. The initials on a powder cask, denote _fine grain_.

FICHANT. In fortification, said of flanking fire which impinges on the
face it defends; that is, of a line of defence where the angle of
defence is less than a right angle.

FID. A square bar of wood or iron, with a shoulder at one end, used to
support the weight of the top-mast when erected at the head of the lower
mast, by passing through a mortise or hole at the lower end of the
former, and resting its ends on the trestle-trees, which are sustained
by the head of the latter; the fid, therefore, must be withdrawn every
time the mast is lowered; the topgallant-mast is retained at the head of
the top-mast in the same manner. There is also a patent screw fid, which
can be removed after hauling taut the mast rope, without having first to
lift the mast. (_See_ MAST.) A fid is also a conical pin of hard wood,
of any size from 10 inches downwards, tapering to a point, used to open
the strands of a rope in splicing: of these some are large, for splicing
cables, and some small, for the bolt-ropes of sails, &c. Fid is
improperly applied to metal of the same shape; they are then termed
_marling-spikes_ (called _stabbers_ by sail-makers--which see). Also,
the piece of oakum with which the vent of a gun is plugged. Some call it
the _vent-plug_ (which see). Also, colloquially used for a quid or chew
of tobacco, or a small but thick piece of anything, as of meat in clumsy
carving.

FIDDED. When a mast has been swayed high enough the fid is then
inserted, and the mast-rope relieved of the weight.

FIDDLE. A contrivance to prevent things from rolling off the table in
bad weather. It takes its name from its resemblance to a fiddle, being
made of small cords passed through wooden bridges, and hauled very taut.

FIDDLE-BLOCK. A long shell, having one sheave over the other, and the
lower smaller than the upper (_see_ LONG-TACKLES), in contradistinction
to double blocks, which also have two sheaves, but one abreast of the
other. They lie flatter and more snugly to the yards, and are chiefly
used for lower-yard tackles.

FIDDLE-FISH. A name of the king-crab (_Limulus polyphemus_), from its
supposed resemblance to that instrument.

FIDDLE-HEAD. When there is no figure; this means that the termination of
the head is formed by a scroll turning aft or inward like a violin: in
contradistinction to the _scroll-head_ (which see).

FIDE JUSSORS. Bail sureties in the instance court of the admiralty.

FIDLER. A small crab, with one large claw and a very small one. It
burrows on drowned lands.

FIDLER'S GREEN. A sort of sensual Elysium, where sailors are represented
as enjoying, for "a full due," those amenities for which Wapping, Castle
Rag, and the back of Portsmouth Point were once noted.

FIELD. The country in which military operations are being carried on;
the scene of a conflict.--_Taking the field_, quitting cantonments, and
going on active service.

FIELD-ALLOWANCE. A small extra payment made to officers, and sometimes
to privates, on active service in the field, to compensate partly the
enhanced price of all necessaries.

FIELD-ARTILLERY. Light ordnance fitted for travel as to be applicable to
the active operations of the field. The term generally includes the
officers, men, and horses, also the service. According to the present
excellent establishment of rifled field-guns for the British service,
the Armstrong 12-pounder represents the average type.

FIELD-DAY. A day of exercise and evolutions.

FIELD-FORTIFICATION. Is the constructing of works intended to strengthen
the position of forces operating in the field; works of that temporary
and limited quality which may be easily formed with the means at hand.

FIELD-GLASS. A telescope, frequently so termed. Also, the binocular or
opera-glass, used for field-work, night-work, and at races.

FIELD-GUN. _See_ FIELD-ARTILLERY.

FIELD-ICE. A sheet of smooth frozen water of a general thickness, and of
an extent too large for its boundaries to be seen over from a ship's
mast-head. Field-ice may be all adrift, but yet pressed together, and
when any masses detach, as they suddenly do, they are termed floes. They
as suddenly become pressed home again and cause nips. (_See_ NIP.)

FIELD-MARSHAL. The highest rank in the British army.

FIELD-OFFICERS. The colonel, lieutenant-colonels, and majors of a
regiment; so called because, not having the common duties in quarters,
they are mostly seen when the troops are in the field.

FIELD OF VIEW. That space which is visible in a telescope at one view,
and which diminishes under augmenting eye-pieces.

FIELD-PIECES. Light guns proper to be taken into field operations; one
or more of them is now carried by all ships of war for land service.

FIELD-WORKS. The constructions of _field-fortification_ (which see).

FIERY-FLAW, OR FIRE-FLAIRE. A northern designation of the sting-ray
(_Raia pastinaca_).

FIFE-RAILS. Those forming the upper fence of the bulwarks on each side
of the quarter-deck and poop in men-of-war. Also, the rail round the
main-mast, and encircling both it and the pumps, furnished with belaying
pins for the running rigging, though now obsolete under the iron rule.

FIFER AND FIDLER. Two very important aids in eliciting exact discipline;
for hoisting, warping, and heaving at the capstan in proper time; rated
a second-class petty officer styled "musician," pay £30, 8_s._ per
annum.

FIG, OR FULL FIG. In best clothes. Full dress.

FIGALA. An East Indian craft with one mast, generally rowed with
paddles.

FIGGER. The soubriquet of a Smyrna trader.

FIGGIE-DOWDIE. A west-country pudding, made with raisins, and much in
vogue at sea among the Cornish and Devon men. Cant west-country term for
plum-pudding--figs and dough.

FIGHT, SEA. _See_ BATTLE, ENGAGEMENT, EXERCISE, &c.

FIGHTING-LANTERNS. Kept in their respective fire-buckets at quarters, in
readiness for night action only. There is usually one attached to each
gun; the bucket is fragile, but intended to screen the light, and
furnished with a fire-lanyard.

FIGHTING-SAILS. Those to which a ship is reduced when going into action;
formerly implying the courses and top-sails only.

FIGHTING-WATER. Casks filled and placed on the decks, expressly for use
in action. When the head was broken in, vinegar was added to prevent too
much being taken by one man.

FIGHTS. Waste-cloths formerly hung about a ship, to conceal the men from
the enemy. Shakspeare, who knew everything, makes Pistol bombastically
exclaim--

    "Clap on more sails: pursue, up with your fights."

_Close fights_, synonymous with _close quarters_.

FIGURE. The principal piece of carved work or ornament at the head of a
ship, whether scroll, billet, or figure-head.

FIGURE-HEAD. A carved bust or full-length figure over the cut-water of a
ship; the remains of an ancient superstition. The Carthaginians carried
small images to sea to protect their ships, as the Roman Catholics do
still. The sign or head of St. Paul's ship was Castor and Pollux.

FIGURE OF EIGHT. A knot made by passing the end of a rope over and round
the standing part, up over its own part, and down through the bight.

FIGURE OF THE EARTH. The form of our globe, which is that of an oblate
spheroid with an ellipticity of about 1/299.

FIKE. _See_ FYKE.

FILADIERE. A small flat-bottomed boat of the Garonne.

FILE. Originally a string of soldiers one behind the other, though in
the present formation of British troops, the length of the string has
been reduced to two.

FILE. _An old file._ A somewhat contemptuous epithet for a deep and
cunning, but humorous person.

FILE OFF, TO. To march off to a flank by files, or with a very small
front.

FILL, TO. To brace the yards so that the wind strikes the after side of
the sails, and advances the ship in her course, after the sails had been
shivering, or braced aback. A ship may be forced backward or forward, or
made to remain in her place, with the same wind, by "backing, filling,"
or shivering the sails. (_See_ BRACE, BACK, and SHIVER.) Colliers
generally _tide it_, "backing and filling" down the Thames until they
gain the reaches, where there is room for tacking, or the wind is fair
enough for them to lay their course.--An idle skulker, a fellow who
loiters, trying to avoid being seen by the officer of the watch, is said
to be "backing and filling;" otherwise, doing nothing creditably.

FILL AND STAND ON. A signal made after "lying by" to direct the fleet to
resume their course.

FILLER. A filling piece in a made mast.

FILLET. An ornamental moulding. Rings on the muzzle and cascabel of
guns.

FILLET-HORSE. The horse employed in the shafts of the limbers.

FILLING. In ship-carpentry, wood fitted on a timber or elsewhere to make
up a defect in the moulding way. This name is sometimes given to a
_chock_.

FILLING A SHIP'S BOTTOM. Implies covering the bottom of a ship with
broad-headed nails, so as to give her a sheathing of iron, to prevent
the worms getting into the wood; sheathing with copper is found
superior, but the former plan is still used for piles in salt-water.

FILLING IN. The replacing a ship's vacant planks opened for ventilation,
when preparing her, from ordinary, for sea.

FILLING POWDER. Taking gunpowder from the casks to fill cartridges, when
lights and fires should be extinguished.

FILLING ROOM. Formerly a small place parted off and lined with lead, in
a man-of-war magazine, wherein powder may be started loosely, in order
to fill cartridges.

FILLINGS. Fir fayed in between the chocks of the head, and wherever
solidity is required, as making the curve fair for the mouldings between
the edges of the fish-front and the sides of the mast, or making the
spaces between the ribs and timbers of a vessel's frame solid.

FILLING-TIMBERS. Blocks of wood introduced in all well-built vessels
between the frames, where the bilge-water may wash.

FILLING-TRANSOM, is just above the deck-transom, securing the ends of
the gun-deck plank and lower-transoms.

FILL THE MAIN-YARD. An order well understood to mean, fill the
main-topsail, after it has been aback, or the ship hove-to.

FILTER. A strainer to free water from its impurities, usually termed by
seamen _drip-stone_ (which see).

FILUM AQUÆ. The thread or middle of any river or stream which divides
countries, manors, &c.--_File du mer_, the high tide of the sea.

FIMBLE HEMP; _female hemp_, is that which is chiefly used for domestic
purposes, and therefore falls to the care of the women, as _carl_ or
_male hemp_, which produces the flower, does to the maker of cordage.

    "Wife, pluck fro thy seed hemp, the _fimble hemp_ clean,
    This looketh more yellow, the other more green;
    Use this one for thy spinning, leave Michael the t'other,
    For shoe-thread and halter, for rope and such other."--_Tusser._

FIN [Anglo-Saxon, _Finn_]. A native of Finland; those are _Fins_ who
live by fishing. We use the whole for a part, and thus lose the clue
which the Fin affords of a race of fishermen.

FIN-BACK. _See_ FINNER.

FIND, TO. To provide with or furnish.

FINDING. The verdict of a court-martial.

FINDON HADDOCK. The Finnan Haddie, a species of haddock cured by
smoke-drying at Montrose and Aberdeen.

FINE. A term of comparison, as fine ship, &c., or _lean_ (which see).
Also, _see_ FYEN.

FINE BREEZES. Said of the wind when the flying-kites may be carried, but
requiring a sharp look-out.

FINISHINGS. The carved ornaments of the quarter-galleries: _upper_ and
_lower_, as above or below the stools.

FINNER. Whales of the genus _Balænoptera_ are so termed, being
distinguished from the right whales by the possession of a small
triangular adipose dorsal fin. There are several species, some of which
grow to a greater length than any other animals of the order, viz. 80 or
perhaps 90 feet. They are very active and difficult to harpoon, yield
comparatively little oil, and their baleen, or "whalebone," is almost
worthless; consequently, they suffer much less than the right whales
from the persecutions of the whalers. The finner, or great black fish,
is feared by whalers in general. It is vicious, and can only be attacked
by large boats in shallow water, as at the Bermudas, where the
whale-boats are about 50 or 60 feet long, and 12 feet beam. The fish
yields one barrel of oil for every foot in length beyond thirty. (_See_
RAZOR-BACK and RORQUAL.)

FINNIE. A northern name for salmon under a year old.

FINNOCK. A white kind of small salmon taken on the west coast of
Scotland.

FINTRUM SPELDIN. A small dried haddock.

FIN-WHALE. _See_ FINNER.

FIORD. A Norwegian pilot term for good channels among islets, and deep
inlets of the sea.

FIRBOME. An old term for a beacon, and appears thus in the _Promptorium
Parvulorum_.

FIR-BUILT. Constructed of fir.

FIRE! The order to put the match to the priming, or pull the trigger of
a cannon or other fire-arm so as to discharge it. The act of discharging
ordnance.

FIRE, LOSS BY. Is within the policy of insurance, whether it be by
accident, or by the fault of the master or mariners. Also, if a ship be
ordered by a state to be burnt to prevent infection, or if she be burnt
to prevent her falling into the hands of the enemy.

FIRE-AND-LIGHTS. Nickname of the master-at-arms.

FIRE-ARMS. Every description of arms that discharge missiles by
gunpowder, from the heaviest cannon to a pistol.

FIRE-ARROWS. Missiles in olden times carrying combustibles; much used in
the sea-fights of the middle ages.

FIRE-AWAY. Go on with your remarks.

FIRE-BALL. In meteorology, a beautiful phenomenon seen at times, the
origin of which is as yet imperfectly accounted for. It is also the
popular name for aërolites in general, because in their descent they
appear to be burning.

FIRE-BALLS. Are used for destroying vessels run aground, and firing
buildings. They are made of a composition of meal-powder, sulphur,
saltpetre, and pitch, moulded into a mass with suet and tow.

FIRE-BARE. An old term from the Anglo-Saxon for _beacon_.

FIRE-BARS. The range fronting a steam-boiler.

FIRE-BILL. The distribution of the officers and crew in case of the
alarm of fire, a calamity requiring judicious conduct.

FIRE-BOOMS. Long spars swung out from a ship's side to prevent the
approach of fire-ships, fire-stages, or vessels accidentally on fire.

FIRE-BOX. A space crossing the whole front of the boiler over the
furnace doors, opposite the smoke-box.

FIRE-BUCKETS. Canvas, leather, or wood buckets for quarters, each fitted
with a sinnet laniard of regulated length, for reaching the water from
the lower yards. (_See_ FIREMEN.)

FIRE-DOOR. An access to the fire-place of an engine.

FIRE-DRAKE. A meteor, or the Corpo Santo. Also, a peculiar fire-work,
which Shakspeare in _Henry VIII._ thus mentions: "That fire-drake did I
hit three times on the head, and three times was his nose discharged
against me; he stands there like a mortar-piece to blow us."

FIRE-EATER. One notoriously fond of being in action; much humbled by
iron-clads.

FIRE-FLAUGHTS. The _aurora borealis_, or northern lights.

FIRE-HEARTH. The security base of the galley-range and all its
conveniences.

FIRE-HEARTH-CARLINE. The timber let in under the beams on which the
fire-hearth stands, with pillars underneath, and chocks thereon.

FIRE-HOOPS. A combustible invented by the knights of Malta to throw
among their besiegers, and afterwards used in boarding Turkish galleys.

FIRE-LOCK. Formerly the common name for a musket; the fire-arm carried
by a foot-soldier, marine, or small-arm man, until the general
introduction of rifles. It carried a ball of about an ounce in weight.

FIREMEN. A first and second man is stationed to each gun, in readiness
for active duty. The firemen, when called with the first and second
division of boarders, were an effective force. If for duty aloft, each
bucket had a lanyard which reached from the main-yard to the sea, so as
to keep the lower sails well wet. The ship's engine was also manned by
the second division of boarders, while the first division and carpenters
cut away obstacles. (For firemen in a steamer, see STOKER.)

FIRE-RAFTS. Timber constructions bearing combustible matters, used by
the Chinese to destroy an enemy's vessel.

FIRE-RAILS. _See_ RAILS.

FIRE-ROLL. A peculiar beat of the drum to order people to their stations
on an alarm of fire. Summons to quarters.

FIRE-SCREENS. Pieces of fear-nought, a thick woollen felt put round the
hatchways in action.

FIRE-SHIP. A vessel filled with combustible materials, and fitted with
grappling-irons, to hook and set fire to the enemy's ships.
Notwithstanding what is said respecting the siege of Tyre, perhaps the
practice of using regular fire-ships ought to be dated from the
destruction of the fleet of Basilicus by the victorious Genseric near
Carthage.

FIRE-SWAB. The bunch of rope-yarns sometimes secured to the tompion,
saturated with water to cool the gun in action, and swab up any grains
of powder.

FIRE-WORKS. _See_ PYROTECHNY.

FIRING-PARTY. A detachment of soldiers, marines, or small-arm men
selected to fire over the grave of an individual buried with military
honours.

FIRMAUN. A Turkish passport.

FIRST. The appellation of the senior lieutenant; also, senior lieutenant
of marines, and first captain of a gun.

FIRST FUTTOCKS. Timbers in the frame of a ship which come down between
the floor-timbers almost to the keel on each side.

FIRST POINT OF ARIES. _See_ ARIES.

FIRST QUARTER OF THE MOON. _See_ QUARTER, FIRST.

FIRST WATCH. The men on deck-duty from 8 P.M. till midnight.

FIRTH. A corruption of _frith_, in Scotland applied to arms of the sea,
and estuaries of various extent; also given to several channels amongst
the Orkneys.

FISH, OR FISH-PIECE. A long piece of hard wood, convex on one side and
concave on the other; two are bound opposite to each other to strengthen
the lower masts or the yards when they are sprung, to effect which they
are well secured by bolts and hoops, or stout rope called woolding.
Also, colloquially, an epithet given to persons, as a _prime_ fish, a
_queer_ fish, a _shy_ fish, a _loose_ fish, &c. _As mute as a fish_,
when a man is very silent. Also, _fish_ among whalers is expressly
applied to whales. At the cry of "Fish! fish!" all the boats are
instantly manned.

FISH, ROYAL. Whale and sturgeon, to which the sovereign is entitled when
either thrown on shore or caught near the coasts.

FISH-DAVIT. (_See_ DAVIT.) That which steps into a shoe in the
fore-chains, and is used for fishing an anchor.

FISHER-BOYS. The apprentices in fishing vessels.

FISHER-FISH. A species of _Remora_, said to be trained by the Chinese to
catch turtle. When a turtle is perceived basking on the surface of the
sea, the men, avoiding all noise, slip one of their remoras overboard,
tied to a long and fine cord. As soon as the fish perceives the floating
reptile he swims towards it, and fixes himself on it so firmly that the
fishermen easily pull in both together.

FISHERMAN'S BEND. A knot, for simplicity called the king of all knots.
Its main use is for bending studding-halliards to the yard, by taking
two turns round the yard, passing the end between them and the yard, and
half hitching it round the standing part. (_See_ STUDDING-SAIL BEND.)

FISHERMAN'S WALK. An extremely confined space; "three steps and
overboard," is often said of what river yachtsmen term their
quarter-decks.

FISH-FAG. A woman who fags under heavy fish-baskets, but is applied also
in opprobrium to slatterns.

FISH-FLAKE. A stage covered with light spars for the purpose of drying
fish in Newfoundland.

FISH-FRONT. The strengthening slab on a made mast.

FISH-GARTH. The water shut in by a dam or weir by the side of a river
for securing fish.

FISH-GIG. A staff with three, four, or more barbed prongs of steel at
one end, and a line fastened to the other; used for striking fish at
sea. Now more generally called _grains_.

FISH-HACK. A name of the _Gobius niger_.

FISHICK. An Orkney name for the brown whistle-fish, _Gadus mustela_.

FISHING. In taking celestial observations, means the sweeping to find a
star or other object when near its approximate place.

FISHING-BOAT. A stout fishing-vessel with two lug-sails.

FISHING-FROG. A name of the _Lophius piscatorius_, angler or devil-fish,
eaten in the Mediterranean.

FISHING-GROUND. Any bank or shoal frequented by fish.

FISHING-SMACK. A sloop having in the hold a well wherein to preserve the
fish, particularly lobsters, alive.

FISHING-TAUM. A northern designation of an angling line, or angling
gear.

FISHING-VESSELS. A general term for those employed in the fisheries,
from the catching of sprats to the taking of whales.

FISH-LEEP. An old term for a fish-basket.

FISH-ROOM. A space parted off by bulk-heads in the after-hold, now used
for waste stores, but formerly used for stowing salt fish--an article of
food long discontinued. In line-of-battle ships, a small store-room near
the bread-room, in which spirits or wine, and sometimes coals, were
stowed, with the stock-fish.

FISH-SPEAR. An instrument with barbed spikes.

FISH-TACKLE. A tackle employed to hook and draw up the flukes of a
ship's anchor towards the top of the bow, after catting, in order to
stow it; formerly composed of four parts, viz. the pendant, the block,
the hook, and the tackle, for which see DAVIT.

FISH THE ANCHOR, TO. To turn up the flukes of an anchor to the gunwale
for stowage, after being catted.--_Other fish to fry_, a common
colloquialism, expressing that a person has other occupation demanding
his attention.

FISH-WIFE, OR FISH-WOMAN. A female carrier and vendor of fish in our
northern cities.

FIST, TO. To handle a rope or sail promptly; thus _fisting_ a thing is
readily getting hold of it.

FIT FOR DUTY. In an effective state for service.

FIT RIGGING, TO. To cut or fit the standing and running rigging to the
masts, &c.

FIT-ROD. A small iron rod with a hook at the end, which is put into the
holes made in a vessel's side, to ascertain the length of the bolts or
tree-nails required to be driven in.

FITTED FURNITURE. Rudder-chocks, bucklers, hawse-plugs, dead-lights,
pump-boxes, and other articles of spare supply, sent from the dockyard.

FITTERS. Persons in the north who vend and load coals, fitting ships
with cargoes, &c.

FITTING OUT A SHIP. The act of providing a ship with sufficient masts,
sails, yards, ammunition, artillery, cordage, anchors, provisions,
stores, and men, so that she is in proper condition for the voyage or
purpose to which she is appointed.

FIUMARA. A term common to the Italian coasts for a mountain torrent.

FIVE-FINGERS. The name given to the _Asterias_, or star-fish, found on
our shore. Cocker in 1724 describes it thus: "_Five-fingers_, a fish
like a spur-rowel, destructive to oysters, to be destroyed by the
admiralty law." They destroy the spat of oysters.

FIVE-SHARE MEN. In vessels, as whalers, where the men enter on the
chances of success, &c., in shares.

FIX BAYONETS! Ship them ready for use.

FIXED AMMUNITION. Is, complete in each round, the cartridge being
attached to the projectile, to facilitate simultaneous loading. In the
British service it is only used for small mountain-pieces, but in the
French for field-artillery in general. It does not stow conveniently.

FIXED BLOCKS. Solid pieces of oak let through the sides of the ship, and
fitted with sheaves, to lead the tacks, sheets, &c., of the courses
in-board.

FIXED STAR. _See_ STARS (FIXED).

FIZZ. The burning of priming.

FLABBERGAST, TO. To throw a person aback by a confounding assertion; to
produce a state of extreme surprise.

FLADDERMUS. A base silver German coin of four kreutzers' value.

FLAG. A general name for the distinguishing colours of any nation. Also,
a certain banner by which an admiral is distinguished at sea from the
inferior ships of his squadron. The flags of the British navy were
severally on a red, white, or blue field, and were displayed from the
top of the royal pole of the main, fore, or mizen mast, according to the
rank of the admiral, thus indicating nine degrees. This diversity of
colour has now been long done away with. The white field, with the red
St. George's cross, and the sinister upper corner occupied by the union,
is now alone used in the British navy--the blue being assigned to the
reserve, and the red to the mercantile navy. An admiral still displays
his flag exclusively at the main truck; a vice-admiral at the fore; a
rear-admiral at the mizen. The first flag in importance is the royal
standard of Great Britain and Ireland, hoisted only when the king or
queen is on board; the second is the anchor of hope, for the lord
high-admiral, or the lords-commissioners of the admiralty; and the third
is the union flag, for the admiral of the fleet, who is the next
officer under the lord high-admiral. The various other departments, such
as the navy board, custom-house, &c., have each their respective flags.
Besides the national flag, merchant ships are permitted to bear lesser
flags on any mast, with the arms or design of the firm to which they
belong, but they "must not resemble or be mistaken for any of the flags
or signals used by the royal navy," under certain penalties. When a
council of war is held at sea, if it be on board the admiral's ship, a
flag is hung on the main-shrouds; if the vice-admiral's, on the
fore-shrouds; and if the rear-admiral's, on the mizen-shrouds. The flags
borne on the mizen were particularly called gallants. There are also
smaller flags used for signals. The word _flag_ is often familiarly used
to denote the admiral himself. Also, the reply from the boat if an
admiral is on board--Flag!

FLAG-OFFICER. A term synonymous with _admiral_.

FLAG OF TRUCE. A white flag, hoisted to denote a wish to parley between
the belligerent parties, but so frequently abused, with the design of
obtaining intelligence, or to cover stratagems, &c., that officers are
very strict in its admission. It is held sacred by civilized nations.

FLAG-SHARE. The admiral's share (one-eighth) in all captures made by any
vessels within the limits of his command, even if under the orders of
another admiral; but in cases of pirates, he has no claim unless he
participates in the action.

FLAG-SHIP. A ship bearing an admiral's flag.

FLAG-SIDE OF A SPLIT FISH. The side without the bone.

FLAG-STAFF. In contradistinction to mast-head, is the staff on a
battery, or on a ship's stern, where the colours are displayed. (_See_
FLARE.)

FLAKE. A small shifting stage, hung over a ship's side to caulk or
repair a breach. (_See_ FISH-FLAKE.)

FLAM. Wedge-shaped. Also, a sudden puff of wind. Also, a shallow.

FLAM-FEW. The brilliant reflection of the moon on the water.

FLAN. An old word, equivalent to a flaw, or sudden gust of wind from the
land.

FLANCHING. The bellying out; synonymous with _flaring_.

FLANGE. In steamers, is the projecting rim at the end of two iron pipes
for uniting them. (_See_ PORT-FLANGE.)

FLANK, TO. To defend that part; incorrectly used sometimes for firing
upon a flank.

FLANK OF AN ARMY. The right or left side or end, as distinguished from
the front and rear--a vulnerable point. Also, the force composing or
covering that side. In fortification, a work constructed to afford flank
defence.

FLANK-COMPANIES. The extreme right and left companies of a battalion,
formerly called the grenadiers and light infantry, and wearing
distinctive marks in their dress; now the title, dress, and duties of
all the companies of a battalion are the same.

FLANK-DEFENCE. A line of fire parallel, or nearly so, to the front of
another work or position.

FLANKED ANGLE. In fortification, a salient angle formed by two lines of
flank defence.

FLAP. The cover of a cartridge-box or scupper.

FLAPPING. The agitation of a sail with sheet or tack carried away, or
the sudden jerk of the sails in light winds and a heavy swell on.

FLARE. In ship-building, is flanching outwards, as at the bows of
American ships, to throw off the bow-seas; it is in opposition to
tumbling home and wall-sided.

FLARE. A name for the skate, _Raia batis_.

FLARE, TO. To rake back, as of a fashion-piece or knuckle-timber.

FLASH. The laminæ and grain-marks in timber, when cut into planks. Also,
a pool. Also, in the west, a river with a large bay, which is again
separated from the outer sea by a reef of rocks.--_To make a flash_, is
to let boats down through a lock; to flash loose powder at night to show
position.

FLASHING-BOARD. To raise or set off.

FLASHING-SIGNALS. By Captain Colomb's plan, the lime light being used on
shore, and a plain white light at sea, is capable of transmitting
messages by the relative positions of long and short dashes of light by
night, and of collapsing cones by day.

FLASH IN THE PAN. An expressive metaphor, borrowed from the false fire
of a musket, meaning to fail of success after presumption.

FLASH RIM. In carronades, a cup-shaped enlargement of the bore at the
muzzle, which facilitates the loading, and protects the ports or rigging
of the vessel from the flash of explosion.

FLASH VESSELS. All paint outside, and no order within.

FLASK. A horn or other implement for carrying priming-powder. Smaller
ones for fire-arms are usually furnished with a measure of the charge
for the piece on the top.

FLAT. In ship-building, a straight part in a curve. In hydrography, a
shallow over which the tide flows, and over the whole extent of which
there is little or no variation of soundings. If less than three
fathoms, it is called _shoal_ or _shallow_.

FLAT-ABACK. When all the sails are blown with their after-surface
against the mast, so as to give stern-way.

FLAT-AFT. The sheets of fore-and-aft sails may be hauled flat-aft, as
the jib-sheet to pay her head off, the driver or trysail sheets to bring
her head to the wind; hence, "flatten in the head-sheets."

FLAT-BOTTOMED. When a vessel's lower frame has but little upward
inclination.

FLAT CALM. When there is no perceptible wind at sea.

FLAT-FISH. The _Pleuronectidæ_, a family of fishes containing the soles,
flounders, turbots, &c., remarkable for having the body greatly
compressed laterally; they habitually lie on one side, which is white,
the uppermost being coloured, and having both the eyes placed on it.

FLAT-NAILS. Small sharp-pointed nails with flat thin heads, longer than
tacks, for nailing the scarphs of moulds and the like.

FLATS. All the floor-timbers that have no bevellings in midships, or
pertaining to the _dead-flat_ (which see). Also, lighters used in river
navigation, and very flat-floored boats for landing troops.

FLAT SEAM. The two edges or selvedges of canvas laid over each other and
sewed down.

FLAT SEIZING. This is passed on a rope, the same as a round seizing, but
it has no riding turns.

FLATTEN IN, TO. The action of hauling in the aftmost clue of a sail to
give it greater power of turning the vessel; thus, if the mizen or after
sails are flatted in, it is to carry the stern to leeward, and the head
to windward; and if, on the contrary, the head-sails are flatted in, the
intention is to make the ship fall off when, by design or accident, she
has come so near as to make the sails shiver; hence _flatten in forward_
is the order to haul in the jib and foretop-mast staysail-sheets towards
the middle of the ship, and haul forward the fore-bowline; this
operation is seldom necessary except when the helm has not sufficient
government of the ship, as in variable winds or inattentive steerage.

FLAUT. _See_ FLUTE.

FLAVER. An east-country term for froth or foam of surf.

FLAWS. Sudden gusts of wind, sometimes blowing with violence; whence
Shakspeare in _Coriolanus_:

    "Like a great sea-mark, standing every flaw."

But flaws also imply occasional fickle breezes in calm weather. _Flaw_
is also used to express any crack in a gun or its carriage.

FLEACHES. Portions into which timber is cut by the saw.

FLEAK. _See_ DUTCH PLAICE.

FLEAM. A northern name for a water-course.

FLEAT, OR FLEET. _See_ FLEETING.

FLEATE, TO. To skim fresh water off the sea, as practised at the mouths
of the Rhone, the Nile, &c. The word is derived from the Dutch
_vlieten_, to skim milk; it also means to float. (_See_ FLEET.)

FLECHE. The simplest form of field-work, composed of two faces meeting
in a salient angle, and open at the gorge. It differs from the redan
only in having no ditch.

FLECHERRA. A swift-sailing South American despatch vessel.

FLECK. An east-country term for lightning.

FLEECH. An outside portion of timber cut by the saw.

FLEET [Teut. _flieffen_]. The old word for float: as "we fleeted down
the river with our boats;" and Shakspeare makes Antony say,

                                    "Our sever'd navy too
    Have knit again, and fleet, threat'ning most sea-like."

_Fleet_ is also an old term for an arm of the sea, or running water
subject to the tide. Also, a bay where vessels can remain afloat. (_See_
FLOAT.) A salt-water tide-creek.

FLEET. A general name given to the royal navy. Also, any number of
ships, whether designed for war or commerce, keeping in company. A
fleet of ships of war is usually divided into three squadrons, and
these, if numerous, are again separated into subdivisions. The admiral
commands the centre, the second in command superintends the vanguard,
and the third directs the rear. The term in the navy was any number
exceeding a squadron, or rear-admiral's command, composed of five
sail-of-the-line, with any amount of smaller vessels.

FLEET-DYKE. From the Teut. _vliet_, a dyke for preventing inundation.

FLEETING. To _come up_ a rope, so as to haul to more advantage;
especially the act of changing the situation of a tackle when the blocks
are drawn together; also, changing the position of the dead-eyes, when
the shrouds are become too long, which is done by shortening the bend of
the shroud and turning in the dead-eye again higher up; the use of
fleeting is accordingly to regain the mechanical powers, when destroyed
by the meeting of the blocks or dead-eyes.--_Fleet ho!_ the order given
at such times. (_See_ TACKLE.)

FLEET THE MESSENGER. When about to weigh, to shift the eyes of the
messenger past the capstan for the heavy heave.

FLEET-WATER. Water which inundates.

FLEMISH, TO. To coil down a rope concentrically in the direction of the
sun, or coil of a watch-spring, beginning in the middle without riders;
but if there must be riding fakes, they begin outside, and that is the
true _French coil_.

FLEMISH ACCOUNT. A deficit in accounts.

FLEMISH EYE. A kind of eye-splice, in which the ends are scraped down,
tapered, passed oppositely, marled, and served over with spun yarn.
Often called a _made-eye_.

FLEMISH FAKE. A method of coiling a rope that runs freely when let go;
differing from the French, and was used for the head-braces. Each bend
is slipped under the last, and the whole rendered flat and solid to walk
on.

FLEMISH HORSE, is the outer short foot-rope for the man at the earing;
the outer end is spliced round a thimble on the goose-neck of the
studding-sail boom-iron. The inner end is seized by its eye within the
brace-block-strop and head-earing-cleat.

FLEMISHING. A forcing or scoring of the planks.

FLENCH-GUT. The blubber of a whale laid out in long slices.

FLENSE, TO. To strip the fat off a flayed seal, or the blubber from a
whale.

FLESHMENT. Being in the first battle; and "fleshing the sword" alludes
to the first time the beginner draws blood with it.

FLESH-TRAFFIC. The slave-trade.

FLET. A name of the halibut.

FLETCH, TO. To feather an arrow.

FLEUZ. A north-country term for the fagged end of a rope.

FLEXURE. The bending or curving of a line or figure.

FLIBOAT. _See_ FLY-BOAT.

FLIBUSTIER [Fr.] A freebooter, pirate, &c.

FLICKER, TO. To veer about.

FLIDDER. A northern name for the limpet.

FLIGHERS. An old law-term meaning masts of ships.

FLIGHT. A Dutch vessel or passage-boat on canals. In ship-building, a
sudden rising, or a greater curve than sheer, at the cheeks, cat-heads,
&c.

FLIGHT OF A SHOT. The trajectory formed between the muzzle of the gun
and the first graze.

FLIGHT OF THE TRANSOMS. As their ends gradually close downwards on
approaching the keel, they describe a curve somewhat similar to the
rising of the floors; whence the name.

FLINCH. In ship-building. (_See_ SNAPE.)

FLINCH-GUT. The whale's blubber; as well as the part of the hold into
which it is thrown before being barrelled up.

FLINCHING, FLENSING, OR FLINSING. _See_ FLENSE.

FLINDERS. An old word for splinters; thus Walter Scott's Borderer--

    "The tough ash-spear, so stout and true,
    Into a thousand flinders flew."

FLINT. The stone of a gun-lock, by which a spark was elicited for the
discharge of the loaded piece.

FLIP. A once celebrated sea-drink, composed of beer, spirits, and sugar,
said to have been introduced by Sir Cloudesley Shovel. Also, a smart
blow.

FLIPPER. The fin-like paw or paddle of marine mammalia; it is also
applied to the hand, as when the boatswain's mate exulted in having
"taken a lord by the flipper."

FLITCH. The outside cut or slab of a tree.

FLITTER. The Manx name for limpet.

FLITTERING. An old English word for floating.

FLIZZING. The passage of a splinter [from the Dutch _flissen_, to fly].

FLO. An old English word for arrow, used by Chaucer.

FLOAT [Anglo-Saxon _fleot_ or _fleet_]. A place where vessels float, as
at Northfleet. Also, the inner part of a ship-canal. In wet-docks ships
are kept afloat while loading and discharging cargo. Two double gates,
having a lock between them, allow the entry and departure of vessels
without disturbing the inner level. Also, a raft or quantity of timber
fastened together, to be floated along a river by a tide or current.

FLOATAGE. Synonymous with _flotsam_ (which see). Pieces of wreck
floating about.

FLOAT-BOARDS. The same as _floats_ of a paddle-wheel.

FLOATING ANCHOR. A simple machine consisting of a fourfold canvas,
stretched by two cross-bars of iron, rivetted in the centre, and swifted
at the ends. It is made to hang perpendicularly at some distance below
the surface, where it presents great resistance to being dragged through
the water, diminishing a ship's leeward drift in a gale where there is
no anchorage.

FLOATING BATTERY. A vessel expressly fitted for action in harbours or
sheltered waters, having heavier offensive and defensive dispositions
(generally including much iron-plating) than would be compatible with a
sea-going character. Also, a vessel used as a battery to cover troops
landing on an enemy's coast. Also, one expressly fitted for harbour
defence.

FLOATING BETHEL. An old ship fitted up in a commercial port for the
purpose of public Worship.

FLOATING BRIDGE. A passage formed across a river or creek by means of
bridges of boats, as over the Douro, Rhine, &c.

FLOATING COFFIN. (_See_ FRAPPING A SHIP.) A term for the old 10-gun
brigs.

FLOATING DAM. A caisson used instead of gates for a dry-dock.

FLOATING DOCK. _See_ CAISSON.

FLOATING GRAVING-DOCK. A modified _camel_ (which see).

FLOATING LIGHT. A vessel moored off rocks or sand-banks, hoisting lights
at night.

FLOATING PIER. As the stage at Liverpool.

FLOATING STAGE. For caulkers, painters, &c.

FLOATS. Large flat-bottomed boats, for carrying blocks of stone. Also,
the 'thwart boards forming the circumference and force of the
paddle-wheels of steamers.

FLOE. A field of floating ice of any extent, as beyond the range of
vision, for notwithstanding its cracks the floes pressed together are
assumed as one; hence, if ships make fast to the floe-edge, and it parts
from the main body, sail is made, and the ship goes to the next
available floe-edge.

FLOGGING THE GLASS. Where there is no ship time-piece the watches and
half-hour bells are governed by a half-hour sand-glass. The run of the
sand was supposed to be quickened by vibration, hence some weary soul
towards the end of his watch was said to flog the glass.

FLOME. An old word for a river or flood.

FLOOD AND FLOOD-TIDE. The flux of the tide, or the time the water
continues rising. When the water begins to rise, it is called a young
flood, next it is quarter-flood, half-flood, and top of flood, or high
water.

FLOOD-ANCHOR. That which the ship rides by during the flood-tide.

FLOOD-MARK. The line made by the tide upon the shore at its greatest
height; it is also called high-water mark. This denotes the jurisdiction
of the High Court of Admiralty, or vice-admirals of counties.

FLOOK, OR FLUCK. The flounder; but the name, which is of very old
standing, is also applied to various other pleuronects or flat-fish.

FLOOR. The bottom of a vessel on each side of the kelson; but strictly
taken, it is only so much of her bottom as she rests upon when aground.
Such ships as have long and withal broad floors, lie on the ground with
most security; whereas others which are narrow in the floor, fall over
on their sides and break their timbers.

FLOOR-GUIDE. In ship-building, is a ribband placed between the floor and
the keel.

FLOOR-HEAD. This, in marine architecture, is the third diagonal,
terminating the length of the floors near the bilge of the ship, and
bevellings are taken from it both forward and abaft. The upper
extremities of a vessel's floor-timbers, plumb to the quarter-beam.

FLOOR-HOLLOW. The inflected curve of the floor, extending from the keel
to the back of the floor-sweep, which the floor does not take.

FLOOR-PLANS. In naval architecture, are longitudinal sections, whereon
are represented the water-lines and ribband-lines.

FLOOR-RIBBAND. This is an important fir-timber which runs round a little
below the floor-heads, for the support of the floors.

FLOOR-RIDERS. Knees brought in from side to side over the floor ceiling
and kelson, to support the bottom, if bilged or weak, for heavy cargo.

FLOORS, OR FLOOR-TIMBERS. Those parts of the ship's timbers which are
placed immediately across the keel, and upon which the bottom of the
ship is framed; to these the upper parts of the timbers are united,
being only a continuation of floor-timbers upwards.

FLOOR-SWEEPS. The radii that sweep the heads of the floors. The first in
the builder's draught, which is limited by a line in the body-plan,
perpendicular to the plane of elevation, a little above the keel; and
the height of this line above the keel is called the _dead-rising_.

FLOP, TO. To fall flat down: as "soused flop in the lee-scuppers."

FLORY-BOATS. A local term for boats employed in carrying passengers to
and fro from steamers which cannot get alongside of a quay at low-water.

FLOSH. A swamp overgrown with weeds.

FLOSK. The _Sepia loligo_, sea-sleeve, or anker-fish.

FLOTA. A Spanish fleet. (_See_ GALLEON.)

FLOTAGES. Things accidentally floating on seas or rivers.

FLOTA NAVIUM. An old statute term for a fleet of ships.

FLOTE. An old English term for wave: thus Ariel tells Prospero that the
dispersed ships--

            "All have met again,
    And are upon the Mediterranean flote."

FLOTE-BOTE. An old term for a yawl--a rough-built river boat.

FLOTERY. Floating, used by Chaucer and others.

FLOTILLA. A fleet or squadron of small vessels.

FLOT-MANN. A very early term for sailor.

FLOTSAM. In legal phraseology, is the place where shipwrecked goods
continue to float and become derelict property. Sometimes spelled
_flotson_.

FLOUNDER. A well-known pleuronect, better to fish for than to eat.
Called also _floun-dab_.

FLOW. In tidology, the rising of the tide; the opposite of ebb. Also,
the course or direction of running waters.

FLOWER OF THE WINDS. The mariner's compass on maps and charts.

FLOWERING. The phenomenon observed usually in connection with the
spawning of fish, at the distance of four leagues from shore. The water
appears to be saturated with a thick jelly, filled with the ova of fish,
which is known by its adhering to the ropes that the cobles anchor with
while fishing, for they find the first six or seven fathom of rope free
from spawn, the next ten or twelve covered with slimy matter, and the
remainder again free to the bottom; this gelatinous material may supply
the new-born fry with food, and protect them by clouding the water.

FLOWING-HOPE. _See_ FORLORN HOPE.

FLOWING-SHEET. In sailing free or large, is the position of the sheets
or lower clues of the principal sails when they are eased off to the
wind, so as to receive it more nearly perpendicular than when they are
close-hauled, although more obliquely than when going before the wind; a
ship is therefore said to have a flowing-sheet, when the wind crosses
the line of her course nearly at right angles; that is to say, a ship
steering due north with the wind at east, or directly on her side, will
have a flowing-sheet; whereas, if the sheets were hauled close aft, she
would sail two points nearer the wind--viz. N.N.E. This explanation will
probably be better understood by considering the yards as plane faces of
wedges--the more oblique fore and aft, the less head-way force is given,
until 22° before the transverse line or beam. This is the swiftest line
of sailing. As the wind draws aft of the beam the speed decreases
(unless the wind increases), so that a vessel with the wind abeam, and
every sail drawing, goes much faster than she would with the same wind
before it.

FLUCTUATION OF THE TIDE. The rising and falling of the waters.

FLUE. _See_ FLUKES.

FLUES. In a steamer's boiler, are a series of oblong passages from the
furnaces for the issue of heated air. Their object being, that the air,
before escaping, shall impart some of its heat to the water in the
boiler, thereby economizing fuel.

FLUFFIT. The movement of fishes' fins.

FLUID COMPASS. That in which the card revolves in its bowl floated by
alcohol, which prevents the needle from undue vibrations. The pin is
downwards to prevent rising, as in the suspended compass-card. The body,
or card, on which the points of the compass are marked, is constructed
of two segments of a globe, having a diameter of 7 inches to the
(double) depth of 1 inch at the poles.

FLUKES. The two parts which constitute the large triangular tail of the
whale; from the power of these the phrase obtained among whalers of
_fluking_ or _all-a-fluking_, when running with a fresh free wind.
Flukes, or palms, are also the broad triangular plates of iron on each
arm of the anchor, inside the bills or extreme points, which having
entered the ground, hold the ship. Seamen, by custom, drop the _k_, and
pronounce the word _flue_.

FLUMMERY. A dish made of oatmeal, or oats soured, &c.

FLURRY. The convulsive movements of a dying whale. Also, a light breeze
of wind shifting to different points, and causing a little ruffling on
the sea. Also, hurry and confusion.

FLUSH. An old word for even or level. Anything of fair surface, or in
continuous even lines. Colloquially the word means full of, or abounding
in pay or prize-money.

FLUSH-DECK. A continued floor laid from the stem to the stern, upon one
range, without any break.

FLUSHED. Excited by success; flushed with victory.

FLUSTERED. Performing duty in an agitated and confused manner. Also,
stupefied by drink.

FLUTE, OR FLUYT. A pink-rigged fly-boat, the after-part of which is
round-ribbed. Also, vessels only partly armed; as armed _en flute_.

FLUTTERING. Used in the same sense as _flapping_.

FLUVIAL, OR FLUVIATILE. Of or belonging to a river.

FLUVIAL LAGOONS. Contradistinguished from marine lagoons, in being
formed by river deposits.

FLUX. The flowing in of the tide.

FLY OF A FLAG. The breadth from the staff to the extreme end that
flutters loose in the wind. If an ensign, the part which extends from
the union to the outer part; the vertical height, to the head-toggle of
which the halliards are bent, or which is next to the staff, is called
the _hoist_; the lower (which is a rope rove through the canvas heading,
and into which the head-toggle is spliced) is the long tack; on this
rope the whole strain is sustained.

FLY, OR COMPASS-CARD, placed on the magnetic-needle and supported by a
pin, whereon it turns freely. (_See_ COMPASS.)

FLY-AWAY. Fictitious resemblance of land; "Dutchman's cape," &c. (_See_
CAPE FLY-AWAY.)

FLY-BLOCK. The block spliced into the topsail-tye; it is large and flat,
and sometimes double.

FLY-BOAT. A large flat-bottomed Dutch vessel, whose burden is generally
from 300 to 600 tons. It is distinguished by a remarkably high stern,
resembling a Gothic turret, and by very broad buttocks below. Also, a
swift canal passage-boat.

FLY-BY-NIGHT. A sort of square-sail, like a studding-sail, used in
sloops when running before the wind; often a temporary spare jib set
from the topmast-head to the yard-arm of the square-sail.

FLYER. A fast sailer; a clipper.

FLYING ABOUT. Synonymous with _chop-about_ (which see).

FLYING COLUMN. A complete and mobile force kept much on the move, for
the sake of covering the designs of its own army, distracting those of
the enemy, or maintaining supremacy in a hostile or disaffected region.

FLYING DUTCHMAN. A famous marine spectre ship, formerly supposed to
haunt the Cape of Good Hope. The tradition of seamen was that a Dutch
skipper, irritated with a foul wind, swore by _donner_ and _blitzen_,
that he would beat into Table Bay in spite of God or man, and that,
foundering with the wicked oath on his lips, he has ever since been
working off and on near the Cape. The term is now extended to false
reports of vessels seen.

FLYING JIB. A light sail set before the jib, on the flying jib-boom. The
third jib in large ships, as the inner jib, the jib, and the flying jib,
set on the flying jib-boom. (_See_ JIB.)

FLYING JIB-BOOM. A spar which is pointed through the iron at the
jib-boom end. It lies beside it, and the heel steps into the bowsprit
cap.

FLYING-KITES. The very lofty sails, which are only set in fine weather,
such as skysails, royal studding-sails, and all above them.

FLYING-LIGHT. The state of a ship when she has little cargo, provisions,
or water on board, and is very crank.

FLYING-TO. Is when a vessel, from sailing free or having tacked, and her
head thrown much to leeward, is coming to the wind rapidly, the warning
is given to the helmsman, "Look out, she is flying-to."

FLY THE SHEETS, TO LET. To let them go suddenly.

FLY-UP. A sudden deviation upwards from a sheer line; the term is nearly
synonymous with _flight_.--_To fly up in the wind_, is when a ship's
head comes suddenly to windward, by carelessness of the helmsman.

FLY-WHEEL. The regulator of a machine.

FOAM [Anglo-Saxon, _feám_]. The white froth produced by the collision of
the waves, or by the bow of a ship when acted on by the wind; and also
by their striking against rocks, vessels, or other bodies.

FOCAL LENGTH. The distance between the object-glass and the eye-piece of
a telescope.

FOCUS. A point where converging rays or lines meet.

FOEMAN. An enemy in war; now used only by poets. One of Falstaff's
recruits, hight Shadow, presented no mark to the enemy: "The foeman may
with as great aim level at the edge of a pen-knife."

F[OE]NUS NAUTICUM. Nautical usury, bottomry.

FOG. A mist at sea, consisting of the grosser vapours floating in the
air near the surface of the sea. The fog of the great bank of
Newfoundland is caused by the near proximity of warm and cold waters.
The air over the Gulf Stream, being warmer than that over the banks of
Newfoundland, is capable of keeping much more moisture in invisible
suspension; and when this air comes in contact with that above the cold
water, it parts with some of its moisture, or rather holds it in visible
suspension. There are also dry fogs, which are dust held in suspension,
as the so-called African dust, which often partially obscures the sun,
and reddens the sails of ships as they pass through the north-east
trades.

FOG-BANK. A dense haze, presenting the appearance of a thick cloud
resting upon the horizon; it is known in high latitudes as the precursor
of wind from the quarter in which it appears. From its frequent
resemblance to land it has obtained the name of _Cape Fly-away_.

FOG-BOW. A beautiful natural phenomenon incidental to high latitudes. It
appears opposite to the sun, and is usually broad and white, but
sometimes assumes the prismatic colours. Indicative of clearing off of
mists. (_See_ FOG-EATER.)

FOG-DOGS. Those transient prismatic breaks which occur in thick mists,
and considered good symptoms of the weather clearing.

FOG-EATER. A synonym of _fog-dog_ and _fog-bow_. It may be explained as
the clearing of the upper stratum, permitting the sun's rays to exhibit
at the horizon prismatic colours; hence "sun-gall."

FOGEY. An old-fashioned or singular person; an invalid soldier or
sailor. Often means a stupid but irascible fellow.

FOGGY. Not quite sober.

FOGRAM. Wine, beer, or spirits of indifferent quality; in fact, any kind
of liquor.

FOG-SIGNALS. The naval code established by guns to keep a fleet
together, to tack, wear, and perform sundry evolutions. Also, certain
sounds made in fogs as warnings to other vessels, either with horns,
bells, gongs, guns, or the improved fog-whistle.

FOIL. A blunt, elastic, sword-like implement used in fencing.--_To foil_
means to disconcert or defeat an enemy's intention.

FOILLAN. The Manx or Erse term for a gull.

FOIN. A thrust with a pike or sword.

FOKE-SILL. Among old salts may be termed a curt or nicked form of
_forecastle_.

FOLDER. The movable sight of a fire-arm.

FOLLIS. A net with very large meshes, principally for catching
thorn-backs.

FOLLOWERS. A certain number of men permitted by the regulations of the
service to be taken by the captain when he removes from one ship to
another. Also, the young gentlemen introduced into the service by the
captain, and reared with a father's care, moving with him from ship to
ship; a practice which produced most of our best officers formerly, but
innovation has broken through it, to the serious detriment of the
service and the country.

FOLLOWING, NORTH OR SOUTH. _See_ QUADRANT.

FOMALHAUT. A standard nautical star, called also {a} _Piscis australis_.

FOOL. "He's no fool on a march," a phrase meaning that such a person is
equal to what he undertakes.

FOOLEN. The space between the usual high-water mark in a river and the
foot of the wall on its banks, built to prevent its occasionally
overflowing the neighbouring lands.

FOOL-FISH. A name of the long-finned file-fish, and so called from its
apparently whimsical manner of swimming.

FOOLISH GUILLEMOT. The web-footed diving-bird, _Uria troile_, common on
our coasts.

FOOT. The lower end of a mast or sail. Also, the general name of
infantry soldiers. Also, the measure of 12 inches, or one-sixth of a
fathom.--_To foot._ To push with the feet; as, "foot the top-sail out
clear of the top-rim."

FOOT-BANK. Synonymous with _banquette_ (which see).

FOOT-BOARD. The same as _gang-board_, but not so sailor-like. (_See_
STRETCHERS.)

FOOT-BOAT. A west-country term for a boat used solely to convey foot
passengers.

FOOT-CLUE OF A HAMMOCK. _See_ HAMMOCK.

FOOT-HOOKS. Synonymous with _futtocks_.

FOOTING. A fine paid by a youngster or landsman on first mounting the
top. Also, a slight payment from new comers on crossing the line,
passing through the Straits of Gibraltar, entering the Arctic Seas, &c.

FOOT IT IN. An order to stow the bunt of a sail snugly in furling,
executed by the bunt-men dancing it in, holding on by the topsail-tye.
Frequently when a bunt-jigger has parted men have fallen on deck.

FOOT-RAILS. Narrow mouldings raised on a vessel's stern.

FOOT-ROPE. The rope to which the lower edge of a sail is sewed. (_See_
BOLT-ROPE.)

FOOT-ROPES. Those stretching under the yards and jib-booms for the men
to stand on; they are the same with _horses of the yards_ (which see).

FOOT-SPACE-RAIL. The rail that terminates the foot of the balcony, in
which the balusters step, if there be no pedestal rail.

FOOT-VALVE. A flat plate of metal filling up the passage between the
air-pump and condenser. The lower valve of a steam-engine situated
anywhere between the bottom of the working barrel and that of the
condenser.

FOOT-WALING. The inside planking or lining of a ship over the
floor-timbers; it is intended to prevent any part of her ballast or
cargo from falling between her floor-timbers.

FORAD. An old corruption of _foreward_--in the fore-part of the ship.

FORAGE. Food for horses and cattle belonging to an army. Also, the act
of a military force in collecting or searching for such forage, or for
subsistence or stores for the men; or, with ill-disciplined troops, for
valuables in general. Land-piracy.

FORAGE-GUARD. A party detached to cover foragers, those wooding,
watering, &c.

FORAY. A plundering incursion.

FOR-BY. Near to; adjacent.

FORCAT. A rest for a musket in olden times.

FORCE. A term which implies the sudden rush of water through a narrow
rocky channel, and accompanied by a fall of the surface after the
obstacle is passed. It is synonymous with _fall_. Also, the force of
each ship stated agreeably to the old usage in the navy, according to
the number of guns actually carried. In these days of iron-clads,
turret-ships, and heavy guns, this does not give a true estimate of a
ship's force. Also, the general force, ships, men, soldiers, &c.,
engaged in any expedition; as expeditionary force.--Also, _force of
wind_, now described by numbers, 0 being calm, 12 the heaviest
gale.--_To force_, is to take by storm; to force a passage by driving
back the enemy.--Colloquially, no force--gently.

FORCED MARCH. One in which the marching power of the troops is forced or
exerted beyond the ordinary limit.

FORCED MEN. Those serving in pirate vessels, but who refused to sign
articles.

FORCER. The piston of a _forcing-pump_.

FORCES. The army collectively, or naval and military forces engaged.

FORCING-PUMP. Any pump used to force water beyond that force demanded to
deliver at its level, as fire-engines, &c.

FORD. The shallow part of a river, where troops may pass without
injuring their arms.

FORE. The distinguishing character of all that part of a ship's frame
and machinery which lies near the stem, or in that direction, in
opposition to _aft_ or _after_. Boarders to the fore--advance!

FORE-AND-AFT. From head to stern throughout the ship's whole length, or
from end to end; it also implies in a line with the keel; and is the
opposite of _athwart-ships_, which is from side to side.

FORE-AND-AFTER. A cocked hat worn with the peak in front instead of
athwart. Also, a very usual term for a schooner with only fore-and-aft
sails, even when she has a crossjack-yard whereon to set a square-sail
when occasion requires.

FORE-AND-AFT SAILS. Jibs, staysails, and gaff-sails; in fact, all sails
which are not set to yards. They extend from the centre line to the lee
side of a ship or boat, so set much flatter than square-sails.

FORE-BAY. A rising at a lock-gate flooring. Also, the galley or the
sick-bay.

FORE-BODY. An imaginary figure of that part of the ship afore the
midships or dead-flat, as seen from ahead.

FORE-BOWLINE. The bowline of the fore-sail.

FORE-BRACES. Ropes applied to the fore yard-arms to change the position
of the fore-sail occasionally.

FORECAST. A storm warning, or reasonable prediction of a gale from the
inferences of observed meteorological instruments and phenomena.

FORECASTLE. Once a short deck placed in the fore-part of a ship above
the upper deck; it was usually terminated, both before and behind, in
vessels of war by a breast-work, the foremost part forming the top of
the beak-head, and the hind part, of the fore-chains. It is now applied
in men-of-war to that part of the upper deck forward of the after
fore-shroud, or main-tack block, and which is flush with the
quarter-deck and gangways. Also, a forward part of a merchantman under
the deck, where the seamen live on a platform. Some vessels have a short
raised deck forward, which is called a _top-gallant forecastle_; it
extends from the bow to abaft the fore-mast, which it includes.

FORECASTLE-DECK. The fore-part of the upper deck at a vessel's bows.

FORECASTLE-JOKES. Practical tricks played upon greenhorns.

FORECASTLE-MEN. Sailors who are stationed on the forecastle, and are
generally, or ought to be, prime seamen.

FORECASTLE-NETTINGS. _See_ HAMMOCK-NETTINGS.

FORECASTLE-RAIL. The rail extended on stanchions across the after-part
of the forecastle-deck in some ships.

FORE CAT-HARPINGS. _See_ CAT-HARPINGS.

FORE-COCKPIT. _See_ COCKPIT.

FORE-COURSE. The _fore-sail_ (which see).

FORE-DECK. That part from the fore-mast to the bows.

FORE-FINGER, OR INDEX-FINGER. The pointing finger, which was called
shoot-finger by the Anglo-Saxons, from its use in archery, and is now
the _trigger-finger_ from its duty in gunnery. (_See_ SHOOT-FINGER.)

FORE-FOOT. The foremost piece of the keel, or a timber which terminates
the keel at the forward extremity, and forms a rest for the stem's lower
end; it is connected by a scarph to the extremity of the keel, and the
other end of it, which is incurvated upwards into a sort of knee, is
attached to the lower end of the stem; it is also called a gripe. As the
lower arm of the fore-foot lies on the same level with the keel, so the
upper one coincides with the middle line of the stem; its breadth and
thickness therefore correspond with the dimensions of those pieces, and
the heel of the cut-water is scarphed to its upper end. Also, an
imaginary line of the ship's course or direction.

FORE-GANGER OF THE CHAIN BOWER CABLES. Is a length of 15 fathoms of
stouter chain, in consequence of greater wear and tear near the anchor,
and exposure to weather. Fore-ganger is also the short piece of rope
immediately connecting the line with the shank of the harpoon, when
spanned for killing.

FORE-GOER. The same as _fore-ganger_.

FORE-GRIPE. _See_ GRIPE.

FORE-GUY. A rope to the swinging-boom of the lower studding-sail.

FORE-HAMMER. The sledge-hammer which strikes the iron on the anvil
first, if it be heavy work, but the hand-hammer keeps time.

FORE-HOLD. The part of the hold before the fore hatchway.

FORE-HOODS. The foremost of the outside and inside planks of a vessel.

FORE-HOOKS. The same as _breast-hooks_ (which see).

FOREIGN. Of another country or society; a word used adjectively, being
joined with divers substantives in several senses.

FOREIGN-GOING. The ships bound on oceanic voyages, as distinguished from
home-traders and coasters.

FOREIGN JUDGMENT. _See_ JUDGMENT.

FOREIGN REMITTANCE. _See_ WAGES REMITTED FROM ABROAD.

FOREIGN REMOVE-TICKET. A document for discharging men from one ship to
another on foreign stations: it is drawn up in the same form as the
_sick-ticket_ (which see).

FOREIGN SERVICE. Vessels or forces stationed in any part of the world
out of the United Kingdom. The opposite of _home service_.

FORELAND. A cape or promontory projecting into the sea: as the North and
South Forelands. It is nearly the same with _headland_, only that
forelands usually form the extremes of certain lines of sea-coast. Also,
a space left between the base of a canal bank, and an adjacent drainage
cut or river, so as to favour the stability of the bank.

FORE-LIGHTROOM. _See_ LIGHT-ROOM.

FORELOCK. A flat pointing wedge of iron, used to drive through a mortise
hole in the end of a bolt, to retain it firmly in its place. The
forelock is sometimes twisted round the bolt's point to prevent its
drawing. Also, spring-forelock, which expands as it passes through.

FORELOCK-BOLTS. Those with an eye, into which an iron forelock is driven
to retain them in place. When secured in this way, the bolt is said to
be forelocked.

FORELOCKS. The pins by which the cap-squares of gun-carriages are
secured.

FORE-MAGAZINE. _See_ MAGAZINE.

FORE-MAN AFLOAT. The dockyard officer in charge of the shipwrights
working on board a ship not in dock.

FORE-MAST. The forward lower-mast in all vessels. (_See_ MAST.)

FORE-MAST MAN. From "before the mast." A private seaman as distinguished
from an officer of a ship.

FOREMOST. Anything which is nearer to the head of a ship than another.

FORE-NESS. An old term for a promontory.

FORE-PART OF A SHIP. The bay, or all before the fore-hatches.

FORE-PEAK. The contracted part of a vessel's hold, close to the bow;
close forward under the lower deck.

FORE-RAKE. That part of the hull which rakes beyond the fore-end of the
keel.

FORE-REACH, TO. To shoot ahead, or go past another vessel, especially
when going in stays: to sail faster, reach beyond, to gain upon.

FORERUNNER. A precursor, an avant-courier.

FORERUNNERS OF THE LOG-LINE. A small piece of red bunting laid into that
line at a certain distance from the log, the space between them being
called the stray-line, which is usually from 12 to 15 fathoms, and is an
allowance for the log to be entirely out of the ship's dead-water before
they begin to estimate the ship's velocity, consequently the knots begin
from that point. (_See_ LOG-LINE.)

FORE-SAIL. The principal sail set on the fore-mast. (_See_ SAIL.)

FORE-SHEET HORSE. An iron bar fastened at its ends athwart the deck
before the mast of a sloop, for the foresail-sheet to traverse upon from
side to side.

FORE-SHEETS OF A BOAT. The inner part of the bows, opposite to
stern-sheets, fitted with gratings on which the bowman stands.

FORE-SHEET TRAVELLER. An iron ring which traverses along on the
fore-sheet horse of a fore-and-aft rigged vessel.

FORE-SHIP. An archaic form of forecastle of a ship; it means the
fore-part of a vessel.

FORE-SHROUDS. _See_ SHROUDS.

FORE-STAFF. An instrument formerly used at sea for taking the altitudes
of heavenly bodies. The fore-staff, called also _cross-staff_, takes its
name hence, that the observer in using it turns his face towards the
object, in contradistinction to the back-staff, where he turns his back
to the object. The fore or cross staff consists of a straight square
staff, graduated like a line of tangents, and four crosses or vanes
which slide thereon. The first and shortest of these vanes is called the
ten cross or vane, and belongs to that side of the instrument whereon
the divisions begin at 3° and end at 10°. The next longer vane is called
the thirty cross, belonging to that side of the staff on which the
divisions begin at 10° and end at 30°, called the thirty scale. The next
is called the sixty cross, and belongs to that side where the divisions
begin at 20° and end at 60°. The last and longest, called the ninety
cross, belongs to that side whereon the divisions begin at 30° and end
at 90°.

FORE-STAGE. The old name for forecastle.

FORE-STAY. _See_ STAY.

FORE-TACK. Weather tack of the fore-sail hauled to the fore-boomkin when
on a wind.

FORE-TACKLE. A tackle on the fore-mast, similar to the _main-tackle_
(which see). It is used for similar purposes, and also in stowing the
anchor, &c.

FORE-THWART. The seat of the bowman in a boat.

FORE-TOP. _See_ TOP.

FORETOP-GALLANT-MAST. _See_ TOPGALLANT-MAST, to which may be added its
proper sail, yard, and studding-sail.

FORETOP-MAST. _See_ TOP-MAST.

FORETOP-MEN. Men stationed in the fore-top in readiness to set or take
in the smaller sails, and to keep the upper rigging in order.

FORE-TYE. _See_ TYE.

FORE-YARD. (_See_ YARD.) For the yards, sails, rigging, &c., of the
_top-mast_ and _topgallant-mast_ see those two articles.

FORFEITURE. The effect or penalty of transgressing the laws.

FORGE. A portable forge is to be found in every ship which bears a rated
armourer; and it can be used either on board or ashore.

FORGE AHEAD, TO. To shoot ahead, as in coming to an anchor--a motion or
moving forwards. A vessel forges ahead when hove-to, if the tide presses
her to windward against her canvas.

FORGING OVER. The act of forcing a ship violently over a shoal, by the
effort of a great quantity of sail, steam, or other man[oe]uvre.

FORK-BEAMS. Short or half beams to support the deck where there is no
framing, as in the intervention of hatchways. The _abeam arm fork_ is a
curved timber scarphed, tabled, and bolted for additional security where
the openings are large.

FORKERS. Those who reside in sea-ports for the sake of stealing dockyard
stores, or buying them, knowing them to be stolen.

FORLORN HOPE. Officers and men detached on desperate service to make a
first attack, or to be the first in mounting a breach, or foremost in
storming a fortress, or first to receive the whole fire of the enemy.
Forlorn-hopes was a term formerly applied to the videttes of the army.
This ominous name (the _enfants perdus_ of the French) is familiarized
into a better one among soldiers, who call it the _flowing-hope_.
Promotion is usually bestowed on the survivors.

FORMATION. The drawing up or arrangement of troops, or small-arm men, in
certain orders prescribed as the basis of man[oe]uvres in general. Also,
the particulars of a ship's build.

FORMER. The gunner's term for a small cylindrical piece of wood, on
which musket or pistol cartridge-cases are rolled and formed. The name
is also applied to the flat piece of wood with a hole in the centre used
for making wads, but which is properly _form_.

FORMICAS. Clusters of small rocks [from the Italian for ants]. Also,
Hormigas [Sp.]

FORMING THE LINE. _See_ LINE.

FORMING THE ORDER OF SAILING. _See_ SAILING, ORDER OF.

FORMS. The moulds for making wads by. (_See_ FORMER.)

FORT. In fortification, an inclosed work of which every part is flanked
by some other part; though the term is loosely applied to all places of
strength surrounded by a rampart.

FORTALEZZA [Sp.] A fort on the coast of Brazil.

FORTALICE. A small fortress or fortlet; a bulwark or castle.

FORTH. An inlet of the sea.

FORTIFICATION. The art by which a place is so fortified that a given
number of men occupying it may advantageously oppose a superior force.
The same word also signifies the works that cover and defend a place.
Fortification is _defensive_ when surrounding a place so as to render it
capable of defence against besiegers; and _offensive_ when comprehending
the various works for conducting a siege. It is _natural_ when it
opposes rocks, woods, marshes, ravines, &c., to impede the progress of
an enemy; and _artificial_, when raised by human ingenuity to aid the
advantages of the ground. The latter is again subdivided into
_permanent_ and _field_ fortification: the one being constructed at
leisure and of permanent materials, the other raised only for temporary
purposes.

FORTIFYING. The strengthening a ship for especial emergency, by doubling
planks, chocks, and additional timbers and knees, strongly secured.

FORT-MAJOR. An officer on the staff of a garrison or fortress, who has,
under the commanding officer, general charge of the routine duties and
of the works.

FORTUNE OF WAR. The usual consolation in reverses--"Fortune de la
guerre," or the chances of war.

FORTY-THIEVES. A name given to forty line-of-battle ships ordered by the
Admiralty at one fell swoop, to be built by contract, towards the end of
the Napoleon war, and which turned out badly. The writer served in one,
the _Rodney 74_, which fully exposed her weakness in the first gale she
experienced, and was sent home, thereby weakening the blockading fleet.
Many never went to sea as ships of the line, but were converted into
good frigates.

FORWARD. In the fore-part of the ship; the same as _afore_. Also, the
word of command when troops are to resume their march after a temporary
interruption.

FORWARD THERE! The hail to the forecastle.

FOSSE [Ital.] Synonymous with _moat_ or _ditch_.

FOTHER [Anglo-Saxon _foder_]. A burden; a weight of lead equal to 19-1/2
cwts. Leaden pigs for ballast.

FOTHERING. Is usually practised to stop a leak at sea. A heavy sail, as
the sprit-sail, is closely thrummed with yarn and oakum, and drawn under
the bottom: the pressure of the water drives the thrumming into the
apertures. If one does not succeed others are added, using all the sails
rather than lose the ship.

FOUGADE, OR FOUGASS. A small charged mine, from 6 to 8 feet under a post
in danger of falling into the enemy's hands.

FOUL. Generally used in opposition to _clear_, and implies entangled,
embarrassed, or contrary to: as "a ship ran foul of us," that is,
entangled herself among our rigging. Also, to contaminate in any way.

FOUL AIR. May be generated by circumstances beyond control: decomposing
fungi, timber injected with coal tar, hatches battened down, and ashes
or coal washed about. Whole crews on the coast of Africa, and in the
West Indies, have been thus swept away, despite every precaution. But
generally it may be avoided by cleanliness.

FOUL ANCHOR. An anchor is said to be _foul_, or _fouled_, either when it
hooks some impediment under water, or when the ship, by the wind
shifting, entangles her slack cable a turn round the stock, or round the
upper fluke thereof. The last, from its being avoidable by a sharp
look-out, is termed the seaman's disgrace.

FOUL BERTH. When a ship anchors in the hawse of another she gives the
latter a foul berth; or she may anchor on one tide so near as to swing
foul on the change either of wind or tide.

FOUL BILL. _See_ BILL OF HEALTH.

FOUL BOTTOM. A ship to which sea-weed, shells, or other encumbrances
adhere. Also, the bottom of the sea if rocky, or unsafe from wrecks, and
thence a danger of fouling the anchor.

FOUL COAST. One beset with reefs and breakers, offering dangerous
impediments to navigation.

FOUL FISH. Applied to salmon in the spawning state, or such as have not
for the current year made their way to the sea for purification;
shedders.

FOUL GROUND. Synonymous with _foul bottom_.

FOUL HAWSE. When a vessel is riding with two anchors out, and the cables
are crossed round each other outside the stem by the swinging of the
ship when moored in a tide-way. (_See_ ELBOW IN THE HAWSE.)

FOUL ROPE. A rope entangled or unfit for immediate use.

FOUL WEATHER. That which reduces a ship to snug-sail.

FOUL-WEATHER BREEDER. A name given to the Gulf Stream from such a volume
of warm water occasioning great perturbations in the atmosphere while
traversing the Atlantic Ocean.

FOUL-WEATHER FLAG. Denotes danger for boats leaving the shore;
watermen's fares increase with these signals.

FOUL WIND. That which prevents a ship from laying her course.

FOUNDER. The fall of portions of cliff, as along the coasts of Hampshire
and Dorsetshire, occasioned by land-springs.

FOUNDER, TO. To fill with water and go down.

FOUR-CANT. A rope composed of four strands.

FOWAN. The Manx term for a dry scorching wind; it is also applied by the
northern fishermen to a sudden blast.

FOX. The old English broadsword. Also, a fastening formed by twisting
several rope-yarns together by hand and rubbing it with hard tarred
canvas; it is used for a seizing, or to weave a paunch or mat, &c.
(_See_ SPANISH FOX.)

FOXEY. A defect in timber which is over-aged or has been indifferently
seasoned, and gives the defective part a reddish hue. The word is very
old, and meant tainted or incipient rot.

FOY. A local term for the charge made for the use of a boat.

FOYING. An employment of fishermen or seamen, who go off to ships with
provisions, or to help them in distress.

FOYST. An old name for a brigantine. The early voyagers applied the name
to some large barks of India, which were probably _grabs_.

FRACTURES. Defects in spars which run across the fibres, being short
fractures marked by jagged lines. (_See_ SPRUNG.)

FRAISES. Principally in field fortification, palisades placed
horizontally, or nearly so, along the crest of the escarp, or sometimes
of the counterscarp; being generally concealed from direct artillery
fire they very materially increase the difficulty of either of those
slopes to an assailant. They project some 5 feet above the surface, and
are buried for about the same length in the ground.

FRAME. The outer frame timbers of a vessel consist of the keel, stem,
stern-posts, and ribs, which when moulded and bolted form the frame.
(_See_ TIMBERS.)

FRAME OF THE MARINE STEAM-ENGINE, is the strong supporter of the
paddle-shafts and intermediate shaft; it rests on columns, and is firmly
bolted to the engine bottom.

FRAMES. The bends of timbers constituting the shape of the ship's
body--when completed a ship is said to be _in frame_.

FRAME-TIMBERS. These consist of the floor-timbers, futtocks, and
top-timbers; they are placed upon the keel at right angles to it, and
form the bottom and sides of the ship.

FRAMING. The placing, scarphing, and bolting of the frame-timbers of a
ship. (_See_ WARPING.)

FRANC. A French silver coin of the value of 9-1/2_d._, and consisting of
100 centimes. The 20-franc piece in gold, formerly called _Louis_, now
_Napoleon_, is current for 15_s._ 10-1/2_d._ English.

FRANCESCONI. The dollars of Tuscany, in value 4_s._ 5-1/4_d._ sterling.
They each consist of 10 paoli.

FRANK. The large fish-eating heron of our lakes and pools.

FRAP. A boat for shipping salt, used at Mayo, one of the Cape de Verde
Islands.

FRAP, TO. To bind tightly together. To pass lines round a sail to keep
it from blowing loose. To secure the falls of a tackle together by means
of spun yarn, rope yarn, or any lashing wound round them. To snap the
finger and thumb; to beat.

FRAPPING. The act of crossing and drawing together the several parts of
a tackle, or other complication of ropes, which had already been
strained to a great extent; in this sense it exactly resembles the
operation of bracing up a drum. The frapping increases tension, and
consequently adds to the security acquired by the purchase; hence the
cat-harpings were no other than frappings to the shrouds.

FRAPPING A SHIP. The act of passing four or five turns of a large
cable-laid rope round a ship's hull when it is apprehended that she is
not strong enough to resist the violence of the sea. This expedient is
only made use of for very old ships, which their owners venture to send
to sea as long as possible, insuring them deeply. Such are termed, not
unaptly, floating coffins, as were also the old, 10-gun brigs, or any
vessel deemed doubtful as to sea-worthiness. St. Paul's ship was
"undergirded" or frapped.

FRAPPING TURNS. In securing the booms at sea the several turns of the
lashings are frapped in preparation for the succeeding turns; in
emergency, nailed.

FRAUDS, ACT OF. A statute of Charles II., the object of which was to
meet and prevent certain practices by which the navigation laws were
eluded.

FREDERIC. A Prussian gold coin, value 16_s._ 6_d._ sterling.

FREE, TO.--_To free a prisoner._ To restore him to liberty.--_To free a
pump._ To disengage or clear it.--_To free a boat or ship._ To clear it
of water.

FREE. A vessel is said to be _going free_ when the bowlines are slacked
and the sheets eased; beyond this is termed large. (_See_ SAILING
LARGE.)

FREE-BOARD. _See_ PLANK-SHEER.

FREEING. The act of pumping, or otherwise throwing out the water which
has leaked into a ship's bottom. When all the water is pumped or baled
out, the vessel is said to be free. Said of the wind when it exceeds 67°
30' from right-ahead.

FREE PORT. Ports open to all comers free of entry-dues, as places of
call, not delivery.

FREE SHIP. A piratical term for one where it is agreed that every man
shall have an equal share in all prizes.

FREE TRADER. Ships trading formerly under license to India independent
of the old East India Company's charter. Also, a common woman.

FREEZE, TO. To congeal water or any fluid. Thus sea-water freezes at 28°
5' Fah.; fresh water at 32°; mercury at 39° 5' below zero. All fluids
change their degree of freezing in accordance with mixtures of alcohol
or solutions of salt used for the purpose. Also, according to the
atmospheric pressure; and by this law heights of mountains are measured
by the boiling temperature of water.

FREIGHT. By former English maritime law it became the _mother of wages_,
as the crew were obliged to moor the ship on her return in the docks or
forfeit them. So severely was the axiom maintained, that if a ship was
lost by misfortune, tempest, enemy, or fire, wages also were forfeited,
because the freight out of which they were to arise had perished with
it. This harsh measure was intended to augment the care of the seamen
for the welfare of the ship, but no longer holds, for by the merchant
shipping act it is enacted that no right of wages shall be dependent on
the earning of freight; in cases of wreck, however, proof that a man has
not done his utmost bars his claim. Also, for the burden or lading of a
ship. (_See_ DEAD-FREIGHT.) Also, a duty of 50 sols per ton formerly
paid to the government of France by the masters of foreign vessels going
in or out of the several ports of that kingdom. All vessels not built in
France were accounted foreign unless two-thirds of the crew were French.
The Dutch and the Hanse towns were exempted from this duty of
freight.--_To freight a vessel_, means to employ her for the carriage of
goods and passengers.

FREIGHT OF A SHIP. The hire, or part thereof, usually paid for the
carriage and conveyance of goods by sea; or the sum agreed upon between
the owner and the merchant for the hire and use of a vessel, at the rate
of so much for the voyage, or by the month, or per ton.

FREIGHTER. The party who hires a vessel or part of a vessel for the
carriage of goods.

FREIGHTING. A letting out of vessels on freight or hire; one of the
principal practices in the trade of the Dutch.

FRENCH FAKE. A name for what is merely a modification of the Flemish
coil, both being extremely good for the object, that is, when a rope has
to be let go suddenly, and is required to run freely. _Fake_, in
contradistinction to long coil is, run a rope backward and forward in
one-fathom bends, beside each other, so that it may run free, as in
rocket-lines, to communicate with stranded vessels. (_See_ FLEMISH
FAKE.)

FRENCH LAKE. A soubriquet for the Mediterranean.

FRENCH LEAVE. Being absent without permission.

FRENCHMAN. Formerly a term among sailors for every stranger or
outlandish man.

FRENCH SHROUD-KNOT. The shroud-knot with three strands single walled
round the bights of the other three and the standing part. (_See_
SHROUD-KNOT.)

FRENCH THE BALLAST. A term used for _freshen the ballast_.

FRESCA. Fresh water, or rain, and land floods; old term.

FRESH. When applied to the wind, signifies strong, but not violent;
hence an increasing gale is said to freshen. (_See_ FORCE.) Also used
for sweet; as, fresh water. Also, bordering on intoxication; excited
with drinking. Also, an overflowing or flood from rivers and torrents
after heavy rains or the melting of mountain snows. Also, an increase of
the stream in a river. Also, the stream of a river as it flows into the
sea. The fresh sometimes extends out to sea for several miles, as off
Surinam, and many other large rivers.

FRESH BREEZE. A brisk wind, to which a ship, according to its stability,
carries double or treble or close-reefed top-sails, &c. This is a very
peculiar term, dependent on the stability of the ship, her management,
and how she is affected by it, on a wind or before it. It is numbered 6.
Thus, a ship running down the trades, with studding-sails set, had
registered "moderate and fine;" she met with a superior officer,
close-hauled under close-reefed top-sails and courses, was compelled to
shorten sail, and lower her boat; the log was then marked "fresh
breezes."

FRESHEN, TO. To relieve a rope of its strain, or danger of chafing, by
shifting or removing its place of nip.

FRESHEN HAWSE, TO. To relieve that part of the cable which has for some
time been exposed to friction in one of the hawse-holes, when the ship
rolls and pitches at anchor in a high sea; this is done by applying
fresh service to the cable within board, and then veering it into the
hawse. (_See_ SERVICE, KECKLING, or ROUNDING.)

FRESHEN THE BALLAST. Divide or separate it, so as to alter its position.

FRESHEN THE NIP, TO. To veer a small portion of cable through the
hawse-hole, or heave a little in, in order to let another part of it
bear the stress and friction. A common term with tipplers, especially
after taking the meridian observation.

FRESHEN WAY. When the ship feels the increasing influence of a breeze.
Also, when a man quickens his pace.

FRESHES. Imply the impetuosity of an ebb tide, increased by heavy rains,
and flowing out into the sea, which it often discolours to a
considerable distance from the shore, as with the Nile, the Congo, the
Mississippi, the Indus, the Ganges, the Rhone, Surinam, &c.

FRESHET. A word long used for pools or ponds, when swollen after rain or
temporary inundations. It is also applied to a pond supplied by a
spring.

FRESH GALE. A more powerful wind than a _fresh breeze_ (which see).

FRESH GRUB. The refreshments obtained in harbour.

FRESH HAND AT THE BELLOWS. Said when a gale freshens suddenly.

FRESH SHOT. A river swollen by rain or tributaries; it also signifies
the falling down of any great river into the sea, by which fresh water
is often to be found on the surface a good way from the mouth of the
river.

FRESH SPELL. Men coming to relieve a gang at work.

FRESH WATER. Water fit to drink, in opposition to sea or salt water; now
frequently obtained at sea by distillation. (_See_ ICEBERG.)

FRESH-WATER JACK. The same as _fresh-water sailor_.

FRESH-WATER SAILOR. An epithet for a green hand, of whom an old saying
has it, "whose shippe was drowned in the playne of Salsbury."

FRESH-WATER SEAS. A name given to the extensive inland bodies of fresh
water in the Canadas. Of these, Lake Superior is upwards of 1500 miles
in circuit, with a depth of 70 fathoms near the shores, while Michigan
and Huron are almost as prodigious; even Erie is 600 miles round, and
Ontario near 500, and Nepigon, the head of the system geographically,
though the least important at present commercially, but just now
partially explored, is fully 400. Their magnitude, however, appears
likely to be rivalled geographically by the lakes lately discovered in
Central Africa, the Victoria Nyanza and the Albert Nyanza.

FRESH WAY. Increased speed through the water; a ship is said to "gather
fresh way" when she has tacked, or hove-to, and then fills her sails.

FRET. A narrow strait of the sea, from _fretum_.

FRET, TO. To chafe.

FRET OF WIND. A squally flaw.

FRETTUM, OR FRECTUM. The freight of a ship, or freight-money.

FRETUM BRITANNICUM. A term used in our ancient writings for the Straits
of Dover.

FRIAR-SKATE. The _Raia oxyrinchus_, or sharp-nosed ray.

FRICTION-ROLLER. A cylinder of hard wood, or metal, with a concave
surface, revolving on an axis, used to lessen the friction of a rope
which is passed over it. Friction-rollers are a late improvement in the
sheaves of blocks, &c., by which the pin is relieved of friction by
three rollers in the coak, placed equilaterally.

FRICTION-TUBE. The means of firing a gun most in favour at present in
the British service; ignition is caused by the friction on sudden
withdrawal of a small horizontal metal bar from the detonating priming
in the head of the tube.

FRIDAY. The _dies infaustus_, on which old seamen were desirous of not
getting under weigh, as ill-omened.

FRIEZE-PANEL. The lower part of a gun-port.

FRIEZING. The ornamental carving or painting above the drift-rails, and
likewise round the stern or the bow.

FRIGATE. In the Royal Navy, the next class vessel to a ship of the line;
formerly a light nimble ship built for the purpose of sailing swiftly.
The name was early known in the Mediterranean, and applied to a long
kind of vessel, navigated in that sea, with sails and oars. The English
were the first who appeared on the ocean with these ships, and equipped
them for war as well as for commerce. These vessels mounted from 28 to
60 guns, and made excellent cruisers. Frigate is now apocryphal, being
carried up to 7000 tons. The _donkey-frigate_ was a late invention to
serve patronage, and sprigs of certain houses were educated in them.
They carried 28 guns, carronades, and were about 600 tons burden,
commanded by captains who sometimes found a commander in a sloop which
could blow him out of water.--_Frigate_ is also the familiar name of the
membranous zoophyte, _Physalia pelagica_, or Portuguese man-of-war.

FRIGATE-BIRD. _Tachypetes aquila_, a sea-bird generally seen in the
tropics. It seems to live on the wing, is partially web-footed, and only
visits the land at breeding time.

FRIGATE-BUILT. The disposition of the decks of such merchant ships as
have a descent of some steps from the quarter-deck and forecastle into
the waist, in contradistinction to those whose decks are on a continued
line for the whole length of the ship, which are called galley-built.
(_See_ DECKS.)

FRIGATOON. A Venetian vessel, commonly used in the Adriatic, built with
a square stern, and with only a main-mast, jigger mizen-mast, and
bowsprit. Also applied to a ship sloop-of-war.

FRINGING REEFS. Narrow fringes of coral formation, at a greater or less
distance from the shore, according to the slopes of the land.

FRISKING. The wind freshening.

FRITH. Derived from _fretum maris_, a narrow strait: an arm of the sea
into which a river flows. Synonymous with _firth_ (which see).

FRITTERS. Tendinous fibres of the whale's blubber, running in various
directions, and connecting the cellular substance which contains the
oil. They are what remains after the oil has been _tried_ out, and are
used as fuel to _try_ out the next whale.

FROG. An old term for a seaman's coat or frock.

FROG-BELT. A _baldrick_ (which see).

FROG-FISH. _See_ FISHING-FROG.

FROG-LANDERS. Dutchmen in colloquial language.

FROG-PIKE. A female pike, so called from its period of spawning being
late, contemporary with the frogs.

FRONT. The foremost rank of a battalion, squadron, file, or other body
of men.--_To front_, to face.

FRONTAGE. The length or face of a wharf.

FRONTIER. The limits or borders of a country.

FRONT OF FORTIFICATION. The whole system of works included between the
salient angles, or the capitals prolonged, of any two neighbouring
bastions.

FROSTED STEEL. The damasked sword-blades.

FROST-FISH. A small fish, called also _tommy-cod_; in North America they
are taken in large quantities in the depth of winter by fishing through
holes cut in the ice.

FROST-RIME. _See_ FROST-SMOKE.

FROST-SMOKE. A thick mist in high latitudes, arising from the surface of
the sea when exposed to a temperature much below freezing; when the
vapours as they rise are condensed either into a thick fog, or, with the
thermometer about zero, hug the water in eddying white wreaths. The
latter beautiful form is called in North America a "barber," probably
from its resemblance to soap-suds.

FROTH. _See_ FOAM.

F.R.S. The sigla denoting a Fellow of the Royal Society.

FRUMENTARIÆ. The ancient vessels which supplied the Roman markets with
corn.

FRUSH. A northern term for wood that is apt to splinter and break.

FRY. Young fishes.

FUCUS MAXIMUS. An enormous sea-weed, growing abundantly round the coasts
of Tristan d'Acunha, and perhaps the most exuberant of the vegetable
tribe. Said to rise from a depth of many fathoms, and to spread over a
surface of several hundred feet, it being very tenacious.

FUDDLED. Not quite drunk, but unfit for duty.

FUELL. An old nautical word signifying an opening between two headlands,
having no bottom in sight.

FU-FU. A well-known sea-dish of barley and treacle, in merchant ships.

FUGITIVES OVER THE SEA. By old statutes, now obsolete, to depart this
realm without the king's license incurred forfeiture of goods; and
masters of ships carrying such persons beyond seas, forfeited their
vessels.

FUGLEMAN, or more properly FLUGELMAN. A corporal, or active adept, who
exhibits the time for each motion at the word of command, to enable
soldiers, marines, and small-arm men to act simultaneously.

FULCRUM. The prop or support of a lever in lifting or removing a heavy
body.

FULL. The state of the sails when the wind fills them so as to carry the
vessel ahead.

FULL AND BY. Sailing close-hauled on a wind; when a ship is as close as
she will lie to the wind, without suffering the sails to shiver; hence
_keep her full_ is the order to the helmsman not to incline too much to
windward, and thereby shake the sails, which would retard the ship's
velocity.

FULL BASTION. In fortification, is a bastion whereof the terreplein, or
terrace in rear of the parapet, is extended at nearly the same level
over the whole of its interior space.

FULL-BOTTOMED. An epithet to signify such vessels as are designed to
carry large cargoes.

FULL DRIVE. Fully direct; impetuous violence.

FULL DUE. For good; for ever; complete; belay.

FULLER. The fluting groove of a bayonet.

FULL FEATHER. Attired in best dress or full uniform.

FULL FOR STAYS! The order to keep the sails full to preserve the
velocity, assisting the action of the rudder in tacking ship.

FULL MAN. A rating in coasters for one receiving whole pay, as being
competent to all his duties; able seaman.

FULL MOON. When her whole illuminated surface is turned towards us; she
is then in opposition, or diametrically opposite, to the sun.

FULL PAY. The stipend allowed when on actual service.

FULL RETREAT. When an army, or any body of men, retire with all
expedition before a conquering enemy.

FULL REVETMENT. In fortification, that form of retaining wall which is
carried right up to the top of the mass retained, leaving no exterior
slope above it; the term is principally used with reference to the faces
of ramparts.

FULL SAILS. The sails well set, and filled by the wind.

FULL SEA. High water.

FULL SPEED! A self-explanatory order to the engineer of a steamer to get
his engine into full play.

FULL SPREAD. All sail set.

FULL SWING. Having full power delegated; complete control.

FULMAR. A web-footed sea-bird, _Procellaria glacialis_, of the petrel
kind, larger than the common gull; its eggs are taken in great quantity
at St. Kilda and in the Shetlands.

FUMADO. A commercial name of the pilchard, when garbaged, salted,
smoked, pressed, and packed.

FUMBLE-FISTED. Awkward in catching a turn, or otherwise handling a rope.

FUMIGATE, TO. To purify confined or infectious air by means of smoke,
sulphuric acid, vinegar, and other correctives.

FUMIGATION-LAMP. An invention for purifying the air in hospital-ships
and close places.

FUNERAL HONOURS. Obsequies with naval or military ceremonies.

FUNGI. An almost incalculably numerous order of plants growing on dead
vegetable matter, and often produced on a ship's lining by
long-continued damp.

FUNK. Touch-wood. Also nervousness, cowardice, or being frightened.--_To
funk._ To blow the smoke of tobacco.

FUNNEL. An iron tube used where necessary for carrying off smoke. The
cylindrical appendages to the furnaces of a steam-ship: the funnel is
fastened on the top of the steam-chest, where the flues for both boilers
meet. Also, the excavation formed by the explosion of a mine. Also, in
artillery, a cup-shaped funnel of leather, with a copper spout, for
filling powder into shells.

FUNNEL-STAYS. The ropes or chains by which the smoke-funnel is secured
in a steam-ship.

FUNNY. A light, clinker-built, very narrow pleasure-boat for sculling,
_i.e._ rowing a pair of sculls. The stem and stern are much alike, both
curved. The dimensions are variable, from 20 to 30 feet in length,
according to the boat being intended for racing purposes (for which they
are mostly superseded by wager-boats), or for carrying one or more
sitters.

FUR. The indurated sediment sometimes found in neglected ships' boilers.
(_See_ FURRING.)

FURL, TO. To roll up and bind a sail neatly upon its respective yard or
boom.

FURLING. Wrapping or rolling a sail close up to the yard, stay, or mast,
to which it belongs, by hauling on the clue-lines and buntlines, and
winding a gasket or cord about it, to fasten it thereto and secure it
snugly.

FURLING IN A BODY. A method of rolling up a top-sail only practised in
harbour, by gathering all the loose part of the sail into the top, about
the heel of the top-mast, whereby the yard appears much thinner and
lighter than when the sail is furled in the usual manner, which is
sometimes termed, for distinction sake, furling in the _bunt_. It is
often practised to point the yards, the earings and robins let go, and
the whole sail bunted in the top, and covered with tarpaulins.

FURLING-LINE. Denotes a generally flat cord called a _gasket_. In bad
weather, with a weak crew, the top-sail is brought under control by
passing the top-mast studding-sail halliards round and round all, from
the yard-arm to the bunt; then furling is less dangerous.

FURLOUGH. A granted leave of absence.

FURNACE. The fire-place of a marine boiler.

FURNITURE. The rigging, sails, spars, anchors, cables, boats, tackle,
provisions, and every article with which a ship is fitted out. The
insurance risk may continue on them when put on shore, during a repair.

FUROLE. The luminous appearance called the _corpo santo_ (which see).

FURRENS. Fillings: those pieces supplying the deficiency of the timber
in the moulding-way.

FURRING. Doubling planks on a ship. Also, a furring in the ship's
frame.--_Furring the boilers_, in a steamer, cleaning off the
incrustation or sediment which forms on their inner surfaces.

FURROW. The groove or rabbet of a screw; the breech-sight or notch cut
on the base-ring of a gun, and also on the swell of the muzzle, by which
the piece is laid.

FURTHER ORDERS. These are often _impedimenta_ to active service.

FURTHER PROOF. In prize matters, a privilege, where the court is not
satisfied with that originally produced, by which it is allowed to state
circumstances affecting it.

FURUBE. A fish taken in the Japanese seas, and considered to be
dangerously poisonous.

FURZE. Brushwood, prepared for breaming.

FUSIL. Formerly a light musket with which sergeants of infantry and some
particular regiments were armed.

FUSILIERS. Originally those regiments armed with fusils, by whom, though
the weapon is obsolete, the title is retained as a distinction.

FUST. A low but capacious armed vessel, propelled with sails and oars,
which formerly attended upon galleys; a _scampavia_, barge, or pinnace.

FUSTICK. In commerce, a dyewood brought principally from the West Indies
and Spanish Main.

FUTTLING. A word meaning _foot-waling_ (which see).

FUTTOCK-HEAD. In ship-building, is a name for the 5th, the 7th, and the
9th _diagonals_, the intervening bevellings being known as _sirmarks_.

FUTTOCK-HOLES. Places through the top-rim for the futtock-plates.

FUTTOCK-PLANK. The first plank of the ceiling next the kelson; the
limber-strake.

FUTTOCK-PLATES. Iron plates with dead-eyes, crossing the sides of the
top-rim perpendicularly. The dead-eyes of the top-mast rigging are set
up to their upper ends or dead-eyes, and the futtock-shrouds hook to
their lower ends.

FUTTOCK-RIDERS. When a rider is lengthened by means of pieces batted or
scarphed to it and each other, the first piece is termed the first
futtock-rider, the next the second futtock-rider, and so on.

FUTTOCKS, OR FOOT-HOOKS. The separate pieces of timber which compose the
frame. There are four futtocks (component parts of the rib), and
occasionally five, to a ship. The timbers that constitute her
breadth--the middle division of a ship's timbers, or those parts which
are situated between the floor and the top timbers--separate timbers
which compose the frame. Those next the keel are called ground-futtocks
or navel-timbers, and the rest upper futtocks.

FUTTOCK-SHROUDS, OR FOOT-HOOK SHROUDS. Are short pieces of rope or chain
which secure the lower dead-eyes and futtock-plates of top-mast rigging
to a band round a lower mast.

FUTTOCK-STAFF. A short piece of wood or iron, seized across the upper
part of the shrouds at equal distances, to which the cat-harping legs
are secured.

FUTTOCK-TIMBERS. _See_ FUTTOCKS.

FUZE. Formerly called also _fuzee_. The adjunct employed with shells for
igniting the bursting charge at the required moment. Time-fuzes,
prepared with some composition burning at a known rate, are cut or set
to a length proportionate to the time which the shell is destined to
occupy in its flight; concussion and percussion fuzes ignite the charge
on impact on the object: the former by the dislocation of some of its
parts throwing open new passages for its flame, and the latter by the
action of various mechanism on its inner priming of detonating
composition. They are made either of wood or of metal, and of various
form and size according to the kind of ordnance they are intended for.
Time-fuzes of special manufacture are also applied to igniting the
charges of mines, subaqueous blasts, &c.

FUZZY. Not firm or sound in substance.

FYKE. A large bow-net used on the American coasts for taking the shad;
hence called _shad-fykes_. Also, the _Medusa cruciata_, or Medusa's
head.

FYRDUNG [the Anglo-Saxon _fyrd ung_, military service]. This appears on
our statutes for inflicting a penalty on those who evaded going to war
at the king's command.




G.


GAB. A notch on the eccentric rod of a steam-engine for fitting a pin in
the gab-lever to break the connection with the slide-valves. (_See_
GABBE.)

GABARRE. Originally a river lighter; now a French store-ship.

GABART, OR GABBERT. A flat vessel with a long hatchway, used in canals
and rivers.

GABBE. An old but vulgar term for the mouth.--_Gift of the gab_, or
_glib-gabbet_, facility and recklessness of assertion.

GABBOK. A voracious dog-fish which infests the herring fisheries in St.
George's Channel.

GABELLE [Fr.] An excise tribute.

GABERDINE. An old name for a loose felt cloak or mantle.

GABERT. A Scotch lighter. (_See_ GABART.)

GABIONADE. A parapet of gabions hastily thrown up.

GABIONS. Cylindrical baskets open at both ends, about 3 feet high and 2
feet in diameter, which, being placed on end and filled with earth,
greatly facilitate the speedy formation of cover against an enemy's
fire. They are much used for revetments in field-works generally.

GABLE, OR GABULLE. A term in early voyagers for _cable_. Thus,

    "Softe, ser, seyd the gabulle-rope,
    Methinke gode ale is in your tope."

GABLICK, OR GAFFLOCK. An old term for a crow-bar.

GABY. A conceited simpleton.

GACHUPINS. The name given in South America to European Spaniards.

GAD. A goad; the point of a spear or pike.

GAD-YANG. A coasting vessel of Cochin-China.

GAFF. A spar used in ships to extend the heads of fore-and-aft sails
which are not set on stays. The foremost end of the gaff is termed the
jaw, the outer part is called the peak. The jaw forms a semicircle, and
is secured in its position by a jaw-rope passing round the mast; on it
are strung several small wooden balls called _trucks_, to lessen the
friction on the mast when the sail is hoisting or lowering.--_To blow
the gaff_, said of the revealing a plot or giving convicting evidence.

GAFF-HALLIARDS. _See_ HALLIARDS.

GAFF-HOOK. In fishing, a strong iron hook set on a handle, supplementing
the powers of the line and fish-hook with heavy fish, in the same way
that the landing-net does with those of moderate size.

GAFFLE. A lever or stirrup for bending a cross-bow.

GAFF-NET. A peculiar net for fishing.

GAFF-TOPSAIL. A light triangular or quadrilateral sail, the head being
extended on a small gaff which hoists on the top-mast, and the foot on
the lower gaff.

GAGE. The quantity of water a ship draws, or the depth she is immersed.

GAGE, WEATHER. When one ship is to windward of another she is said to
have the weather-gage of her; or if in the opposite position, the
lee-gage.

GAGE-COCKS. These are for ascertaining the height of the water in the
boiler, by means of three or more pipes, having a cock to each.

GAINED DAY. The twenty-four hours, or day and night, gained by
circumnavigating the globe to the eastward. It is the result of sailing
in the same direction as the earth revolves, which shortens each day by
four minutes for every degree sailed. In the Royal Navy this run gives
an additional day's pay to a ship's crew.

GAIN THE WIND, TO. To arrive on the weather-side of some other vessel in
sight, when both are plying to windward.

GAIR-FISH. A name on our northern coasts for the porpoise.

GAIR-FOWL. A name of the great auk, _Alca impennis_. (_See_ AUK.)

GAIRG. A Gaelic name for the cormorant.

GALAXY. A name of the Milky Way. (_See_ VIA LACTEA.)

GALEAS. _See_ GALLIAS.

GALE OF WIND. Implies what on shore is called a storm, more particularly
termed a _hard gale_ or _strong gale_; number of force, 10.--_A stiff
gale_ is the diminutive of the preceding, but stronger than a
breeze.--_A fresh gale_ is a still further diminutive, and not too
strong for a ship to carry single-reefed top-sails when
close-hauled.--_A top-gallant gale_, if a ship can carry her top-gallant
sails.--_To gale away_, to go free.

GALEOPIS. An ancient war-ship with a prow resembling the beak of a
sword-fish.

GALITA. _See_ GUERITE.

GALL. _See_ WIND-GALL.

GALLANTS. All flags borne on the mizen-mast were so designated.

GALLAN WHALE. The largest whale which visits the Hebrides.

GALLED. The result of friction, to prevent which it is usual to cover,
with skins, mats, or canvas, the places most exposed to it. (_See_
SERVICE.)

GALLEON, OR GALION. A name formerly given to ships of war furnished with
three or four batteries of cannon. It is now retained only by the
Spaniards, and applied to the largest size of their merchant ships
employed in West India and Vera Cruz voyages. The Portuguese also have
ships trading to India and the Brazils nearly resembling the galleons,
and called caragues. (_See_ CARACK.)

GALLEOT, OR GALLIOT. A small galley designed only for chase, generally
carrying but one mast, with sixteen or twenty oars. All the seamen on
board act as soldiers, and each has a musket by him ready for use on
quitting his oar. Also, a Dutch or Flemish vessel for cargoes, with very
rounded ribs and flattish bottom, with a mizen-mast stept far aft,
carrying a square-mainsail and main-topsail, a fore-stay to the
main-mast (there being no fore-mast), with fore-staysail and jibs. Some
also call the bomb-ketches galliots. (_See_ SCAMPAVIA.)

GALLERY. A balcony projecting from the admiral's or captain's cabin; it
is usually decorated with a balustrade, and extends from one side of the
ship to the other; the roof is formed by a sort of vault termed a cove,
which is frequently ornamented with carving. (_See_ STERN; also
QUARTER-GALLERY.)

GALLERY OF A MINE. The passage of horizontal communication, as
distinguished from the shaft or vertical descent, made underground by
military miners to reach the required position, for lodging the charge,
&c.; it averages 4-1/2 feet high by 3 feet wide.

GALLERY-LADDER. Synonymous with _stern-ladder_.

GALLEY. A low, flat-built vessel with one deck, and propelled by sails
and oars, particularly in the Mediterranean. The largest sort, called
galleasses, were formerly employed by the Venetians. They were about 160
feet long above, and 130 by the keel, 30 wide, and 20 length of
stern-post. They were furnished with three masts and thirty banks of
oars, each bank containing two oars, and every oar managed by
half-a-dozen slaves, chained to them. There are also _half-galleys_ and
_quarter-galleys_, but found by experience to be of little utility
except in fine weather. They generally hug the shore, only sometimes
venturing out to sea for a summer cruise. Also, an open boat rowing six
or eight oars, and used on the river Thames by custom-house officers,
and formerly by press-gangs; hence the names "custom-house galley,"
"press-galley," &c. Also, a clincher-built fast rowing-boat, rather
larger than a gig, appropriated in a man-of-war for the use of the
captain. The _galley_ or _gally_ is also the name of the ship's hearth
or kitchen, being the place where the grates are put up and the victuals
cooked. In small merchantmen it is called the caboose; and is generally
abaft the forecastle or fore-part of the ship.

GALLEY-ARCHES. Spacious and well-built structures in many of the
Mediterranean ports for the reception and security of galleys.

GALLEY-FOIST OR FUST. The lord-mayor's barge, and other vessels for
holidays. (_See_ FUST.)

GALLEY-GROWLERS. Idle grumblers and skulkers, from whom discontent and
mutiny generally derive their origin. Hence, "galley-packets," news
before the mail arrives.

GALLEY-NOSE. The figure-head.

GALLEY-PACKET. An unfounded rumour. (_See_ GALLEY-GROWLERS.)

GALLEY-PEPPER. The soot or ashes which accidentally drop into victuals
in cooking.

GALLEY-SLANG. The neological barbarisms foisted into sea-language.

GALLEY-SLAVE. A person condemned to work at the oar on board a galley,
and chained to the deck.

GALLEY-STOKER. A lazy skulker.

GALLEY-TROUGH. _See_ GERLETROCH.

GALLIAS. A heavy, low-built vessel of burden. Not to be confounded with
galley, for even Shakspeare, in the _Taming of the Shrew_, makes Tranio
say:--

              "My father hath no less
    Than three great argosies; besides two galeasses,
    And twelve tight galleys."

GALLIED. The state of a whale when he is seriously alarmed.

GALLIGASKINS. Wide hose or breeches formerly worn by seamen also called
_petticoat-trousers_. P. Penilesse, in his _Supplication to the Divell_,
says: "Some gally gascoynes or shipman's hose, like the Anabaptists,"
&c.

GALLING-FIRE. A sustained discharge of cannon, or small arms, which by
its execution greatly annoys the enemy.

GALLIVATS. Armed row-boats of India, smaller than a grab; generally 50
to 70 tons.

GALLOON. Gold lace. [Fr. _galon_; Sp. _galon_.]

GALLOPER. A small gun used by the Indians, easily drawn by one horse.

GALLOW-GLASSES. Formerly a heavy-armed body of foot; more recently
applied to Irish infantry soldiers.

GALLOWS. The cross-pieces on the small bitts at the main and fore
hatchways in flush-decked vessels, for stowing away the booms and spars
over the boats; also termed _gallowses_, _gallows-tops_,
_gallows-bitts_, and _gallows-stanchions_. The word is used colloquially
for archness, as well as for notoriously bad characters.

GALLS. Veins of land through which the water oozes.

GALL-WIND. _See_ WIND-GALL.

GALLY-GUN. A kind of culverin.

GALOOT. An awkward soldier, from the Russian _golut_, or slave. A
soubriquet for the young or "green" marine.

GALORE. Plenty, abundance.

GAMBISON. A quilted doublet formerly worn under armour, to prevent its
chafing.

GAME-LEG. A lame limb, but not so bad as to unfit for duty.

GAMMON, TO. To pass the lashings of the bowsprit.

GAMMONING. Seven or eight turns of a rope-lashing passed alternately
over the bowsprit and through a large hole in the cut-water, the better
to support the stays of the fore-mast; after all the turns are drawn as
firm as possible, the two opposite are braced together under the
bowsprit by a frapping. Gammoning lashing, fashion, &c., has a peculiar
seamanlike meaning. The gammoning turns are passed from the standing
part or bolt forward, over the bowsprit, aft through the knee forward,
making a cross lashing. It was the essence of a seaman's ability, and
only forecastle men, under the boatswain, executed it. Now galvanized
chain is more commonly used than rope for gammoning.

GAMMONING-HOLE. A mortise-opening cut through the knee of the head,
between the cheeks, through which the gammoning is passed.

GAMMON-KNEE. A knee-timber fayed and bolted to the stem, a little below
the bowsprit.

GAMMON-PLATE. An iron plate bolted to the stem of some vessels for the
purpose of supporting the gammoning of the bowsprit.

GAMMON-SHACKLE. A sort of triangular ring formed on the end of a
gammon-plate, for the gammoning lashing or chain to be made fast to.

GAND-FLOOK. A name of the saury-pike, _Scomberesox saurus_.

GANG. A detachment; being a selected number of a ship's crew appointed
on any particular service, and commanded by an officer suitable to the
occasion.

GANG-BOARD. The narrow platform within the side next the gunwale,
connecting the quarter-deck to the forecastle. Also, a plank with
several cleats or steps nailed to it to prevent slipping, for the
convenience of walking into or out of a boat upon the shore, where the
water is shallow.

GANG-CASKS. Small barrels used for bringing water on board in boats;
somewhat larger than _breakers_, and usually containing 32 gallons.

GANGWAY. The platform on each side of the skid-beams leading from the
quarter-deck to the forecastle, and peculiar to deep-waisted ships, for
the convenience of walking expeditiously fore and aft; it is fenced on
the outside by iron stanchions and ropes, or rails, and in vessels of
war with a netting, in which part of the hammocks are stowed. In
merchant ships it is frequently called the gang-board. Also, that part
of a ship's side, and opening in her bulwarks, by which persons enter
and depart, provided with a sufficient number of steps or cleats, nailed
upon the ship's side, nearly as low as the surface of the water, and
sometimes furnished with a railed accommodation-ladder projecting from
the ship's side, and secured by iron braces. Also, narrow passages left
in the hold, when a ship is laden, in order to enter any particular
place as occasion may require, or stop a leak. Also, it implies a
thoroughfare of any kind.--_To bring to the gangway_, to punish a seaman
by seizing him up to a grating, there to undergo flogging.

GANNERET. A sort of gull.

GANNET. The _Sula bassana_, or solan goose: a large sea bird of the
family _Pelecanidæ_, common on the Scottish coasts.

GANNY-WEDGE. A thick wooden wedge, used in splitting timber.

GANTAN. An Indian commercial measure, of which 17 make a baruth.

GANT-LINE. Synonymous with _girt-line_ (which see).

GANT-LOPE, OR GAUNTLOPE (commonly pronounced _gantlet_). A _race_ which
a criminal was sentenced to _run_, in the navy or army, for any heinous
offence. The ship's crew, or a certain division of soldiers, were
disposed in two rows face to face, each provided with a knotted cord, or
_knittle_, with which they severely struck the delinquent as he ran
between them, stripped down to the waist. This was repeated according to
the sentence, but seldom beyond three times, and constituted "_running
the gauntlet_."

GANTREE, OR GANTRIL. A wooden stand for a barrel.

GANZEE. Corrupted from Guernsey. (_See_ JERSEY.)

GAP. A chasm in the land, which, when near, is useful as a landmark.

GAPE. The principal crevice or crack in shaken timber.--_The seams
gape_, or let in water.

GARAVANCES. The old term for _calavances_ (which see).

GARBEL. A word synonymous with _garboard_ (which see).

GARBLING. The mixing of rubbish with a cargo stowed in bulk.

GARBOARD-STRAKE, OR SAND-STREAK. The first range of planks laid upon a
ship's bottom, next the keel, into which it is rabbeted, and into the
stem and stern-post at the ends.

GARDE-BRACE. Anglo-Norman for armour for the arm.

GARE. _See_ GAIR-FOWL. Also, the Anglo-Saxon for _ready_. (_See_ YARE.)

GARETTE. A watch-tower.

GARFANGLE. An archaic term for an eel-spear.

GAR-FISH. The _Belone vulgaris_, or bill-fish, the bones of which are
green. Also called the guard-fish, but it is from the Anglo-Saxon _gar_,
a weapon.

GARGANEY. The _Querquedula circia_, a small species of duck, allied to
the teal.

GARLAND. A collar of ropes formerly wound round the head of the mast, to
keep the shrouds from chafing. Also, a strap lashed to a spar when
hoisting it in. Also, a large rope grommet, to place shot in on deck.
Also, in shore-batteries, a band, whether of iron or stone, to retain
shot together in their appointed place. Also, the ring in a target, in
which the mark is set. Also, a wreath made by crossing three small
hoops, and covering them with silk and ribbons, hoisted to the
main-topgallant-stay of a ship on the day of the captain's wedding; but
on a seaman's wedding, to the appropriate mast to which he is stationed.
Also, a sort of cabbage-net, whose opening is extended by a hoop, and
used by sailors to contain their day's provisions, being hung up to the
beams within their berth, safe from cats, rats, ants, and cockroaches.

GARNET. A sort of purchase fixed to the main-stay of a merchant-ship,
and used for hoisting the cargo in and out at the time of loading or
delivering her. A whip.--_Clue-garnet._ (_See_ CLUE and CLUE-GARNETS.)

GARNEY. A term in the fisheries for the fins, sounds, and tongues of the
cod-fish.

GARNISH. Profuse decoration of a ship's head, stern, and quarters. Also
money which pressed men in tenders and receiving ships exacted from each
other, according to priority.

GARR. An oozy vegetable substance which grows on ships' bottoms.

GARRET, OR GARITA. A watch-tower in a fortification; an old term.

GARRISON. A military force guarding a town or fortress; a term for the
place itself; also for the state of guard there maintained.

GARRISON GUNS. These are more powerful than those intended for the
field; and formerly nearly coincided with naval guns; but now, the
introduction of armour-plating afloat leads to furnishing
coast-batteries with the heaviest guns of all.

GARRISON ORDERS. Those given out by the commandant of a garrison.

GARROOKA. A fishing-craft of the Gulf of Persia.

GARTERS. A slang term for the ship's irons or bilboes.

GARTHMAN. One who plies at a _fish-garth_, but is prohibited by statute
from destroying the fry of fish.

GARVIE. A name on our northern shores for the sprat.

GASKET. A cord, or piece of plaited stuff, to secure furled sails to the
yard, by wrapping it three or four times round both, the turns being at
a competent distance from each other.--_Bunt-gasket_ ties up the bunt of
the sail, and should consequently be the strongest; it is sometimes made
in a peculiar net form. In some ships they have given place to
beckets.--_Double gaskets._ Passing additional frapping-lines round the
yards in very stormy weather.--_Quarter-gasket._ Used only for large
sails, and is fastened about half-way out upon the yard, which part is
called the quarter.--_Yard-arm gasket._ Used for smaller sails; the end
is made fast to the yard-arm, and serves to bind the sail as far as the
quarter-gasket on large yards, but extends quite into the bunt of small
sails.

GAS-PIPE. A term jocularly applied to the newly-introduced
breech-loading rifle.

GAT. A swashway, or channel amongst shoals.

GATE. The old name for landing-places, as Dowgate and Billingsgate; also
in cliffs, as Kingsgate, Margate, and Ramsgate; those in Greece and in
Italy are called _scala_. Also, a flood, sluice, or water gate.

GATE, OR SEA-GATE. When two ships are thrown on board one another by a
wave, they are said to be in a sea-gate.

GATHER AFT A SHEET, TO. To pull it in, by hauling in slack.

GATHER WAY, TO. To begin to feel the impulse of the wind on the sails,
so as to obey the helm.

GATH-LINN. A name of the north polar star; two Gaelic words, signifying
ray and moisture, in allusion to its subdued brightness.

GATT. A gate or channel, a term used on the Flemish coast and in the
Baltic. The Hellegat of New York has become Hell Gate.

GAUB-LINE. A rope leading from the martingale in-board. The same as
_back-rope_.

GAUGE. _See_ GAGE.

GAUGE. An instrument for measuring shot, wads, &c. For round shot there
are two kinds, viz. the high gauge, a cylinder through which the shot
must pass; and the low gauge, a ring through which it must not pass.

GAUGE-COCKS. A neat apparatus for ascertaining the height of the water
in a steamer's boiler.

GAUGE-ROD. A graduated iron for sounding the pump-well.

GAUGNET. The _Sygnathus acus_, sea-needle, or pipe-fish.

GAUNTLET. (_See_ GIRT-LINE.) Also, a rope round the ship to the lower
yard-arms, for drying scrubbed hammocks. Of old the term denoted the
armed knight's iron glove. (_See_ GANT-LOPE, for _running the
gauntlet_.)

GAUNTREE. The stand for a water or beer cask.

GAUNTS. The great crested grebe in Lincolnshire.

GAUT, OR GHAUT. In the East Indies, a landing-place; and also a chain of
hills, as the Western Gauts, on the Mysore coast.

GAVELOCK. An iron crow. Of old, a pike; thus in Arthur and Merlin--

    "Gavelokes also thicke flowe
    So gnattes, ichil avowe."

GAVER. A Cornish name for the sea cray-fish.

GAW. A southern term for a boat-pole.

GAWDNIE. The dragonet, or yellow gurnard; _Callionymus lyra_.

GAW-GAW. A lubberly simpleton.

GAWKY. A half-witted, awkward youth. Also, the shell called
horse-cockle.

GAWLIN. A small sea-fowl which the natives of the Western Isles of
Scotland trust in, as a prognosticator of the weather.

GAWN-TREE. _See_ GANTREE.

GAWPUS. A stupid, idle fellow.

GAWRIE. A name for the red gurnard; _Trigla cuculus_.

GAZONS [Fr.] Sods of earth or turf, cut in wedge-shaped form, to line
the parapet and face the outside of works.

GAZZETTA. The name of a small coin in the Adriatic and Levant. It was
the price of the first Venetian newspaper, and thereby gave the name to
those publications. In the Greek islands the word is used for ancient
coins.

G.C.B. The initials for Grand Cross of the most honourable and Military
Order of the Bath.

GEAR [the Anglo-Saxon _geara_, clothing]. A general name for the rigging
of any particular spar or sail; and in or out of gear implies anything
being fit or unfit for use.

GEARING. A complication of wheels and pinions, or of shafts and pulleys,
&c.

GEARS. _See_ JEERS.

GEE, TO. To suit or fit; as, "that will just gee."

GELLYWATTE. An old term for a captain's boat, the original of
_jolly-boat_. (_See_ Captain Downton's voyage to India in 1614, where
"she was sent to take soundings within the sands.")

GENERAL. The commander of an army: the military rank corresponding to
the naval one of admiral. The title includes all officers above
colonels, ascending with qualifying prefixes, as brigadier-general,
major-general, lieutenant-general, to general, above which is nothing
save the exceptional rank of field-marshal and of captain-general or
commander-in-chief of the land forces of the United Kingdom.

GENERAL AVERAGE. A claim made upon the owners of a ship and her cargo,
when the property of one or more has been sacrificed for the good of the
whole.

GENERAL BREEZO. _See_ BREEZO.

GENERALISSIMO. The supreme commander of a combined force, or of several
armies in the field.

GENERAL OFFICERS. All those above the rank of a colonel.

GENERAL ORDERS. The orders issued by the commander-in-chief of the
forces.

GENERAL SHIP. Where persons unconnected with each other load goods on
board, in contradistinction to a _chartered_ ship.

GENEVA PRINT. An allusion to the spirituous liquor so called,--

              "And if you meet
    An officer preaching of sobriety,
    Unless he read it in _Geneva print_,
    Lay him by the heels."--_Massinger._

GENOUILLERE [Fr.] That part of a battery which remains above the
platform, and under the gun after the opening of the embrasure. Of
course a knee-step.

GENTLE. A maggot or grub used as a bait by anglers.

GENTLE GALE. In which a ship carries royals and flying-kites; force 4.

GENTLEMEN. The messmates of the gun-room or cockpit--as mates,
midshipmen, clerks, and cadets.

GEOCENTRIC. As viewed from the centre of the earth.

GEO-GRAFFY. A beverage made by seamen of burnt biscuit boiled in water.

GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION. _See_ POSITION, GEOGRAPHICAL.

GEORGIUM SIDUS. The planet discovered by Sir W. Herschel was so named at
first; but astronomers adopted _Uranus_ instead, as safer to keep in the
neutral ground of mythology.

GERLETROCH. The _Salmo alpinus_, red char, or galley-trough.

GERRACK. A coal-fish in its first year.

GERRET. A samlet or parr.

GERRICK. A Cornish name for a sea-pike.

GERRON. A cant name for the sea-trout.

GESERNE. Anglo-Norman for battle-axe.

GESTLING. A meeting of the members of the Cinque Ports at Romney.

GET AFLOAT. Pulling out a grounded boat.

GET-A-PULL. The order to haul in more of a rope or tackle.

GHAUT. _See_ GAUT.

GHEE. The substitute for butter served out to ships' companies on the
Indian station.

GHOST. A false image in the lens of an instrument.

GHRIME-SAIL. The old term for a smoke-sail.

GIB. A forelock.

GIBB. The beak, or hooked upper lip of a male salmon.

GIBBOUS. The form of a planet's disc exceeding a semicircle, but less
than a circle.

GIB-FISH. A northern name for the male of the salmon.

GIBRALTAR GYN. Originally devised there for working guns under a low
roof. (_See_ GYN.)

GIDDACK. A name on our northern coasts for the sand-launce or sand-eel,
_Ammodytes tobianus_.

GIFFOOT. A Jewish corruption of the Spanish spoken at Gibraltar and the
sea-ports.

GIFT-ROPE [synonymous with _guest-rope_]. A rope for boats at the
guest-warp boom.

GIG. A light narrow galley or ship's boat, clincher-built, and adapted
for expedition either by rowing or sailing; the latter ticklish at
times.

GILDEE. A name in the Scottish isles for the _Morhua barbata_, or
whiting pout.

GILGUY. A guy for tracing up, or bearing a boom or derrick. Often
applied to inefficient guys.

GILL. A ravine down the surface of a cliff; a rivulet through a ravine.
The name is often applied also to the valley itself.

GILLER. A horse-hair fishing line.

GILLS. Small hackles for drying hemp.

GILPY. Between a man and boy.

GILSE. A common misnomer of _grilse_ (which see).

GILT. A cant, but old term for money, on which Shakspeare (_Henry V._
act ii. scene 1) committed a well-known pun--

    "Have for the gilt of France (O guilt indeed!)"

GILT-HEAD, OR GILT-POLL. The _Sparus aurata_, a fish of the European and
American seas, with a golden mark between the eyes. (_See_ SEDOW.)

GIMBALS. The two concentric brass rings, having their axles at right
angles, by which a sea-compass is suspended in its box, so as to
counteract the effect of the ship's motion. (_See_ COMPASS.) Also used
for the chronometers.

GIMBLETING. The action of turning the anchor round on its fluke, so that
the motion of the stock appears similar to that of the handle of a
gimlet when it is employed to bore a hole. To turn anything round on its
end.

GIMLET-EYE. A penetrating gaze, which sees through a deal plank.

GIMMART. _See_ GYMMYRT.

GIMMEL. Any disposition of rings, as links, device of machinery. (_See_
GIMBALS.)

GIN. A small iron cruciform frame, having a swivel-hook, furnished with
an iron sheave, to serve as a pulley for the use of chain in discharging
cargo and other purposes.

GINGADO. _See_ JERGADO.

GINGAL. A long barrelled fire-arm, throwing a ball of from 1/4 to 1/2
lb., used throughout the East, especially in China; made to load at the
breach with a movable chamber. (_See also_ JINGAL.)

GINGERBREAD-HATCHES. Luxurious quarters--

    "Gingerbread-hatches on shore."

GINGERBREAD WORK. Profusely carved decorations of a ship.

GINGERLY. Spruce and smart, but somewhat affected in movement.

GINNELIN. Catching fish by the hand; tickling them.

GINNERS, OR GINNLES. The gills of fish.

GINSENG. A Chinese root, formerly highly prized for its restorative
virtues, and greatly valued among the items of a cargo. It is now almost
out of the _Materia Medica_.

GIP, TO. To take the entrails out of fishes.

GIRANDOLE. Any whirling fire-work.

GIRD, TO. To bind; used formerly for striking a blow.

GIRDLE. An additional planking over the wales or bends. Also, a frapping
for girding a ship.

GIRT. The situation of a ship which is moored so taut by her cables,
extending from the hawse to two distant anchors, as to be prevented from
swinging to the wind or tide. The ship thus circumstanced endeavours to
swing, but her side bears upon one of the cables, which catches on her
heel, and interrupts her in the act of traversing. In this position she
must ride with her broadside or stern to the wind or current, till one
or both of the cables are slackened, so as to sink under the keel; after
which the ship will readily yield to the effort of the wind or current,
and turn her head thither. (_See_ RIDE.)

GIRT-LINE. A whip purchase, consisting of a rope passing through a
single block on the head of a lower mast to hoist up the rigging
thereof, and the persons employed to place it; the girt-line is
therefore the first rope employed to rig a ship. (Sometimes mis-called
_gant-line_.)

GISARMS. An archaic term for a halbert or hand-axe.

GIVE A SPELL. To intermit or relieve work. (_See_ SPELL.)

GIVE CHASE, TO. To make sail in pursuit of a stranger.

GIVE HER SO AND SO. The direction of the officer of the watch to the
midshipman, reporting the rate of sailing by the log, and which requires
correction in the judgment of that officer, from winds, &c., before
marking on the log-board.

GIVE HER SHEET. The order to ease off; give her rope.

GIVE WAY. The order to a boat's crew to renew rowing, or to increase
their exertions if they were already rowing. To hang on the oars.

GIVE WAY TOGETHER. So that the oars may all dip and rise together,
whereby the force is concentrated.

GIVE WAY WITH A WILL. Pull heartily together.

GIVING. The surging of a seizing; new rope stretching to the strain.

GLACIS. In fortification, that smooth earthen slope outside the ditch
which descends to the country, affording a secure parapet to the covered
way, and exposing always a convenient surface to the fire of the place.

GLADENE. A very early designation of the sea-onion.

GLAIRE. A broadsword or falchion fixed on a pike.

GLANCE. (_See_ NORTHERN-GLANCE.) Also, a name for anthracite coal.

GLASAG. The Gaelic name of an edible sea-weed of our northern isles.

GLASS. The usual appellation for a telescope (see the old sea song of
Lord Howard's capture of Barton the pirate). Also, the familiar term for
a barometer. _Glass_ is also used in the plural to denote time-glass on
the duration of any action; as, they fought yard-arm and yard-arm three
glasses, _i.e._ three half-hours.--_To flog or sweat the half-hour
glass._ To turn the sand-glass before the sand has quite run out, and
thus gaining a few minutes in each half-hour, make the watch too
short.--_Half-minute and quarter-minute glasses_, used to ascertain the
rate of the ship's velocity measured by the log; they should be
occasionally compared with a good stop watch.--_Night-glass._ A
telescope adapted for viewing objects at night.

GLASS CLEAR? Is the sand out of the upper part? asked previously to
turning it, on throwing the log.

GLASSOK. A coast name for the say, seath, or coal-fish.

GLAVE. A light hand-dart. Also, a sword-blade fixed on the end of a
pole.

GLAYMORE. A two-handed sword. (_See_ CLAYMORE.)

GLAZED POWDER. Gunpowder of which the grains, by friction against one
another in a barrel worked for the purpose, have acquired a fine polish,
sometimes promoted by a minute application of black-lead; reputed to be
very slightly weaker than the original, and somewhat less liable to
deterioration.

GLEN. An Anglo-Saxon term denoting a dale or deep valley; still in use
for a ravine.

GLENT, TO. To turn aside or quit the original direction, as a shot does
from accidentally impinging on a hard substance.

GLIB-GABBET. Smooth and ready speech.

GLIM. A light; familiarly used for the eyes.--_Dowse the glim_, put out
the light.

GLOAMING. The twilight. Also, a gloomy dull state of sky.

GLOBE RANGERS. A soubriquet for the royal marines.

GLOBULAR SAILING. A general designation for all the methods on which the
rules of computation are founded, on the hypothesis that the earth is a
sphere; including great circle sailing.

GLOG. The Manx or Erse term which denotes the swell or rolling of the
sea after a storm.

GLOOM-STOVE. Formerly for drying powder, at a temperature of about
140°; being an iron vessel in a room heated from outside, but
steam-pipes are now substituted.

GLOOT. _See_ GALOOT.

GLOWER, TO. To stare or look intently.

GLUE. _See_ MARINE GLUE.

GLUM. As applied to the weather, overcast and gloomy. Socially, it is a
grievous look.

GLUT. A piece of wood applied as a fulcrum to a lever power. Also, a bit
of canvas sewed into the centre of a sail near the head, with an
eyelet-hole in the middle for the bunt-jigger or becket to go through.
Glut used to prevent slipping, as sand and nippers glut the messenger;
the fall of a tackle drawn across the sheaves, by which it is choked or
glutted; junks of rope interposed between the messenger and the whelps
of the capstan.

GLYN. A deep valley with convex sides. (_See_ CWM.)

GNARLED. Knotty; said of timber.

GNARRE. An old term for a hard knot in a tree; hence Shakspeare's
"unwedgeable and gnarled oak."

GNOLL. A round hillock. (_See_ KNOLL.)

GNOMON. The hand; style of a dial.

GO! A word sometimes given when all is ready for the launch of a vessel
from the stocks.

GO AHEAD! OR GO ON! The order to the engineer in a steamer.

GO ASHORE, TO. To land on leave.

GO ASHORES. The seamen's best dress.

GOBARTO. A large and ravenous fish of our early voyagers, probably a
shark.

GOBBAG. A Gaelic name for the dog-fish.

GOB-DOO. A Manx term for a mussel.

GOBISSON. _Gambesson_; quilted dress worn under the habergeon.

GOBLACHAN. A Gaelic name for the parr or samlet.

GOB-LINE. _See_ GAUB-LINE.

GOBON. An old English name for the whiting.

GOB-STICK. A horn or wooden spoon.

GO BY. Stratagem.--_To give her the go by_, is to escape by deceiving.

GOBY. A name of the _gudgeon_ (which see). It was erroneously applied to
white-bait.

GOD. We retain the Anglo-Saxon word to designate the ALMIGHTY;
signifying good, to do good, doing good, and to benefit; terms such as
our classic borrowings cannot pretend to.

GODENDA. An offensive weapon of our early times, being a poleaxe with a
spike at its end.

GO DOWN. The name given to store-houses and magazines in the East
Indies.

GODSEND. An unexpected relief or prize; but wreckers denote by the term
vessels and goods driven on shore.

GOE. A creek, smaller than a voe.

GOELETTE [Fr.] A schooner. Also, a sloop-of-war.

GOGAR. A serrated worm used in the north for fishing-bait.

GOGLET. An earthen vase or bottle for holding water.

GOILLEAR. The Gaelic for a sea-bird of the Hebrides, said to come ashore
only in January.

GOING ABOUT. Tacking ship.

GOING FREE. When the bowlines are slackened, or sailing with the wind
abeam.

GOING LARGE. Sailing off the wind.

GOING THROUGH THE FLEET. A cruel punishment, long happily abolished. The
victim was sentenced to receive a certain portion of the flogging
alongside the various ships, towed in a launch by a boat supplied from
each vessel, the drummers beating the rogue's march.

GOLDENEY. A name for the yellow gurnard among the northern fishermen.

GOLD FISH. The trivial name of the _Cyprinus auratus_, one of the most
superb of the finny tribe. It was originally brought from China, but is
now generally naturalized in Europe.

GOLD MOHUR. A well known current coin in the East Indies, varying a
little in value at each presidency, but averaging fifteen rupees, or
thirty shillings.

GOLE. An old northern word for a stream or sluice.

GOLLETTE. The shirt of mail formerly worn by foot soldiers. Also, a
French sloop-of-war, spelled goëlette.

GOMER. A particular form of chamber in ordnance, consisting in a conical
narrowing of the bore towards its inner end. It was first devised for
the service of mortars, and named after the inventor, Gomer, in the late
wars.

GOMERE [Fr.] The cable of a galley.

GONDOLA. A light pleasure-barge universally used on the canals of
Venice, generally propelled by one man standing on the stern with one
powerful oar, though the larger kinds have more rowers. The middle-sized
gondolas are upwards of 30 feet long and 4 broad, with a well furnished
cabin amidships, though exclusively black as restricted by law. They
always rise at each end to a very sharp point of about the height of a
man's breast. The stem is always surmounted by the ferro, a bright iron
beak or cleaver of one uniform shape, seemingly derived from the ancient
Romans, being the "rostrisque tridentibus" of Virgil, as may be seen in
many of Hadrian's large brass medals. The form of the gondola in the
water is traced back till its origin is lost in antiquity, yet (like
that of the Turkish caïques) embodies the principles of the wave-line
theory, the latest effort of modern ship-building science. Also, a
passage-boat of six or eight oars, used on other parts of the coast of
Italy.

GONDOLIER. A man who works or navigates a gondola.

GONE. Carried away. "The hawser or cable is _gone_;" parted, broken.

GONE-GOOSE. A ship deserted or given up in despair (_in extremis_).

GONFANON [Fr.] Formerly a cavalry banneret; corrupted from the
_gonfalone_ of the Italians.

GONG. A kind of Chinese cymbal, with a powerful and sonorous tone
produced by the vibrations of its metal, consisting mainly of copper and
tutenag or zinc; it is used by some vessels instead of a bell. A
companion of Sir James Lancaster in 1605 irreverently states that it
makes "a most hellish sound."

GONGA. A general name for a river in India, whence comes Ganges.

GOOD-AT-ALL-POINTS. Practical in every particular.

GOOD-CONDUCT BADGE. Marked by a chevron on the lower part of the sleeve,
granted by the admiralty, and carrying a slight increase of pay, to
petty officers, seamen, and marines. One of a similar nature is in use
in the army.

GOOD MEN. The designation of the able, hard-working, and willing seamen.

GOOD SHOALING. An approach to the shore by very gradual soundings.

GOOLE. An old term for a breach in a sea-bank.

GOOSANDER. The _Mergus merganser_, a northern sea-fowl, allied to the
duck, with a straight, narrow, and serrated bill, hooked at the point.

GOOSE-NECK. A curved iron, fitted outside the after-chains to receive a
spare spar, properly the swinging boom, a davit. Also, a sort of iron
hook fitted on the inner end of a boom, and introduced into a clamp of
iron or eye-bolt, which encircles the mast; or is fitted to some other
place in the ship, so that it may be unhooked at pleasure. It is used
for various purposes, especially for guest-warps and swinging booms of
all descriptions.

GOOSE-WINGS OF A SAIL. The situation of a course when the buntlines and
lee-clue are hauled up, and the weather-clue down. The clues, or lower
corners of a ship's main-sail or fore-sail, when the middle part is
furled or tied up to the yard. The term is also applied to the fore and
main sails of a schooner or other two-masted fore-and-aft vessel; when
running before the wind she has these sails set on opposite sides.

GOOSE WITHOUT GRAVY. A severe starting, so called because no blood
followed its infliction.

GORAB. _See_ GRAB.

GORD. An archaism denoting a deep hole in a river.

GORES. Angular pieces of plank inserted to fill up a vessel's planking
at any part requiring it. Also, the angles at one or both ends of such
cloths as increase the breadth or depth of a sail. (_See_ GORING-CLOTH.)

GORGE. The upper and narrowest part of a transverse valley, usually
containing the upper bed of a torrent. Also, in fortification, a line
joining the inner extremities of a work.

GORGE-HOOK. Two hooks separated by a piece of lead, for the taking of
pike or other voracious fish.

GORGET. In former times, and still amongst some foreign troops, a gilt
badge of a crescent shape, suspended from the neck, and hanging on the
breast, worn by officers on duty.

GORING, OR GORING-CLOTH. That part of the skirts of a sail cut on the
bias, where it gradually widens from the upper part down to the clues.
(_See_ SAIL.)

GORMAW. A coast name for the cormorant.

GORSE. Heath or furze for breaming a vessel's bottom.

GO SLOW. The order to the engineer to cut off steam without stopping the
play of the engine.

GOSSOON. A silly awkward lout.

GOTE. _See_ GUTTER.

GOUGING. In ship-building (_see_ SNAIL-CREEPING). Also, a cruel practice
in one or two American states, now extremely rare, in which a man's eye
was squeezed out by his rival's thumb-nail, the fingers being entangled
in the hair for the necessary purchase.

GOUGINGS. A synonym of _gudgeons_ (which see).

GOUKMEY. One of the names in the north for the gray gurnard.

GOULET. Any narrow entrance to a creek or harbour, as the _goletta_ at
Tunis.

GOURIES. The garbage of salmon.

GOVERNMENT. Generally means the constitution of our country as exercised
under the legislature of king or queen, lords, and commons.

GOVERNOR. An officer placed by royal commission in command of a
fortress, town, or colony. Governors are also appointed to institutions,
hospitals, and other establishments. Also, a revolving bifurcate
pendulum, with two iron balls, whose centrifugal divergence equalizes
the motion of the steam-engine.

GOW. An old northern term for the gull.

GOWDIE. The _Callionymus lyra_, dragonet, or chanticleer.

GOWK. The cuckoo; but also used for a stupid, good-natured fellow.

GOWK-STORM. Late vernal equinoctial gales contemporary with the gowk or
cuckoo.

GOWT, OR GOTE. A limited passage for water.

GOYLIR. A small sea-bird held to precede a storm; hence seamen call them
_malifiges_. Arctic gull.

GRAB. The large coasting vessel of India, generally with two masts, and
of 150 to 300 tons.--_To grab._ In familiar language, to catch or snatch
at anything with violence.

GRABBLE, TO. To endeavour to hook a sunk article. To catch fish by hand
in a brook.

GRAB SERVICE. Country vessels first employed by the Bombay government
against the pirates; afterwards erected into the Bombay Marine.

GRACE. _See_ ACT OF GRACE.

GRADE. A degree of rank; a step in order or dignity.

GRAFTING. An ornamental weaving of fine yarns, &c., over the strop of a
block; or applied to the tapered ends of the ropes, and termed pointing.

GRAIN OF TIMBER. In a transverse section of a tree, two different
grains are seen: those running in a circular manner are called the
_silver grain_; the others radiate, and are called _bastard
grain_.--_Grain_ is also a whirlwind not unfrequent in Normandy, mixed
with rain, but seldom continues above a quarter of an hour. They may be
foreseen, and while they last the sea is very turbulent; they may return
several times in the same day, a dead calm succeeding.

GRAIN. In the _grain of_, is immediately preceding another ship in the
same direction.--_Bad-grain_, a sea-lawyer; a nuisance.

GRAIN-CUT TIMBER. That which is cut athwart the grain when the grain of
the wood does not partake of the shape required.

GRAINED POWDER. That corned or reduced into grains from the cakes, and
distinguished from mealed powder, as employed in certain preparations.

GRAINS. A five-pronged fish-spear, grains signifying branches.

GRAIN UPSET. When a mast suffers by buckles, it is said to have its
grain upset. A species of wrinkle on the soft outer grain which will be
found corresponding to a defect on the other side. It is frequently
produced by an injudicious setting up of the rigging.

GRAM. A species of pulse given to horses, sheep, and oxen in the East
Indies, and supplied to ships for feeding live-stock.

GRAMPUS. A corruption of _gran pisce_. An animal of the cetacean or
whale tribe, distinguished by the large pointed teeth with which both
jaws are armed, and by the high falcate dorsal fin. It generally attains
a length of 20 to 25 feet, and is very active and voracious.

GRAMPUS, BLOWING THE. Sluicing a person with water, especially practised
on him who skulks or sleeps on his watch.

GRAND DIVISION. A division of a battalion composed of two companies, or
ordinary divisions, in line.

GRANDSIRE. The name of a four-oared boat which belonged to Peter the
Great, now carefully preserved at St. Petersburg as the origin of the
Russian fleet.

GRANNY'S BEND. The slippery hitch made by a lubber.

GRANNY'S KNOT. This is a term of derision when a reef-knot is crossed
the wrong way, so as to be insecure. It is the natural knot tied by
women or landsmen, and derided by seamen because it cannot be untied
when it is jammed.

GRAPESHOT. A missile from guns intermediate between case-shot and solid
shot, having much of the destructive spread of the former with somewhat
of the range and penetrative force of the latter. A round of grapeshot
consists of three tiers of cast-iron balls arranged, generally three in
a tier, between four parallel iron discs connected together by a central
wrought-iron pin. For carronades, the grape, not being liable to such a
violent dispersive shock, they are simply packed in canisters with
wooden bottoms.

GRAPNEL, OR GRAPLING. A sort of small anchor for boats, having a ring at
one end, and four palmed claws at the other.--_Fire grapnel._
Resembling the former, but its flukes are furnished with strong
fish-hook barbs on their points, usually fixed by a chain on the
yard-arms of a ship, to grapple any adversary whom she intends to board,
and particularly requisite in fire-ships. Also, used to grapple ships on
fire, in order to tow them away from injuring other vessels.

GRAPNEL-ROPE. That which is bent to the grapnel by which a boat rides,
now substituted by chain.

GRAPPLE, TO. To hook with a grapnel; to lay hold of. First used by
Duilius to prevent the escape of the Carthaginians.

GRASP. The handle of a sword, and of an oar. Also, the small of the butt
of a musket.

GRASS. A term applied to vegetables in general. (_See_ FEED OF GRASS.)

GRASS-COMBERS. A galley-term for all those landsmen who enter the naval
service from farming counties. Lord Exmouth found many of them learn
their duties easily, and turn out valuable seamen.

GRATING-DECK. A light movable deck, similar to the hatch-deck, but with
open gratings.

GRATINGS. An open wood-work of cross battens and ledges forming cover
for the hatchways, serving to give light and air to the lower decks. In
nautical phrase, he "who can't see a hole through a grating" is
excessively drunk.

GRATINGS OF THE HEAD. _See_ HEAD-GRATINGS.

GRATUITOUS MONEY. A term officially used for bounty granted to
volunteers in Lord Exmouth's expedition against Algiers.

GRAVE, TO. To clean a vessel's bottom, and pay it over.

GRAVELIN. A small migratory fish, commonly reputed to be the spawn of
the salmon.

GRAVELLED. Vexed, mortified.

GRAVING. The act of cleaning a ship's bottom by burning off the
impurities, and paying it over with tar or other substance, while she is
laid aground during the recess of the tide. (_See_ BREAMING.)

GRAVING BEACH OR SLIP. A portion of the dockyard where ships were landed
for a tide.

GRAVING-DOCK. An artificial receptacle used for the inspecting,
repairing, and cleaning a vessel's bottom. It is so contrived that after
the ship is floated in, the water may run out with the fall of the tide,
the shutting of the gates preventing its return.

GRAVITATION. The natural tendency or inclination of all bodies towards
the centre of the earth; and which was established by Sir Isaac Newton,
as the great law of nature.

GRAVITY, CENTRE OF. The centre of gravity of a ship is that point about
which all parts of the body, in any situation, balance each other.
(_See_ SPECIFIC GRAVITY.)

GRAWLS. The young salmon, probably the same as _grilse_.

GRAY-FISH, AND GRAY-LORD. Two of the many names given to the _Gadus
carbonarius_ or coal-fish.

GRAYLE. Small sand. Also, an old term for thin gravel.

GRAYLING. A fresh-water fish of the Salmo tribe. (_See_ OMBRE.)

GRAYNING. A species of dace found on our northern coast.

GRAY-SCHOOL. A particular shoal of large salmon in the Solway about the
middle of July.

GRAZE. The point at which a shot strikes and rebounds from earth or
water.

GRAZING-FIRE. That which sweeps close to the surface it defends.

GREASY. Synonymous with dirty weather.

GREAT CIRCLE. One whose assumed plane passes through the centre of the
sphere, dividing it equally.

GREAT-CIRCLE SAILING. Is a method for determining a series of points in
an arc of a great circle between two points on the surface of the earth,
for the purpose of directing a ship's course as nearly as possible on
such arc; that is, on the curve of shortest distance between the place
from which she sets out, and that at which she is to arrive.

GREAT GUN. The general sea-term for cannons, or officers of great
repute.

GREAT GUNS AND SMALL-ARMS. The general armament of a ship. Also, a slang
term for the blowing and raining of heavy weather.

GREAT-LINE FISHING. That carried on over the deeper banks of the ocean.
(_See_ LINE-FISHING.) It is more applicable to hand-fishing, as on the
banks of Newfoundland, in depths over 60 fathoms.

GREAT OCEAN. The Pacific, so called from its superior extent.

GREAT SHAKES. _See_ SHAKE.

GREAVES. Armour for the legs.

GRECALE. A north-eastern breeze off the coast of Sicily, _Greece_ lying
N.E.

GREEN. Raw and untutored; a metaphor from unripe fruit--thus Shakspeare
makes Pandulph say:

    "How green are you and fresh in this old world!"

GREEN-BONE. The trivial name of the viviparous blenny, or guffer, the
backbone of which is green when boiled; also of the gar-fish.

GREEN-FISH. Cod, hake, haddock, herrings, &c., unsalted.

GREEN-HANDS. Those embarked for the first time, and consequently
inexperienced.

GREEN-HORN. A lubberly, uninitiated fellow. A novice of marked
gullibility.

GREENLAND DOVE. The puffinet; called _scraber_ in the Hebrides; about
the size of a pigeon.

GREENLAND WHALE. _See_ RIGHT WHALE.

GREEN-MEN. The five supernumerary seamen who had not been before in the
Arctic Seas, whom vessels in the whale-fishery were obliged to bear, to
get the tonnage bounty.

GREEN SEA. A large body of water shipped on a vessel's deck; it derives
its name from the green colour of a sheet of water between the eye and
the light when its mass is too large to be broken up into spray.

GREEN-SLAKE. The sea-weed otherwise called _lettuce-laver_ (which see).

GREEN TURTLE. The common name for the edible turtle, which does not
yield tortoise-shell.

GREENWICH STARS. Those used for lunar computations in the nautical
ephemeris.

GREEP. The old orthography of _gripe_.

GREGO. A coarse Levantine jacket, with a hood. A cant term for a rough
great-coat.

GRENADE. Now restricted to hand-grenade, weighing about 2 lbs., and the
fuze being previously lit, is conveniently thrown by hand from the tops
of ships on to an enemy's deck, from the parapet into the ditch, or
generally against an enemy otherwise difficult to reach. A number of
grenades, moreover, being quilted together with their fuzes outwards,
called a "bouquet," is fired short distances with good effect from
mortars in the latter stages of a siege.

GRENADIERS. Formerly the right company of each battalion, composed of
the largest men, and originally equipped for using hand-grenades.
Now-a-days the companies of a regiment are equalized in size and other
matters; and the title in the British army remains only to the fine
regiment of grenadier guards.

GRENADO. The old name for a live shell. Thuanus says that they were
first used at the siege of Wacklindonck, near Gueldres; and that their
inventor, in an experiment in Venice, occasioned the burning of
two-thirds of that city.

GREVE. A low flat sandy shore; whence _graving_ is derived.

GREY-FRIARS. A name given to the oxen of Tuscany, with which the
Mediterranean fleet was supplied.

GREY-HEAD. A fish of the haddock kind, taken on the coast of Galloway.

GREYHOUND. A hammock with so little bedding as to be unfit for stowing
in the nettings.

GRIAN. A Gaelic term for the bottom, whether of river, lake, or sea.

GRIBAN. A small two-masted vessel of Normandy.

GRID. The diminutive of _gridiron_.

GRIDIRON. A solid timber stage or frame, formed of cross-beams of wood,
for receiving a ship with a falling tide, in order that her bottom may
be examined. The Americans also use for a similar purpose an apparatus
called a _screw-dock_, and another known as the _hydraulic-dock_.

GRIFFIN, OR GRIFF. A name given to Europeans during the first year of
their arrival in India; it has become a general term for an
inexperienced youngster.

GRIG. Small eels.

GRILL, TO. To broil on the bars of the galley-range, as implied by its
French derivation.

GRILSE. One of the salmon tribe, generally considered to be a young
salmon on the return from its first sojourn at the sea; though by some
still supposed to be a distinct fish.

GRIN AND BEAR IT. The stoical resignation to unavoidable hardship,
which, being heard on board ship by Lord Byron, produced the fine stanza
in "Childe Harold," commencing "Existence might be borne."

GRIND. A half kink in a hempen cable.

GRIP. The Anglo-Saxon _grep_. The handle of a sword; also a small ditch
or drain. To hold, as "the anchor grips." Also, a peculiar groove in
rifled ordnance.

GRIPE. Is generally formed by the scarph of the stem and keel. (_See_
FORE-FOOT.) This is retained, or shaved away, according to the object of
making the vessel hold a better wind, or have greater facility in
wearing.--_To gripe._ To carry too much weather-helm. A vessel gripes
when she tends to come up into the wind while sailing close-hauled. She
gripes according to her trim. If it continues it is remedied by
lightening forward, or making her draw deeper aft.

GRIPED-TO. The situation of a boat when secured by gripes.

GRIPES. A broad plait formed by an assemblage of ropes, woven and fitted
with thimbles and laniards, used to steady the boats upon the deck of a
ship at sea. The gripes are fastened at their ends to ring-bolts in the
deck, on each side of the boat; whence, passing over her middle and
extremities, they are set up by means of the laniards. Gripes for a
quarter boat are similarly used.

GRITT. An east-country term for the sea-crab.

GROATS. An allowance for each man per mensem, assigned formerly to the
chaplain for pay.

GROBMAN. A west-country term for a sea-bream about two-thirds grown.

GRODAN. A peculiar boat of the Orcades; also the Erse for a gurnard.

GROG. A drink issued in the navy, consisting of one part of spirits
diluted with three of water; introduced in 1740 by Admiral Vernon, as a
check to intoxication by mere rum, and said to have been named from his
grogram coat. Pindar, however, alludes to the Cyclops diluting their
beverage with ten waters. As the water on board, in olden times, became
very unwholesome, it was necessary to mix it with spirits, but iron
tanks have partly remedied this. The addition of sugar and lemon-juice
now makes grog an agreeable anti-scorbutic.

GROG-BLOSSOM. A red confluence on the nose and face of an excessive
drinker of ardent spirits; though sometimes resulting from other causes.

GROG-GROG. The soft cry of the solan goose.

GROGGY, OR GROGGIFIED. Rendered stupid by drinking, or incapable of
performing duty by illness; as also a ship when crank, and birds when
crippled.

GROGRAM. From _gros-grain_. A coarse stuff of which boat-cloaks were
made. From one which Admiral Vernon wore, came the term _grog_.

GROINING. A peculiar mode of submarine embankment; a quay run out
transversely to the shore.

GROMAL. An old word for gromet, or apprentice.

GROMET. A boy of the crew of the ships formerly furnished by the Cinque
Ports (a diminutive from the Teutonic _grom_, a youth); his duty was to
keep ship in harbour. Now applied to the ship's apprentices.

GROMMET, OR GRUMMET. A ring formed of a single strand of rope, laid in
three times round; used to fasten the upper edge of a sail to its stay
in different places, and by means of which the sail is hoisted or
lowered. Iron or wooden hanks have now been substituted. (_See_ HANKS.)
Grommets are also used with pins for large boats' oars, instead of
rowlocks, and for many other purposes.

GROMMET-WAD. A ring made of 1-1/2 or 2 inch rope, having attached to it
two cross-pieces or diameters of the same material; it acts by the ends
of these pieces biting on the interior of the bore of the gun.

GROOVE-ROLLERS. These are fixed in a groove of the tiller-sweep in large
ships, to aid the tiller-ropes, and prevent friction.

GROPERS. The ships stationed in the Channel and North Sea.

GROPING. An old mode of catching trout by tickling them with the hands
under rocks or banks. Shakspeare makes the clown in "Measure for
Measure" say that Claudio's offence was--

    "Groping for trouts in a peculiar river."

GROSETTA. A minute coin of Ragusa, somewhat less than a farthing.

GROUND, TO. To take the bottom or shore; to be run aground through
ignorance, violence, or accident.--_To strike ground._ To obtain
soundings.

GROUNDAGE. A local duty charged on vessels coming to anchor in a port or
standing in a roadstead, as _anchorage_.

GROUND-BAIT, OR GROUNDLING. A loach or loche.

GROUND-GRU. _See_ ANCHOR-ICE.

GROUND-GUDGEON. A little fish, the _Cobitis barbatula_.

GROUND-ICE. _See_ ANCHOR-ICE.

GROUNDING. The act of laying a ship on shore, in order to bream or
repair her; it is also applied to runnings aground accidentally when
under sail.

GROUND-PLOT. _See_ ICHNOGRAPHY.

GROUND-SEA. The West Indian name for the swell called _rollers_, or in
Jamaica the _north sea_. It occurs in a calm, and with no other
indication of a previous gale; the sea rises in huge billows, dashes
against the shore with roarings resembling thunder, probably due to the
"northers," which suddenly rage off the capes of Virginia, round to the
Gulf of Mexico, and drive off the sea from America, affecting the Bahama
Banks, but not reaching to Jamaica or Cuba. The rollers set in
terrifically in the Gulf of California, causing vessels to founder or
strike in 7 fathoms, and devastating the coast-line. H.M.S. _Lily_
foundered off Tristan d'Acunha in similar weather. In all the latter
cases no satisfactory cause is yet assigned. (_See_ ROLLER.)

GROUND-STRAKE. A name sometimes used for _garboard-strake_.

GROUND-SWELL. A sudden swell preceding a gale, which rises along shore,
often in fine weather, and when the sea beyond it is calm. (_See_
ROLLER.)

GROUND-TACKLE. A general name given to all sorts of ropes and furniture
which belong to the anchors, or which are employed in securing a ship in
a road or harbour.

GROUND-TIER. The lowest water-casks in the hold before the introduction
of iron tanks. It also implies anything else stowed there.

GROUND-TIMBERS. Those which lie on the keel, and are fastened to it with
bolts through the kelson.

GROUND-WAYS. The large blocks and thick planks which support the cradle
on which a ship is launched. Also, the foundation whereon a vessel is
built.

GROUP. A set of islands not ranged in a row so as to form a chain, and
the word is often used synonymously with _cluster_.

GROUPER. A variety of the snapper, which forms a staple article of food
in the Bermudas, and in the West Indies generally.

GROWEN. _See_ GROWN-SEA.

GROWING. Implies the direction of the cable from the ship towards the
anchors; as, the cable _grows_ on the starboard-bow, _i.e._ stretches
out forwards towards the starboard or right side.

GROWING PAY. That which succeeds the _dead-horse_, or pay in prospect.

GROWLERS. Smart, but sometimes all-jaw seamen, who have seen some
service, but indulge in invectives against restrictive regulations,
rendering them undesirable men. There are also too many "civil growlers"
of the same kidney.

GROWN-SEA. When the waves have felt the full influence of a gale.

GRUANE. The Erse term for the gills of a fish.

GRUB. A coarse but common term for provisions in general--

    "In other words they toss'd the grub
    Out of their own provision tub."

GRUB-TRAP. A vulgarism for the mouth.

GRUFF-GOODS. An Indian return cargo consisting of raw materials--cotton,
rice, pepper, sugar, hemp, saltpetre, &c.

GRUMBLER. A discontented yet often hard-working seaman. Also, the
gurnard, a fish of the blenny kind, which makes a rumbling noise when
struggling to disengage itself on reaching the surface.

GRUMMET. _See_ GROMMET.

GRUNTER. A name of the _Pogonias_ of Cuvier (a fish also termed the
banded drum and young sheepskin); and several other fish.

GRYPHON. An archaic term for the meteorological phenomenon now called
_typhoon_. (_See_ TYPHOON.)

GUANO. The excrement of sea-birds, a valuable manure found in thick
beds on certain islets on the coast of Peru, indeed, in all tropical
climates. The transport of it occupies a number of vessels, called
_guaneros_. It is of a dingy yellow colour, and offensive ammoniacal
effluvium. Captain Shelvocke mentions it in 1720, having taken a small
bark laden with it.

GUARA. The singular and ingenious rudder by which the rafts or balzas of
Peru are enabled to work to windward. It consists of long boards between
the beams, which are raised or sunk according to the required evolution.
A device not unlike the sliding-keels or centre-boards lately
introduced.

GUARANTEE. An undertaking to secure the performance of articles
stipulated between any two parties. Also, the individual who so
undertakes.

GUARD. The duty performed by a body of men stationed to watch and
protect any post against surprise. A division of marines appointed to
take the duty for a stated portion of time. "Guard, turn out!" the order
to the marines on the captain's approaching the ship. Also, the bow of a
trigger and the hilt of a sword.

GUARDA-COSTA. Vessels of war of various sizes which formerly cruised
against smugglers on the South American coasts.

GUARD-BOARDS. Synonymous with _chain-wales_.

GUARD-BOAT. A boat appointed to row the rounds amongst the ships of war
in any harbour, &c., to observe that their officers keep a good
look-out, calling to the guard-boat as she passes, and not suffering her
crew to come on board without previously having communicated the
watch-word of the night. Also, a boat employed to enforce the quarantine
regulations.

GUARD-BOOK. Report of guard; a copy of which is delivered at the
admiral's office by the officer of the last guard. Also, a full set of
his accounts kept by a warrant-officer for the purpose of passing them.

GUARD-FISH. A corruption of the word _gar-fish_.

GUARDIAN OF THE CINQUE PORTS. Otherwise _lord warden_ (which see).

GUARD-IRONS. Curved bars of iron placed over the ornaments of a ship to
defend them from damage.

GUARDO. A familiar term applied equally to a guard-ship or any person
belonging to her. It implies "harbour-going;" an easy life.

GUARDO-MOVE. A trick upon a landsman, generally performed in a
guard-ship.

GUARD-SHIP. A vessel of war appointed to superintend the marine affairs
in a harbour, and to visit the ships which are not commissioned every
night; she is also to receive seamen who are impressed in time of war.
In the great ports she carries the flag of the commander-in-chief. Each
ship takes the guard in turn at 9 A.M.; the vessel thus on duty hoists
the union-jack at the mizen, and performs the duties afloat for
twenty-four hours. The officer of the guard is accountable to the
admiral for all transactions on the water during his guard.

GUBB, OR GUBBEN. The Erse term for a young sea-gull.

GUBBER. One who gathers oakum, driftwood, &c., along a beach. The word
also means black mud.

GUDDLE, TO. To catch fish with the hands by groping along a stream's
bank.

GUDGE, TO. To poke or prod for fish under stones and banks of a river.

GUDGEON. The _Gobio fluviatilis_, a well-known river-fish, 6 or 7 inches
in length.

GUDGEONS. The metal braces with eyes bolted upon the stern-post for the
pintles of the rudder to work in, as upon hinges. Also, the notches made
in the carrick-bitts for receiving the metal bushes wherein the spindle
of a windlass works.

GUEBRES. Fire-worshippers. (_See_ PARSEES.)

GUERDON. A reward or recompense for good service.

GUERILLA. Originally an irregular warfare, but now used mostly for the
irresponsible kind of partisan who carries it on.

GUERITE, OR GALITA. In fortification, a projecting turret on the top of
the escarp, whence a sentry may observe the outside of the rampart.

GUERNSEY-FROCK. _See_ JERSEY.

GUESS-WARP, OR GUEST-ROPE. A rope carried to a distant object, in order
to warp a vessel towards it, or to make fast a boat. (_See_ CHEST-ROPE.)

GUESTLINGS. The name of certain meetings held at the Cinque Ports.

GUEST-WARP BOOM. A swinging spar (lower studding-boom) rigged from the
ship's side with a warp for boats to ride by.

GUFFER. A British sea-fish of the blenny tribe, common under stones at
low-water mark, remarkable as being ovo-viviparous.

GUIDE. _See_ FLOOR-GUIDE.

GUIDE-RODS. The regulators of the cross-head of an engine's air-pump.

GUIDES. Men supposed to know the country and its roads employed to
direct a body of men on their march. The French and Belgians have "corps
de guides."

GUIDON. The swallow-tailed silk flag in use by dragoon regiments,
instead of a standard. Also, the sergeant bearing the same.

GUIDOR. A name in our old statutes synonymous with _conder_ (which see).

GUILLEM. A sea-fowl. (_See_ LAVY.)

GUILLEMOT. A web-footed diving sea-bird allied to the auks.

GUIMAD. A small fish of the river Dee.

GUINEA-BOAT. A fast-rowing galley, of former times, expressly built for
smuggling gold across the Channel, in use at Deal.

GUINEAMAN. A negro slave-ship.

GUINEA-PIGS. The younger midshipmen of an Indiaman.

GUIST. The same as _guess_ or _guest_ (which see).

GULDEN. A name for a water-fowl.

GULF, OR GULPH. A capacious bay, and sometimes taking the name of a sea
when it is very extensive; such are the Euxine or Black Sea, otherwise
called the Gulf of Constantinople; the Adriatic Sea, called also the
Gulf of Venice; the Mediterranean is itself a prodigious specimen. A
gulf is, strictly speaking, distinguished from a sea in being smaller,
and from a bay in being larger and deeper than it is broad. It is
observed that the sea is always most dangerous near gulfs, from the
currents being penned up by the shores.

GULF-STREAM. Is especially referable to that of Mexico, the waters of
which flow in a warm stream at various velocities over the banks between
Cuba and America, past the Bermudas, touch the tail of the great bank of
Newfoundland, and thence in a sweep to Europe, part going north, and the
other southerly down to the tropics again.

GULF-WEED. The _Fucus natans_, considered to belong to the Gulf Stream,
and found floating in the Sargasso Sea in the North Atlantic. Many small
crustacea live amongst it, and assume its bright orange-yellow hue.

GUL-GUL. A sort of chunam or cement made of pounded sea-shells mixed
with oil, which hardens like a stone, and is put over a ship's bottom in
India, so that worms cannot penetrate even when the copper is off.

GULL. A well-known sea-bird of the genus _Larus_; there are many
species. Also, a large trout in the north. The name is, moreover,
familiarly used for a lout easily deceived or cheated; thus Butler in
_Hudibras_--

    "The paltry story is untrue,
    And forg'd to cheat such gulls as you."

It is also applied to the washing away of earth by the violent flowing
of water; the origin perhaps of the Kentish gull-stream.

GULLET. A small stream in a water-worn course.

GULL-SHARPER. One who preys upon Johnny Raws.

GULLY. The channels worn on the face of mountains by heavy rains. Also,
a rivulet which empties itself into the sea.

GULLY SQUALL. Well known off tropical America in the Pacific,
particularly abreast of the lakes of Leon, Nicaragua, &c. Monte Desolado
gusts have dismantled many stout ships.

GULPIN. An awkward soldier; a weak credulous fellow [from the Gaelic
_golben_, a novice].

GUM. "Shaking the gum out of a sail" is said of the effect of bad
weather on new canvas.

GUMPUS. A fish, called also _numscull_, for allowing itself to be
guddled.

GUN. The usual service name for a _cannon_ (which see); it was
originally called great gun, to distinguish it from the small or hand
guns, muskets, blunderbusses, &c. The general construction for guns of
cast metal is fairly represented by the old rule that the circumference
at the breech ought to measure eleven calibres, at the trunnions nine,
and at the muzzle seven, for iron; and in each instance two calibres
less for brass guns. But the introduction of wrought-iron guns, built up
with outer jackets of metal shrunk on one above another, is developing
other names and proportions in the new artillery. (_See_ BUILT-UP GUNS.)
The weight of these latter, though differently disposed, and required
not so much for strength as for modifying the recoil or shock to the
carriage on discharge, is not very much less, proportionally, for heavy
guns of full power, than that of the old ones, being about 1-1/4 cwt. of
gun for every 1 lb. of shot; for light guns for field purposes it is
about 3/4 cwt. for every 1 lb. of shot. Guns are generally designated
from the weight of the shot they discharge, though some few natures,
introduced principally for firing shells, were distinguished by the
diameter of their bore in inches; with the larger guns of the new
system, in addition to this diameter, the weight in tons is also
specified.--_Gun_, in north-country cant, meant a large flagon of ale,
and _son of a gun_ was a jovial toper: the term, owed its derivation to
lads born under the breast of the lower-deck guns in olden times, when
women were allowed to accompany their husbands. Even in 1820 the best
petty officers were allowed this indulgence, about one to every hundred
men. Gunners also, who superintended the youngsters, took their wives,
and many living admirals can revert to kindness experienced from them.
These "sons of a gun" were tars, and no mistake.--_Morning gun_, a
signal fired by an admiral or commodore at day-break every morning for
the drums or bugles to sound the reveillé. A gun of like name and nature
is generally in use in fortresses; as is also the _evening gun_, fired
by an admiral or commodore at 9 P.M. in summer, and 8 P.M. in winter,
every night, on which the drums or bugles sound the retreat.

GUN AND HEAD MONEY. Given to the captors of an enemy's ship of war
destroyed, or deserted, in fight. It was formerly assumed to be about
£1000 per gun.

GUNBOAT. A light-draught boat fitted to carry one or more cannon in the
bow, so as to cannonade an enemy while she is end-on. They are
principally useful in fine weather, to cover the landing of troops, or
such other occasions. They were formerly impelled by sails and sweeps
but now by steam-power, which has generally increased their size, and
much developed their importance. According to Froissart, cannon were
fired from boats in the fourteenth century.

GUN-CHAMBERS. In early artillery, a movable chamber with a handle, like
a paterero, used in loading at the breech. In more recent times the name
has been used for the small portable mortars for firing salutes in the
parks.

GUN-COTTON. An explosive compound, having some advantages over
gunpowder, but so irregular hitherto in its action that it is at present
used only for mining purposes. It consists of ordinary cotton treated
with nitric and sulphuric acid and water, and has been named by chemists
"pyroxylin," "nitro-cellulose," &c.

GUN-DECK. _See_ DECKS.

GUN-FIRE. The morning or evening guns, familiarly termed "the admiral
falling down the hatchway."

GUN-GEAR. Everything pertaining to its handling.

GUN-HARPOON. _See_ HARPOON.

GUN-LADLE. _See_ LADLE.

GUN-LOD. A vessel filled with combustibles, but rather for explosion
than as a fire-ship.

GUN-METAL. The alloy from which brass guns are cast consists of 100
parts of copper to 10 of tin, retaining much of the tenacity of the
former, and much harder than either of the components; but the late
improved working of wrought-iron and steel has nearly superseded its
application to guns.

GUNNADE. A short 32-pounder gun of 6 feet, introduced in 1814;
afterwards termed the shell-gun.

GUNNEL. _See_ GUNWALE.

GUNNELL. A spotted ribbon-bodied fish, living under stones and among
rocks.

GUNNER, OF A SHIP OF WAR. A warrant-officer appointed to take charge of
the ammunition and artillery on board; to keep the latter properly fitted,
and to instruct the sailors in the exercise of the cannon. The warrant of
chief-gunner is now given to first-class gunners.--_Quarter-gunners._
Men formerly placed under the direction of the gunner, one quarter-gunner
being allowed to every four guns. In the army, gunner is the proper title
of a private soldier of the Royal Artillery, with the exception of those
styled drivers.

GUNNER-FLOOK. A name among our northern fishermen for the _Pleuronectes
maximus_, or turbot.

GUNNER'S DAUGHTER. The name of the gun to which boys were _married_, or
lashed, to be punished.

GUNNER'S HANDSPIKE. Is shorter and flatter than the ordinary handspike,
and is shod with iron at the point, so that it bites with greater
certainty against the trucks of guns.

GUNNER'S MATE. A petty officer appointed to assist the gunner.

GUNNER'S PIECE. In destroying and bursting guns, means a fragment of the
breech, which generally flies upward.

GUNNER'S QUADRANT. _See_ QUADRANT.

GUNNER'S TAILOR. An old rating for the man who made the cartridge-bags.

GUNNER'S YEOMAN. _See_ YEOMAN.

GUNNERY. The art of charging, pointing, firing, and managing artillery
of all kinds.

GUNNERY-LIEUTENANT. "One who, having obtained a warrant from a gunnery
ship, is eligible to large ships to assist specially in supervising the
gunnery duties; he draws increased pay."

GUNNERY-SHIP. A ship fitted for training men in the practice of
charging, pointing, and firing guns and mortars for the Royal Navy.
(_See_ SEAMEN-GUNNERS.)

GUNNING. An old term for shooting; it is now adopted by the Americans.
After the wreck of the _Wager_, on hearing the pistols fired at Cozens,
"it was rainy weather, and not fit for gunning, so that we could not
imagine the meaning of it."--_Gunning a ship._ Fitting her with
ordnance.--_Gunning_, in mining, is when the blast explodes and does not
rend the mass.--_Gunning_, signals enforced by guns.

GUNNING-BOAT, OR GUNNING-SHOUT. A light and narrow boat in which the
fen-men pursue the flocks of wild-fowl.

GUNNY. Sackcloth or coarse canvas, made of fibres used in India, chiefly
of jute.

GUNNY-BAGS. The sacks used on the India station for holding rice,
biscuit, &c.; often as sand-bags in fortification.

GUN-PENDULUM. _See_ BALLISTIC PENDULUM.

GUN-PORTS. _See_ PORTS.

GUNPOWDER. The well-known explosive composition which, for its
regularity of effect and convenience in manufacture and use, is still
preferred for general purposes to all the new and more violent but more
capricious agents. In England it is composed of 75 parts saltpetre to 10
sulphur and 15 charcoal; these proportions are varied slightly in
different countries. The ingredients are mixed together with great
mechanical nicety, and the compound is then pressed and granulated. On
the application of fire it is converted into gas with vast explosive
power, but subject to tolerably well-known laws.

GUN-ROOM. A compartment on the after-end of the lower gun-deck of large
ships of war, partly occupied by the junior officers; but in smaller
vessels it is below the gun-deck, and the mess-room of the lieutenants.

GUNROOM-PORTS. In frigates, stern-ports cut through the gun-room.

GUN-SEARCHER. An iron instrument with several sharp-pointed prongs and a
wooden handle: it is used to find whether the bore is honey-combed.

GUN-SHOT. Formerly, the distance up to which a gun would throw a shot
direct to its mark, without added elevation; as the "line of metal"
(which see) was generally used in laying, this range was about 800
yards. But now that ranges are so greatly increased, with but slight
additions to the elevation, the term will include the distances of
ordinary "horizontal fire" (which see); as between ships, with rifled
guns, it will not quite reach two miles: though when the mark is large,
as a town or dockyard, it is still within long range at five miles'
distance.

GUN-SIGHT. _See_ DISPART, or SIGHTS.

GUN-SLINGS. Long rope grommets used for hoisting in and mounting them.

GUN-STONES. An old term for cannon-balls, from stones having been first
supplied to the ordnance and used for that purpose. Shakspeare makes
Henry V. tell the French ambassadors that their master's tennis-balls
shall be changed to gun-stones. This term was retained for a bullet,
after the introduction of iron shot.

GUN-TACKLE PURCHASE. A tackle composed of a rope rove through two single
blocks, the standing part being made fast to the strop of one of the
blocks. It multiplies the power applied threefold.

GUNTEN. A boat of burden in the Moluccas.

GUNTER'S LINE. Called also the _line of numbers_, and the _line of
lines_, is placed upon scales and sectors, and named from its inventor,
Edmund Gunter. It is a logarithmic scale of proportionals, wherein the
distance between each division is equal to the number of mean
proportionals contained between the two terms, in such parts as the
distance between 1 and 10 is 10,000, &c.

GUNTER'S QUADRANT. A kind of stereographic projection on the plane of
the equinoctial; the eye is supposed in one of the poles, so that the
tropic, ecliptic, and horizon form the arches of the circles, but the
hour-circles are all curves, drawn by means of several altitudes of the
sun, for some particular latitude, for every day in the year. The use of
this instrument is to find the hour of the day, the sun's azimuth, and
other common problems of the globe; as also to take the altitude of an
object in degrees.

GUNWALE, OR GUNNEL. Nearly synonymous with _plank-sheer_ (which see);
but its strict application is that horizontal plank which covers the
heads of the timbers between the main and fore drifts. The _gunwale of a
boat_ is a piece of timber going round the upper sheer-strake as a
binder for its top-work.--_Gunwale-to._ Vessels heeling over, so that
the gunwale is even with the water. When a boat sails with a free wind,
and rolls each side, or gunwale, to the water's edge, she rolls
gunwale-to.

GURGE. A gulf or whirlpool.

GURNARD. A fish of the genus _Trigla_, so called from its peculiar grunt
when removed from the water. Falstaff uses the term "soused gurnet" in a
most contemptuous view, owing to its poorness; and its head being all
skin and bone gave rise to the saying that the flesh on a gurnard's head
is rank poison.

GURNET-PENDANT. A rope, the thimble of which is hooked to the
quarter-tackle of the main-yard; it is led through a hole in the deck,
for the purpose of raising the breech of a gun, when hoisting in, to the
level required to place it on its carriage.

GUSSOCK. An east-country term for a strong and sudden gust of wind.

GUST, OR GUSH. A sudden violent wind experienced near mountainous lands;
it is of short duration, and generally succeeded by fine breezes.

GUT. A somewhat coarse term for the main part of a strait or channel, as
the Gut of Gibraltar, Gut of Canso.

GUTTER [Anglo-Saxon _géotan_, to pour out or shed]. A ditch, sluice, or
gote.

GUTTER-LEDGE. A cross-bar laid along the middle of a large hatchway in
some vessels, to support the covers and enable them the better to
sustain any weighty body.

GUY. A rope used to steady a weighty body from swinging against the
ship's side while it is hoisting or lowering, particularly when, there
is a high sea. Also, a rope extended from the head of sheers, and made
fast at a distance on each side to steady them. The jib-boom is
supported by its guys. Also, the name of a tackle used to confine a boom
forward, when a vessel is going large, and so prevent the sail from
gybing, which would endanger the springing of the boom, or perhaps the
upsetting of the vessel. Also, a large slack rope, extending from the
head of the main-mast to the head of the fore-mast, and sustaining a
temporary tackle to load or unload a ship with.

GYBING. Another form for _jibing_ (which see).

GYE. A west-country term for a salt-water ditch.

GYMMYRT. The Erse or Manx for rowing with oars.

GYMNOTUS ELECTRICUS. An eel from the Surinam river, several feet in
length, which inflicts electrical shocks.

GYN. A three-legged machine fitted with a windlass, heaving in the fall
from a purchase-block at the summit, much used on shore for mounting and
dismounting guns, driving piles, &c. (_See_ GIBRALTAR GYN.)

GYP. A strong gasp for breath, like a fish just taken out of the water.

GYVER. An old term for blocks or pulleys.

GYVES. Fetters; the old word for handcuffs.




H.


HAAF. Cod, ling, or tusk deep-sea fisheries of the Shetland and Orkney
islanders.

HAAF-BOAT. One fitted for deep-water fishing.

HAAFURES. A northern term for fishermen's lines.

HAAK. _See_ HAKE.

HAAR. A chill easterly wind on our northern coasts. (_See_ HARR.)

HABERDDEN. Cod or stock-fish dried and cured on board; that cured at
Aberdeen was the best.

HABERGEON. A coat of mail for the head and shoulders.

HABILIMENTS OF WAR. A statute term, for arms and all provisions for
maintaining war.

HABLE. An Anglo-Norman term for a sea-port or haven; it is used in
statute 27 Henry VII. cap. 3.

HACKATEE. A fresh-water tortoise in the West Indies; it has a long neck
and flat feet, and weighs 10 to 15 lbs.

HACKBUSH. A heavy hand-gun. (_See_ HAGBUT.)

HACKLE, HECKLE, OR HETCHEL. A machine for teazing flax. Also, a
west-country name for the stickleback.

HACK-SAW. Used for cutting off the heads of bolts; made of a scythe
fresh serrated.

HACK-WATCH, OR JOB-WATCH (which see).

HACOT. From the Anglo-Saxon _hacod_, a large sort of pike.

HADDIE. A north-coast diminutive of haddock.

HADDO-BREEKS. A northern term for the roe of the haddock.

HADDOCK. The _Gadus æglefinus_, a species of cod fabled to bear the
thumb-mark of St. Peter.

HÆVER. _See_ EAVER.

HAFNE. An old word for haven, from the Danish.

HAFT. (_See_ HEFT.) The handle of a knife or tool.

HAG-BOAT. _See_ HECK-BOAT.

HAGBUT. A wall-piece placed upon a tripod; the arquebuse.

HAGBUTAR. The bearer of a fire-arm formerly used; it was somewhat larger
than a musket.

HAGG. An arquebuse with a bent butt. Also, a swampy moss.

HAG'S TEETH. (_See_ HAKE'S TEETH.) Those parts of a matting or pointing
interwoven with the rest in an irregular manner, so as to spoil the
uniformity. (_See_ POINTING.) In soundings, _see_ HAKE'S TEETH.

HAIK. _See_ HIKE UP.

HAIL, TO. To hail "from a country," or claim it as a birthplace. A ship
is said to _hail_ from the port where she is registered, and therefore
properly belongs to. When hailed at sea it is, "From whence do you
come?" and "where bound?"--"_Pass within hail_," a special signal to
approach and receive orders or intelligence, when boats cannot be
lowered or time is precious. One vessel, the senior, lies to; the other
passes the stern under the lee.--_Hail-fellows_, messmates well matched.

HAILING. To call to another vessel; the salutation or accosting of a
ship at a distance.

HAILING-ALOFT. To call to men in the tops and at the mast-head to "look
out," too often an inconsistent bluster from the deck.

HAIL-SHOT. Small shot for cannon.

HAILSHOT-PIECE. A sort of gun supplied of old to our ships, with dice of
iron as the missile.

HAIR. The cold nipping wind called _haar_ in the north: as in Beaumont
and Fletcher,

    "Here all is cold as the hairs in winter."

HAIR-BRACKET. The moulding at the back of the figure-head.

HAIR-TRIGGER. A trigger to a gun-lock, so delicately adjusted that the
slightest touch will discharge the piece.

HAKE. An old term for a hand-gun. Also, the fish _Gadus merluccius_, a
well-known gregarious and voracious fish of the cod family, often termed
sea-pike.

HAKE'S TEETH. A phrase applied to some part of the deep soundings in the
British Channel; but it is a distinct shell-fish, being the _Dentalium_,
the presence of which is a valuable guide to the Channel pilot in foggy
weather.

HALBAZ. _See_ KALBAZ.

HALBERT. A sort of spear formerly carried by sergeants of infantry, that
they, standing in the ranks behind the officers or the colours, should
afford additional defence at those important points.

HALCYON PISCATOR, OR KING-FISHER. This beautiful bird's floating nest
was fabled to calm the winds and seas while the bird sat. This occurring
in winter gave rise to the expression "halcyon days."

HALE. An old word for _haul_ (which see).

HALF AN EYE, SEEING WITH. Discerning instantly and clearly.

HALF-BEAMS. Short timbers, from the side to the hatchways, to support
the deck where there is no framing. (_See_ FORK-BEAMS.)

HALF-BREADTH OF THE RISING. A ship-builder's term for a curve in the
floor-plan, which limits the distances of the centres of the
floor-sweeps from the middle line of the body-plan.

HALF-BREADTH PLAN. In ship-building, the same as _floor-plan_.

HALF-COCK. To go off at half-cock is an unexpected discharge of a
fire-arm; hurried conduct without due preparation, and consequently
failure.

HALF-DAVIT. Otherwise _fish-davit_ (which see).

HALF-DECK. A space between the foremost bulk-head of the steerage and
the fore-part of the quarter-deck. In the Northumberland colliers the
steerage itself is called the _half-deck_, and is usually the habitation
of the crew.

HALF-DROWNED LAND. Shores which are rather more elevated and bear more
verdure than _drowned land_ (which see).

HALF-FLOOD. _See_ FLOOD.

HALF-GALLEY. _See_ GALLEY.

HALF-HITCH. Pass the end of a rope round its standing part, and bring it
up through the bight. (_See_ THREE HALF-HITCHES.)

HALF-LAUGHS AND PURSER'S GRINS. Hypocritical and satirical sneers.

HALF-MAN. A landsman or boy in a coaster, undeserving the pay of a
_full-man_.

HALF-MAST. The lowering a flag in respect for the death of an officer.

HALF-MINUTE GLASS. _See_ GLASS.

HALF-MOON. An old form of outwork somewhat similar to the ravelin,
originally placed before the salients of bastions.

HALF-PIKE. An iron spike fixed on a short ashen staff, used to repel the
assault of boarders, and hence frequently termed a _boarding-pike_.

HALF-POINT. A subdivision of the compass card, equal to 5° 37' of the
circle.

HALF-PORTS. A sort of one-inch deal shutter for the upper half of those
ports which have no hanging lids; the lower half-port is solid and
hinged, having a semicircle cut out for the gun when level, and falling
down outwards when ready for action; the upper half-port fits loosely
into rabbets, and is secured only by laniards.

HALF-SEA. The old term for mid-channel.

HALF SEAS OVER. Nearly intoxicated. This term was used by Swift.

HALF-SPEED! An order in steam navigation to reduce the speed. (_See_
FULL SPEED!)

HALF-TIDE ROCKS. Those showing their heads at half-ebb. (_See_ TIDE.)

HALF-TIMBERS. The short timbers or futtocks in the cant-bodies,
answering to the lower futtocks in the square-body; they are placed so
as to give good shiftings.

HALF-TOP. The mode of making ships' tops in two pieces, which are
afterwards secured as a whole by what are termed sleepers.

HALF-TOPSAILS, UNDER. Said of a chase about 12 miles distant, the rest
being below the horizon.

HALF-TURN AHEAD! An order in steam navigation. (_See_ TURN AHEAD!)

HALF-WATCH TACKLE. A luff purchase. (_See_ WATCH-TACKLE.)

HALIBUT. A large oceanic bank fish, _Hippoglossus vulgaris_, weighing
from 300 to 500 lbs. particularly off Newfoundland; it resembles plaice,
and is excellent food, nor does it easily putrefy.

HALLEY'S CHART. The name given to the protracted curves of the variation
of the compass, known as the variation chart.

HALLIARDS, HALYARDS, OR HAULYARDS. The ropes or tackles usually employed
to hoist or lower any sail upon its respective yards, gaffs, or stay,
except the cross-jack and spritsail-yard, which are always slung; but in
small craft the spritsail-yard also has halliards. (_See_ JEERS.)

HALO. An extensive luminous ring including, the sun or moon, whose
light, passing through the intervening vapour, gives rise to the
phenomenon. Halos are called _lunar_ or _solar_, according as they
appear round the moon or sun. Prismatically coloured halos indicate the
presence of watery vapour, whereas white ones show that the vapour is
frozen.

HALSE, OR HALSER. Archaic spelling for _hawser_.

HALSTER. A west-country term for a man who draws a barge along by a
rope.

HALT! The military word of command to stop marching, or any other
evolution. A halt includes the period of such discontinuance.

HALVE-NET. A standing net used in the north to prevent fishes from
returning with the falling tide.

HALYARDS. _See_ HALLIARDS.

HAMACS. Columbus found that the inhabitants of the Bahama Islands had
for beds nets of cotton suspended at each end, which they called
_hamacs_, a name since adopted universally amongst seamen. (_See_
HAMMOCK.)

HAMBER, OR HAMBRO'-LINE. Small line used for seizings, lashings, &c.

HAMMACOE. Beam battens. (_See_ HAMMOCK-BATTENS.)

HAMMER. The shipwright's hammer is a well-known tool for driving nails
and clenching bolts, differing from hammers in general.

HAMMER, OF A GUN-LOCK. Formerly the steel covering of the pan from which
the flint of the cock struck sparks on to the priming; but now the cock
itself, by its hammer action on the cap or other percussion priming,
discharges the piece. Whether the hammer will be superseded by the
needle remains to be determined.

HAMMER-HEADED SHARK. The _Zygæna malleus_, a strange, ugly shark. The
eyes are situated at the extremities of the hammer-shaped head. They
seldom take bait or annoy human beings. They are for the most part
inert, live near the surf edge, and are frequently found washed up on
sandy beaches. Chiefly found on the coasts of Barbary.

HAMMERING. A heavy cannonade at close quarters.

HAMMOCK. A swinging sea-bed, the undisputed invention of Alcibiades; but
the modern name is derived from the Caribs. (_See_ HAMACS.) At present
the hammock consists of a piece of canvas, 6 feet long and 4 feet wide,
gathered together at the two ends by means of clews, formed by a grommet
and knittles, whence the _head-clue_ and _foot-clue_: the hammock is
hung horizontally under the deck, and forms a receptacle for the bed on
which the seamen sleep. There are usually allowed from 14 to 20 inches
between hammock and hammock in a ship of war. In preparing for action,
the hammocks, together with their contents, are all firmly corded, taken
upon deck, and fixed in various nettings, so as to form a barricade
against musket-balls. (_See_ ENGAGEMENT.)

HAMMOCK-BATTENS OR RACKS. Cleats or battens nailed to the sides of a
vessel's beams, from which to suspend the seamen's hammocks.

HAMMOCK-BERTHING. Forecastle-men forward, and thence passing aft,
foretop-men, maintop-men, mizentop-men, waisters, after-guard, and boys.
Quartermasters in the tiers.

HAMMOCK-CLOTHS. To protect them from wet while stowed in the nettings on
deck.

HAMMOCK GANT-LINES. Lines extended from the jib-boom end around the
ship, triced up to the lower yard-arms, for drying scrubbed hammocks.

HAMMOCK-NETTINGS. Take their distinguishing names according to their
location in the ship, as forecastle, waist, quarter-deck.

HAMMOCK-RACKS. _See_ HAMMOCK-BATTENS.

HAMPER. Things, which, though necessary, are in the way in times of gale
or service. (_See_ TOP-HAMPER.)

HAMPERED. Perplexed and troubled.

HAMRON. An archaic term, meaning the hold of a ship.

HANCES. Spandrels; the falls or descents of fife-rails. Also, the
breakings of the rudder abaft. (_See_ HAUNCH.)

HAND. A phrase often used for the word man, as, "a hand to the lead,"
"clap more hands on," &c.--_To hand a sail_, is to furl it.--_To lend a
hand_, to assist.--_Bear a hand_, make haste.--_Hand in the leech_, a
call in furling sails. To comprehend this it must be understood that the
leech, or outer border of the sail, if left to belly or fill with wind,
would set at naught all the powers of the men. It is therefore
necessary, as Falconer has it, "the tempest to disarm;" so by handing in
this leech-rope before the yard, the canvas is easily folded in, and the
gasket passed round.

HAND-GRENADE. A small shell for throwing by hand. (_See_ GRENADE.)

HAND-GUN. An old term for small arms in the times of Henry VII. and
VIII.

HANDLASS. A west-country term for a small kind of windlass.

HANDLE. The title prefixed to a person's name.--_To handle a ship well_,
is to work her in a seamanlike manner.

HAND-LEAD. A small lead used in the channels, or chains, when
approaching land, and for sounding in rivers or harbours under 20
fathoms. (_See_ LEAD.)

HANDLES OF A GUN. The dolphins.

HAND-LINE. A line bent to the hand-lead, measured at certain intervals
with what are called _marks_ and _deeps_ from 2 and 3 fathoms to 20.

HAND MAST-PIECE. The smaller hand mast-spars.

HAND MAST-SPAR. A round mast; those from Riga are commonly over 70 feet
long by 20 inches diameter.

HANDMAID. An old denomination for a tender; thus, in Drake's expedition
to Cadiz, two of Her Majesty's pinnaces were appointed to attend his
squadron as handmaids.

HAND-OVER-HAND. Hauling rapidly upon any rope, by the men passing their
hands alternately one before the other, or one above the other if they
are hoisting. A sailor is said to go hand-over-hand if he lifts his own
weight and ascends a single rope without the help of his legs.
Hand-over-hand also implies rapidly; as, we are coming up with the chase
hand-over-hand.

HAND-PUMP. The common movable pump for obtaining fresh water, &c., from
tanks or casks.

HAND-SAW. The smallest of the saws used by shipwrights, and used by one
hand.

HAND-SCREW. A handy kind of single jack-screw.

HANDSOMELY. Signifies steadily or leisurely; as, "lower away
handsomely," when required to be done gradually and carefully. The term
"handsomely" repeated, implies "have a care; not so fast; tenderly."

HANDSPIKE. A lever made of tough ash, and used to heave round the
windlass in order to draw up the anchor from the bottom, or move any
heavy articles, particularly in merchant ships. The handle is round, but
the other end is square, conforming to the shape of the holes in the
windlass. (_See_ GUNNER'S HANDSPIKE.)

HANDS REEF TOP-SAILS! The order to reef by all hands, instead of the
watch, or watch and idlers.

HAND-TIGHT. A rope hauled as taut as it can be by hand only.

HAND-UNDER-HAND. Descending a rope by the converse of hand-over-hand
ascent.

HANDY-BILLY. A small jigger purchase, used particularly in tops or the
holds, for assisting in hoisting when weak-handed. A watch-tackle.
(_See_ JIGGER.)

HANDY-SHIP. One that steers easily, and can be worked with the watch; or
as some seamen would express it, "work herself."

HANG. In timber, opposed to _sny_ (which see).--_To hang._ Said of a
mast that inclines; _it hangs forward_, if too much stayed; _hangs aft_,
if it requires staying.--_To hang the mast._ By some temporary means,
until the mast-rope be fleeted.--_To hang on a rope or tackle-fall_, is
to hold it fast without belaying; also to pull forcibly with the whole
weight.--_To hang aback._ To be slack on duty.

HANGER. The old word for the Persian dagger, and latterly for a short
curved sword.

HANG-FIRE. When the priming burns without igniting the cartridge, or the
charge does not rapidly ignite after pulling the trigger. Figuratively,
_to hang fire_, is to hesitate or flinch.

HANGING. A word expressive of anything declining in the middle part
below a straight line, as the hanging of a deck or a sheer. Also, when a
ship is difficult to be removed from the stocks, or in man[oe]uvre.

HANGING-BLOCKS. These are sometimes fitted with a long and short leg,
and lash over the eyes of the top-mast rigging; when under, they are
made fast to a strap. The topsail-tye reeves through these blocks, the
tye-block on the yard, and the standing part is secured to the
mast-head.

HANGING-CLAMP. A semicircular iron, with a foot at each end to receive
nails, by which it is fixed to any part of the ship to hang stages to,
&c.

HANGING-COMPASS. A compass so constructed as to hang with its face
downwards, the point which supports the card being fixed in the centre
of the glass, and the gimbals are attached to a beam over the observer's
head. There is usually one hung in the cabin, that, by looking up to it,
the ship's course may be observed at any moment; whence it is also
termed a tell-tale.

HANGING HOOK-POTS. Tin utensils fitted for hanging to the bars before
the galley-grate.

HANGING-KNEES. Those which are applied under the lodging-knees, and are
fayed vertically to the sides.

HANGING-STAGE. Any stage hung over the side, bows, or stern, for
painting, caulking, or temporary repairs.

HANGING STANDARD-KNEE. A knee fayed vertically beneath a hold-beam, with
one arm bolted on the lower side of the beam.

HANGING-STOVES. Used for ventilating or drying between decks.

HANGING THE RUDDER. So as to allow the pintles to fall into their
corresponding braces, constantly in boats, and frequently also in
whaling vessels, but seldom in other ships: the rudder after being
shipped is generally secured by wood-locks to prevent its unshipping at
sea.

HANG ON HER! In rowing, is the order to stretch out to the utmost to
preserve or increase head-way on the boat.

HANK FOR HANK. In beating against the wind each board is thus sometimes
denoted. Also, expressive of two ships which tack simultaneously and
make progress to windward together in racing, &c.

HANKS. Hoops or rings of rope, wood, or iron, fixed upon the stays, to
seize the luff of fore-and-aft sails, and to confine the staysails
thereto, at different distances. Those of wood are used in lieu of
grommets, being much more convenient, and of a later invention. They
are framed by the bending of a rough piece of wood into the form of a
wreath, and fastened at the two ends by means of notches, thereby
retaining their circular figure and elasticity; whereas the grommets
which are formed of rope are apt to relax in warm weather, and adhere to
the stays, so as to prevent the sails from being readily hoisted or
lowered.--_Iron hanks_ are more generally used now that stays are made
of wire.--_Hank_ is also a skein of line or twine.--_Getting into a
hank_, irritated by jokes.

HANSE-TOWNS. Established in the 13th century, for the mutual protection
of mercantile property. Now confined to Lübeck, Hamburg, and Bremen.

HAPPY-GO-LUCKY. A reckless indifference as to danger.

HAQUE. A little hand-gun of former times.

HAQUEBUT. A form of spelling _arquebuse_. A bigger sort of hand-gun than
the _haque_.

HARASS, TO. To torment and fatigue men with needless work.

HARBOUR. A general name given to any safe sea-port. The qualities
requisite in a good harbour are, that it should afford security from the
effects of the wind and sea; that the bottom be entirely free from rocks
and shallows, but good holding ground; that the opening be of sufficient
extent to admit the entrance or departure of large ships without
difficulty; that it should have convenience to receive the shipping of
different nations, especially those which are laden with merchandises;
and that it possess establishments for refitting vessels. To render a
harbour complete, there ought to be good defences, a good lighthouse,
and a number of mooring and warping buoys; and finally, that it have
plenty of fuel, water, provisions, and other materials for sea use. Such
a harbour, if used as a place of commercial transactions, is called a
port.

HARBOUR-DUES. _See_ PORT-CHARGES.

HARBOUR-DUTY MEN. Riggers, leading men, and others, ordered to perform
the dockyard or port duties, too often superannuated, or otherwise
unfit.

HARBOUR-GASKETS. Broad, but short and well-blacked gaskets, placed at
equal distances on the yard, for showing off a well-furled sail in port:
there is generally one upon every other seam.

HARBOUR-GUARDS. Men detached from the ordinary, as a working party.

HARBOUR-LOG. That part of the log-book which consists solely of remarks,
and relates only to transactions while the ship is in port.

HARBOUR-MASTER. An officer appointed to inspect the moorings, and to see
that the ships are properly berthed, and the regulations of the harbour
strictly observed by the different ships frequenting it.

HARBOUR-REACH. The reach or stretch of a winding river which leads
direct to the harbour.

HARBOUR-WATCH. A division or subdivision of the watch kept on
night-duty, when the ship rides at single anchor, to meet any
emergency.

HARD. A road-path made through mud for landing at. (_See_ ARD.)

HARD-A-LEE. The situation of the tiller when it brings the rudder hard
over to windward. Strictly speaking, it only relates to a tiller which
extends _forward_ from the rudder-head; now many extend _aft_, in which
case the _order_ remains the same, but the tiller and rudder are both
brought over to windward. Also, the order to put the tiller in this
position.

HARD AND FAST. Said of a ship on shore.

HARD-A-PORT! The order so to place the tiller as to bring the rudder
over to the starboard-side of the stern-post, whichever way the tiller
leads. (_See_ HARD-A-LEE.)

HARD-A-STARBOARD. The order so to place the tiller as to bring the
rudder over to the port-side of the stern-post, whichever way the tiller
leads. (_See_ HARD-A-LEE.)

HARD-A-WEATHER! The order so to place the tiller as to bring the rudder
on the lee-side of the stern-post, whichever way the tiller leads, in
order to bear away; it is the position of the helm as opposed to
_hard-a-lee_ (which see). Also, a hardy seaman.

HARD BARGAIN. A useless fellow; a skulker.

HARD FISH. A term indiscriminately applied to cod, ling, haddock, torsk,
&c., salted and dried.

HARD GALE. When the violence of the wind reduces a ship to be under her
storm staysails, No. 10 force.

HARD-HEAD. The _Clupea menhaden_, or _Alosa tyrannus_, an oily fish
taken in immense quantities on the American coasts, insomuch that they
are used for manuring land. Also, on our coasts the father-lasher or
sea-scorpion, _Cottus scorpius_, and in some parts the grey gurnard, are
so called.

HARD-HORSE. A tyrannical officer.

HARDING. A light kind of duck canvas made in the north.

HARD UP. The tiller so placed as to carry the rudder close over to
leeward of the stern-post. Also, used figuratively for being in great
distress, or poverty-struck; obliged to bear up for Poverty Bay; cleared
out.

HARD UP IN A CLINCH, AND NO KNIFE TO CUT THE SEIZING. Overtaken by
misfortune, and no means of evading it.

HARDS. _See_ ACUMBA.

HARLE. Mists or thick rolling fogs from the sea, so called in the north.
Also, a name of the _goosander_ (which see).

HARMATTAN. A Fantee name for a singular periodical easterly wind which
prevails on the west coast of Africa, generally in December, January,
and February; it is dry, though always accompanied by haze, the result
of fine red dust suspended in the atmosphere and obscuring the sun; this
wind is opposed to the sea-breeze, which would otherwise blow fresh from
the west on to the land.

HARNESS. An old statute term for the tackling or furniture of a ship.

HARNESS-CASK. A large conical tub for containing the salt provisions
intended for present consumption. Alluding to the junk, which is often
called salt-horse, it has been described as the tub where the horse, and
not the harness, is kept.

HARP-COCK. An old modification of the harpoon.

HARPENS. _See_ HARPINGS.

HARPER-CRAB. _See_ TOMMY HARPER.

HARPINGS, OR HARPENS. The fore-parts of the wales which encompass the
bow of a ship, and are fastened to the stem, being thicker than the
after-part of the wales, in order to strengthen the ship in that place
where she sustains the greatest shock of resistance in plunging into the
sea, or dividing it, under a great pressure of sail. Also, the pieces of
oak, similar to ribbands, but trimmed and bolted to the shape of the
body of the ship, which hold the fore and after cant bodies together,
until the ship is planked. But this term is mostly applicable to those
at the bow; hence arises the phrase "clean and full harpings." Harpings
in the bow of a vessel are decried as rendering the ship uneasy.--_Cat
harpings._ The legs which cross from futtock-staff to futtock-staff,
below the tops, to girt in the rigging, and allow the lower yards to
brace sharp up.

HARPOON, OR HARPAGO. A spear or javelin with a barbed point, used to
strike whales and other fish. The harpoon is furnished with a long
shank, and has at one end a broad and flat triangular head, sharpened at
both edges so as to penetrate the whale with facility, but blunt behind
to prevent its cutting out. To the other end a fore-ganger is bent, to
which is fastened a long cord called the whale-line, which lies
carefully coiled in the boat in such a manner as to run out without
being interrupted or entangled. Several coils, each 130 fathoms of
whale-line (soft laid and of clean silky fibre) are in readiness; the
instant the whale is struck the men cant the oars, so that the roll may
not immerse them in the water. The line, which has a turn round the
bollard, flies like lightning, and is intensely watched. One man pours
water on the smoking bollard, another is ready with a sharp axe to cut,
and the others see that the lines run free. Seven or eight coils have
been run out before the whale "sounds," or strikes bottom, when he rises
again to breathe, and probably gets a similar dose.--_Gun harpoon._ A
weapon used for the same purpose as the preceding, but it is fired out
of a gun, instead of being thrown by hand; it is made entirely of steel,
and has a chain or long shackle attached to it, to which the whale-line
is fastened. Greener's harpoon-gun is a kind of wall-piece fixed in a
crutch, which steps into the bow-bollard of the whale-boat. The harpoon
projects about four inches beyond the muzzle. It consists of its barbed
point attached to a long link, with a solid button at its opposite end
to fit the gun; on one rod of this link is a ring which runs to the
muzzle, and is there attached to the whale-line by a thong of seal or
walrus hide, wet. The gun being fired, the harpoon is projected, the
ring sliding up to the button, when the line follows. Some of these
harpoons or other engines have grenades--glass globules with prussic
acid or other chemicals--which sicken the whale instantly, and little
trouble ensues.

HARPOONER, HARPONEER, OR HARPINEER. The expert bowman in a whale-boat,
whose duty it is to throw or fire the harpoon.

HARP-SEAL. The _Phoca gr[oe]nlandica_, a species of seal from the Arctic
seas; so called from the form of a dark-brown mark upon its back.

HARQUEBUSS, OR ARQUEBUSS. Something larger than a musket. Sometimes
called caliver. (_See_ ARQUEBUSS.)

HARR, OR HARL. A sea-storm, from a northern term for snarling, in
allusion to the noise. Also, a cold thick mist or fog in easterly winds;
the _haar_.

HARRY-BANNINGS. A north-country name for sticklebacks.

HARRY-NET. A net with such small meshes, and so formed, as to take even
the young and small fish.

HARVEST-MOON. The full moon nearest the autumnal equinox, when for
several successive evenings she rises at the same hour; and this name is
given in consequence of the supposed advantage of the additional length
of moonlight to agriculture.

HASEGA. A corruption of _asseguay_ (which see).

HASK. An archaism for a fish-basket.

HASLAR HAGS. The nurses of the naval hospital Haslar.

HASLAR HOSPITAL. A fine establishment near Gosport, for the reception
and cure of the sick and wounded of the Royal Navy.

HASP. A semicircular clamp turning in an eye-bolt in the stem-head of a
sloop or boat, and fastened by a forelock in order to secure the
bowsprit down to the bows. (_See_ SPAN-SHACKLE.)

HASTAN. The Manx or Erse term for a large eel or conger.

HASTY-PUDDING. A batter made of flour or oatmeal stirred in boiling
water, and eaten with treacle or sugar at sea. This dish is not
altogether to be despised in need, although Lord Dorset--the sailor
poet--speaks of it disparagingly:

    "Sure hasty-pudding is thy chiefest dish,
    With bullock's liver, or some stinking fish."

HATCH. A half-door. A contrivance for trapping salmon. (_See_ HECK.)

HATCH-BARS. To secure the hatches; are padlocked and sealed.

HATCH-BOAT. A sort of small vessel known as a pilot-boat, having a deck
composed almost entirely of hatches.

HATCH-DECK. Gun brigs had hatches instead of lower decks.

HATCHELLING. The combing and preparing hemp for rope-making.

HATCHES. Flood-gates set in a river to stop the current of water. Also,
coverings of grating, or close hatches to seal the holds.--_To lie under
hatches, stowed in the hold._ Terms used figuratively for being in
distress and death.

HATCHET-FASHION. Cutting at the heads of antagonists, instead of
thrusting.

HATCH-RINGS. Rings to lift the hatches by, or replace them.

HATCHWAY. A square or oblong opening in the middle of the deck of a
ship, of which there are generally three--the fore, main, and
after--affording passages up and down from one deck to another, and
again descending into the hold. The coverings over these openings are
called hatches. Goods of bulk are let down into the hold by the
hatchways. To lay anything in the hatchway, is to put it so that the
hatches cannot be approached or opened. The hatches of a smaller kind
are distinguished by the name of _scuttles_.

HATCHWAY-NETTINGS. Nettings sometimes placed over the hatchways instead
of gratings, for security and circulation of air. They arrest the fall
of any one from a deck above.

HATCHWAY-SCREENS. Pieces of fear-nought, or thick woollen cloth, put
round the hatchways of a man-of-war in time of action, to screen the
passages to the magazine.

HATCHWAY-STOPPERS. Those for a hempen cable are fitted as a
ring-stopper, only a larger rope. They are rove through a hole on each
side of the coamings, in the corner of the hatchway; and both tails,
made selvagee-fashion, are dogged along the cable. When a chain-cable is
used, the stopper works from a beam on the lower deck.

HAT-MONEY. A word sometimes used for _primage_, or the trifling payment
received by the master of a ship for care of goods.

HAUBERK. _See_ AUBERK.

HAUGH. Flat or marshy ground by the side of a river.

HAUL, TO. An expression peculiar to seamen, implying to pull or bowse at
a single rope, without the assistance of blocks or other mechanical
powers upon it; as "haul in," "haul down," "haul up," "haul aft," "haul
together." (_See_ BOWSE, HOIST, and ROUSE.) A vessel _hauls her wind_ by
trimming the yards and sails so as to lie nearer to, or close to the
wind, and by the power of the rudder shaping her course accordingly.

HAUL ABOARD THE FORE AND MAIN TACKS. This is to haul them forward, and
down to the chess-trees on the weather-side.

HAUL AFT A SHEET. To pull it in more towards the stern, so as to trim
the sail nearer to the wind.

HAULAGE. A traction-way.

HAUL-BOWLINGS. The old name for the able-bodied seamen.

HAUL HER WIND. Said of a vessel when she comes close upon the
wind.--_Haul your wind_, or _haul to the wind_, signifies that the
ship's head is to be brought nearer to the wind--a very usual phrase
when she has been going free.

HAUL IN, TO. To sail close to the wind, in order to approach nearer to
an object.

HAULING DOWN VACANCY. The colloquialism expressive of the promotion of a
flag-lieutenant and midshipman on an admiral's hauling down his flag.

HAULING-LINE. A line made fast to any object, to be hauled nearer or on
board, as a hawser, a spar, &c.

HAULING SHARP. Going upon half allowance of food.

HAUL MY WIND. An expression when an individual is going upon a new line
of action. To avoid a quarrel or difficulty.

HAUL OF ALL! An order to brace round all the yards at once--a
man[oe]uvre sometimes used in tacking, or on a sudden change of wind; it
requires a strong crew.

HAUL OFF, TO. To sail closer to the wind, in order to get further from
any object.

HAUL OUT TO LEEWARD! In reefing top-sails, the cry when the weather
earing is passed.

HAUL ROUND. Said when the wind is gradually shifting towards any
particular point of the compass. Edging round a danger.

HAULS AFT, OR VEERS AFT. Said of the wind when it draws astern.

HAULSER. The old orthography for _hawser_.

HAULS FORWARD. Said of the wind when it draws before the beam.

HAUL UNDER THE CHAINS. This is a phrase signifying a ship's working and
straining on the masts and shrouds, so as to make the seams open and
shut as she rolls.

HAULYARDS. _See_ HALLIARDS.

HAUNCES. The breakings of the rudder abaft.

HAUNCH. A sudden fall or break, as from the drifts forward and aft to
the waist. The same as _hance_.

HAVEN [Anglo-Saxon, _hæfen_]. A safe refuge from the violence of wind
and sea; much the same as harbour, though of less importance. A good
anchorage rather than place of perfect shelter. Milford Haven is an
exception.

HAVENET. This word has appeared in vocabularies as a small haven.

HAVEN-SCREAMER. The sea-gull, called _hæfen_ by the Anglo-Saxons.

HAVERSACK. A coarse linen bag with a strap fitting over the shoulder
worn by soldiers or small-arm men in marching order, for carrying their
provision, instead of the knapsack.

HAVILLER. _See_ HUFFLER.

HAVOC. Formerly a war cry, and the signal for indiscriminate slaughter.
Thus Shakspeare,

    "Cry havoc! and let slip the dogs of war."

HAWK'S-BILL. _Chelone imbricata_, a well-known turtle frequenting the
Atlantic and Indian Oceans, so named from having a small mouth like the
beak of a hawk; it produces the tortoise-shell of commerce. The flesh is
indifferent, but the eggs very good.

HAWSE. This is a term of great meaning. Strictly, it is that part of a
vessel's bow where holes are cut for her cables to pass through. It is
also generally understood to imply the situation of the cables before
the ship's stem, when she is moored with two anchors out from forward,
one on the starboard, and the other on the port bow. It also denotes any
small distance between her head and the anchors employed to ride her, as
"he has anchored in our hawse," "the brig fell athwart our hawse," &c.
Also, said of a vessel a little in advance of the stem; as, she sails
_athwart hawse_, or has anchored _in the hawse_. If a vessel drives at
her anchors into the hawse of another she is said to "_foul the hawse_"
of the vessel riding there; hence the threat of a man-of-war's-man, "If
you foul my hawse, I'll cut your cable," no merchant vessel being
allowed to approach a ship-of-war within certain limits, and never to
make fast to the government buoys.--_A bold hawse_ is when the holes are
high above the water. "Freshen hawse," or "veer out more cable," is said
when part of the cable that lies in the hawse is fretted or chafed, and
more should be veered out, so that another part of it may rest in the
hawse. "Freshen hawse" also means, clap a service on or round the cable
in the hawses to prevent it from fretting; hemp cables only are rounded
or cackled. Also, a dram after fatiguing duty. "Clearing hawse," is
untwisting or disentangling two cables that come through different
holes, and make a foul hawse.

HAWSE-BAGS. Canvas bags filled with oakum, used in heavy seas to stop
the hawse-holes and prevent the water coming in.

HAWSE-BLOCKS. Bucklers, or pieces of wood made to fit over the
hawse-holes when at sea, to back the hawse-plugs.

HAWSE-BOLSTERS. Planks above and below the hawse-holes. Also, pieces of
canvas stuffed with oakum and roped round, for plugging when the cables
are bent.

HAWSE-BOX, OR NAVAL HOOD. Pieces of plank bolted outside round each of
the hawse-holes, to support the projecting part of the hawse-pipe.

HAWSE-BUCKLERS. Plugs of wood to fit the hawse-holes, and hatches to
bolt over, to keep the sea from spurting in.

HAWSE-FALLEN. To ride hawse-fallen, is when the water breaks into the
hawse in a rough sea, driving all before it.

HAWSE-FULL. Riding hawse-full; pitching bows under.

HAWSE-HOLES. Cylindrical holes cut through the bows of a ship on each
side of the stem, through which the cables pass, in order to be drawn
into or let out of the vessel, as occasion requires.

HAWSE-HOOK. A compass breast timber which crosses the hawse-timber above
the ends of the upper-deck planking, and over the hawse-holes. (_See_
BREAST-HOOKS.)

HAWSE-PIECES. The timbers which compose the bow of a vessel, and their
sides look fore and aft; it is a name given to the foremost timbers of a
ship, whose lower ends rest upon the knuckle-timbers. They are generally
parallel to the stem, having their upper ends sometimes terminated by
the lower part of the beak-head and otherwise by the top of the bow.
Also, timbers through which the hawse-holes are cut.

HAWSE-PIPE. A cast-iron pipe in the hawse-holes to prevent the cable
from cutting the wood.

HAWSE-PLUGS. Blocks of wood made to fit into the hawse-pipes, and put in
from the outside to stop the hawses, and thereby prevent the water from
washing into the manger. The plug, coated with old canvas, is first
inserted, then a mat or swab, and over it the buckler or shield, which
bolts upward and downward into the breast-hooks.

HAWSER. A large rope or cablet, which holds the middle degree between
the cable and tow-line, being a size smaller than the former, and as
much larger than the latter; curiously, it is not hawser but cable laid.

HAWSER-LAID ROPE. Is rope made in the usual way, being three or four
strands of yarns laid up right-handed, or with the sun; it is used for
small running rigging, as well as for standing rigging, shrouds, &c.; in
the latter case it is generally tarred to keep out rain. It is supposed
that this style of rope is stronger in proportion to the number of yarns
than cable or water-laid rope, which is more tightly twisted, each
strand being a small rope. This latter is more impervious to water, and
therefore good for cables, hawsers, &c.; it is laid left-handed, or
against the sun.

HAWSE-TIMBERS. The upright timbers in the bow, bolted on each side of
the stem, in which the hawse-holes are cut.

HAWSE-WOOD. A general name for the hawse-timbers.

HAY. A straight rank of men drawn up exactly in a line.

HAYE. A peculiar ground-shark on the coast of Guinea.

HAYLER. An archaism for halliard.

HAZE. A grayish vapour, less dense than a fog, and therefore does not
generally exclude objects from sight.

HAZE, TO. To punish a man by making him do unnecessary work.

HEAD. The upper part or end of anything, as a mast-head, a timber-head.
Also, an ornamental figure on a ship's stem expressive of her name, or
emblematical of her object, &c. (_See_ BILLET-HEAD, BUST-HEAD,
FAMILY-HEAD, FIDDLE-HEAD, FIGURE-HEAD, SCROLL-HEAD, &c.) Also, in a more
enlarged sense, the whole fore-part of a ship, including the bows on
each side; the head therefore opens the column of water through which
the ship passes when advancing; hence we say, _head-way_, _head-sails_,
_head-sea_, &c. It is evident that the fore-part of a ship is called its
head, from its analogy to that of a fish, or any animal while swimming.
Also, in a confined sense, to that part on each side of the stem outside
the bows proper which is appropriated to the use of the sailors for
wringing swabs, or any wet jobs, for no wet is permitted in-board after
the decks are dried. Also, hydrographically, the upper part of a gulf,
bay, or creek.--_By the head_, the state of a ship which, by her lading,
draws more water forward than aft. This may be remedied without
reference to cargo in ships-of-war, by shifting shot, guns, &c. Vessels
_by the head_ are frequently uneasy, gripe and pitch more than when _by
the stern_.

HEAD AND GUN-MONEY. An encouragement in the prize acts by which £5 a
head is given to the captors for every person on board a captured vessel
of war, or pirate.

HEAD-BOARDS. The berthing or close-boarding between the head-rails.

HEAD-CLUE OF A HAMMOCK. Where the head rests. (_See_ HAMMOCK.)

HEAD-CRINGLES. Earing-cringles at the upper clues or corners of a sail.

HEAD-EARINGS. The laniards to haul out the earings. (_See_ EARINGS.)

HEADER. The person in the Newfoundland fishing vessels who is engaged
to cut open the fish, tear out the entrails, break off the head, and
pass it over to the _splitter_, who sits opposite to him.

HEAD-FAST. A rope or chain employed to fasten the head of a ship or boat
to a wharf or buoy, or to some other vessel alongside.--_Head-fast of a
boat_, the tow-rope or painter.

HEAD-HOLES. The eyelet-holes where the rope-bands of a sail are fitted;
they are worked button-hole fashion, over grommets of twine of several
thicknesses; sometimes of cod-line.

HEADING. As to ships in company, one advancing by sail or steam faster
than another heads her.

HEADING UP THE LAND WATER. When the flood-tide is backed by a wind, so
that the ebb is retarded, causing an overflow.

HEAD-KNEES. Pieces of moulded compass timber fayed edgeways to the
cut-water and stem, to steady the former. These are also called
_cheek-knees_.

HEADLAND. Wherever the coast presents a high cliffy salient angle to the
sea, without projecting far into it, it is called a headland; but if the
point be low, it is a spit, tongue, or point. (_See_ BLUFF.)

HEADMOST. The situation of any ship or ships which are the most advanced
in a fleet, or line of battle. The opposite of _sternmost_.

HEAD-NETTING. An ornamental netting used in merchant ships instead of
the fayed planking to the _head-rails_.

HEAD OF A COMET. The brighter part of a comet, from which the tail
proceeds.

HEAD OF A MAST, OR MAST-HEAD. The upper part of any mast, or that
whereon the caps or trucks are fitted.

HEAD OF A WORK. In fortification, the part most advanced towards the
enemy. In progressive works, such as siege-approaches and saps, it is
the farthest point then attained.

HEAD OF WATER. Water kept to a height by winds, or by artificial dams
and sluice-gates. The vertical column which dock-gates have to bear.

HEAD-PIECE. A term for the helmet.

HEAD-PUMP. A small pump fixed at the vessel's bow, its lower end
communicating with the sea: it is mostly used for washing decks.

HEAD-QUARTERS. The place where the general, or commanding officer, takes
up his quarters. Also, the man-of-war, or transport, which carries the
staff of an expedition.

HEAD-RAILS. The short rails of the head, extending from the back of the
figure to the cat-head: equally useful and ornamental. There are two on
each side, one straight and the other curved. (_See_ FALSE RAIL.) Also,
used familiarly for teeth.

HEAD-ROPE. That part of the bolt-rope which terminates any sail on the
upper edge, and to which it is accordingly sewed. (_See_ BOLT-ROPE.)
Also, the small rope to which a flag is fastened, to hoist it to the
mast-head, or head of the ensign-staff.

HEAD-SAILS. A general name for all those sails which may be set on the
fore-mast and bowsprit, jib, and flying jib-boom, and employed to
influence the fore-part of the ship.

HEAD-SEA. A name given to the waves when they oppose a ship's course, as
the ship must rise over, or cut through each. Their effect depends upon
their height, form, and speed; sometimes they are steep, quick, and
irregular, so that a ship is caught by a second before she has recovered
from the first; these render her wet and uneasy.

HEAD-SHEETS. Specially jibs and staysail sheets, before the fore-mast.

HEAD-STICK. A short round stick with a hole at each end, through which
the head-rope of some triangular sails is thrust, before it is sewed on.
Its use is to prevent the head of the sail from twisting.

HEAD TO WIND. The situation of a ship or boat when her head is pointed
directly to windward. The term is particularly applied in the act of
tacking, or while lying at anchor.

HEAD-WAY. A ship is said to gather head-way when she passes any object
thrown overboard at the bow, and it passes astern into her wake. A ship
may also, by the action of swell, forge ahead.

HEAD-WIND. A breeze blowing from the direction of the ship's intended
course. Thus, if a ship is bound N.E. a N.E. wind is a head-wind "dead
on end," as seamen express it.--_The wind heads us_, that is, veers
towards the direction of the ship's course.

HEALD. The _heel_ over of a grounded ship.

HEALTH-GUARD. Officers appointed to superintend the due observance of
the quarantine regulations.

HEART. A block of wood forming a peculiar sort of triangular dead-eye,
somewhat resembling the shape of a heart; it is furnished with only one
large hole in the middle, grooved for the rope instead of the three
holes. It is principally used to the stays, as the dead-eyes are to the
shrouds. (_See_ DEAD-EYE.)

HEARTH. Applied to the ship's fire-place, coppers, and galley generally.

HEARTY. Open and free. "My hearties," a cheerful salute to shipmates and
seamen in general. "What cheer, my hearties?" how fare ye? what's your
news?

HEART-YARNS. The centre yarns of a strand. Also, the heart-yarn or
centre, on which four-stranded rope is formed.

HEATH. Various broom-stuffs used in breaming.

HEAVE, TO. To throw anything overboard. To cast, as heaving the log or
the lead. Also, to drag, prize, or purchase, as heaving up the anchor.

HEAVE ABOUT, TO. To go upon the other tack suddenly.

HEAVE AND A-WASH. An encouraging call when the ring of the anchor rises
to the surface, and the stock stirs the water.

HEAVE AND A-WEIGH. Signifies that the next effort will start the anchor
from its bed, and make it _a-trip_. "Heave and a-weigh, sir," from the
forecastle, denotes that the anchor is a-weigh; it inspirits the men to
run it to the bows rapidly.

HEAVE AND IN SIGHT. A notice given by the boatswain to the crew when the
anchor is drawn up so near the surface of the water as to be seen by its
muddy water surrounding it.

HEAVE AND PAUL. Is the order to turn the capstan or windlass till the
paul may be put in, by which it is prevented from coming up, and is
something similar to _belay_, applied to a running rope.

HEAVE AND RALLY! An encouraging order to the men at the capstan to heave
with spirit, with a rush, and thereby force the anchor out of the
ground. When there is a rising sea "heave and rally" implies, "heave and
stand to your bars," the pauls taking the strain, and the next wave
probably lifting the anchor.

HEAVE AND SET. The ship's motion in rising and falling to the waves when
at anchor.

HEAVE HANDSOMELY. Gently.

HEAVE HEARTY. Heave strong and with a will.

HEAVE OF THE SEA. The power that the swell of the sea exerts upon a ship
in driving her out of, or faster on in, her course, and for which
allowance must be made in the day's work. It is a similar, or the same
action in force as in a head-sea.

HEAVE OUT THERE! The order to hasten men from their hammocks.

HEAVER. A wooden bar or staff, sometimes tapered at the ends; it is
employed as a lever or purchase on many occasions, such as setting up
the top-mast shrouds, stropping large blocks, seizing the standing
rigging, &c. Also, a name on the Kentish shores for the haviler crab.

HEAVE SHORT, TO. To heave in on the cable until the vessel is nearly
over her anchor, or sufficiently near it for sail being made before the
anchor is tripped. Short, is when the fore-stay and cable are in line.

HEAVE THE LEAD. To take soundings with the hand lead-line. "Get a cast
of the lead," with the deep-sea lead and line.

HEAVE THE LOG. Determine the ship's velocity by the log line and glass.

HEAVE-TO, TO. To put a vessel in the position of _lying-to_, by
adjusting her sails so as to counteract each other, and thereby check
her way, or keep her perfectly still. In a gale, it implies to set
merely enough sail to steady the ship; the aim being to keep the sea on
the weather bow whilst the rudder has but little influence, the sail is
chiefly set on the main and mizen-mast; as hove-to under a close-reefed
main-topsail, or main-trysail, or driver. It is customary in a foul wind
gale, and a last resource in a fair one.

HEAVING AHEAD. Is the act of advancing or drawing a ship forwards by
heaving on a cable or rope made fast to some fixed point before her.

HEAVING AND SETTING. Riding hard, pitching and sending.

HEAVING ASTERN. Causing a ship to recede or go backwards, by heaving on
a cable or other rope fastened to some fixed point behind her. This more
immediately applies to drawing a vessel off a shoal.

HEAVING A STRAIN. Working at the windlass or capstan with more than
usual exertion.

HEAVING DOWN. (_See_ CAREENING.) The bringing one of a ship's sides down
into the water, by means of purchases on the masts, in order to repair
any injury which is below her water-line on the other.

HEAVING IN. Shortening in the cable. Also, the binding a block and hook
by a seizing.

HEAVING IN STAYS. The act of tacking, when, the wind being ahead, great
pressure is thrown upon the stays.

HEAVING KEEL OUT. The utmost effect to be produced by careening, viz. to
raise the keel out of the water in order to repair or clean it. (_See_
HEAVING DOWN.)

HEAVING OUT. The act of loosing or unfurling a sail; particularly
applied to the staysails; or in the tops, footing the sail out of the
top.

HEAVING TAUT. The act of turning the capstan, &c., till the rope applied
thereto becomes straight and ready for action.

HEAVING THROUGH ALL. The surging or slipping of the cable when the
nippers do not hold.

HEAVY DRIFT-ICE. Dense ice, which has a great depth in the water in
proportion to its size, and is not in a state of decay, therefore
dangerous to shipping.

HEAVY GALE. A strong wind, in which a ship is reduced to storm-staysails
and close-reefed main-topsail. Force 10.

HEAVY METAL, OR HEAVY ORDNANCE. Ordnance of large calibre.

HEAVY SEA. High and strong waves.

HEBBER-MAN. An old name for a fisherman on the Thames below London
Bridge, who took whitings, smelts, &c., commonly at ebbing-water.

HEBBING-WEIR. Contrivances for taking fish at ebbing-water.

HECK-BOAT. The old term for pinks. Latterly a clincher-built boat with
covered fore-sheets, and one mast with a trysail.

HECKLE. Said to be from the Teutonic _heckelen_, to dress flax for
rope-making. Also, an artificial fly for fishing.

HECKLE-BACK. A name of the fifteen-spined stickleback, _Gasterosteus
spinachia_.

HEDA. An early term for a small haven, wharf, or landing-place.

HEDAGIUM. A toll or duty paid at the wharf for landing goods, &c.

HEDGEHOGS. A name formerly applied to vessels which rowed with many
oars. Also, small stunted trees unfit for timber.

HEEL. The after end of a ship's keel, and the lower end of the
stern-post to which it is connected. Also, the lower end of any mast,
boom, bowsprit, or timber. Also, that part of the end of the butt of a
musket which is uppermost when at the firing position.--_To heel._ To
lie over, or incline to either side out of the perpendicular: usually
applied to a ship when canted by the wind, or by being unequally
ballasted. (_See_ CRANK, STIFF, and TRIM.)

HEEL-BRACE. A piece of iron-work applicable to the lower part of a
rudder, in case of casualty to the lower pintles.

HEELING GUNWALE TO. Pressing down sideways to her upper works,
particularly applied to boats running before a heavy sea, when they may
roll their weather gunwales to.

HEEL-KNEE. The compass-piece which connects the keel with the
stern-post.

HEEL-LASHING. The rope which secures the inner part of a studding-sail
boom to the yard; also, that which secures the jib-boom.

HEEL OF A MAST. The lower end, which either fits into the step attached
to the keel, or in top-masts is sustained by the fid upon the
trestle-trees. Heeling is the square part of the spar through which the
fid hole is cut.

HEEL-ROPE. That which hauls out the bowsprit in cutters, and the jib and
studding-sail booms, or anything else where it passes through the heel
of the spar, except in the case of top-masts and topgallant-masts, where
it becomes a _mast-rope_.

HEELS. _Having the heels of a ship_; sailing faster.

HEEL-TACKLES. The luff purchases for the heels of each sheer previous to
taking in masts, or otherwise using them.

HEEVIL. An old northern term for the conger.

HEFT. The Anglo-Saxon _hæft_; the handle of a dirk, knife, or any
edge-tool; also, the handle of an oar.

HEIGHT. Synonymous with hill, and meaning generally any ground above the
common level of the place. Our early navigators used the word as a
synonym of latitude.

HEIGHT OF THE HOLD. Used for the depth of the hold.

HEIGHT OF BREADTH. In ship-building, is a delineation generally in two
lines--upper and lower--determining the height of the broadest place of
each timber.

HELIACAL. A star rises heliacally when it first becomes visible in the
morning, after having been hidden in the sun's rays; and it sets
heliacally when it is first lost in the evening twilight, owing to the
sun's proximity.

HELIER. A cavern into which the tide flows.

HELIOCENTRIC. As seen from, or having reference to, the centre of the
sun.

HELIOMETER. An instrument designed for the accurate measurement of the
diameters of the sun or planets.

HELIOSTAADT, OR HELIOTROPE. This instrument reflects the sun's rays by a
silvered disc, used in the great trigonometrical surveys. It has been
visible at 100 miles' distance, from Cumberland to Ireland.

HELL-AFLOAT. A vessel with a bad name for tyranny.

HELM. Properly is the tiller, but sometimes used to express the rudder,
and the means used for turning it, which, in small vessels and boats, is
merely a tiller, but in larger vessels a wheel is added, which supplies
the leverage for pulling the tiller either way; they are connected by
ropes or chains.--_A-lee the helm_, or _Down with the helm!_ So place
the tiller that the rudder is brought on the weather side of the
stern-post. These, and the following orders, were established when
tillers extended forward from the rudder-head, but now they often extend
aft, which requires the motion of the tiller to be reversed. With the
latter style of tiller the order "down with the helm" is carried out by
bringing the tiller _up_ to the weather side of the ship; which being
done, the order "Helm's a lee" follows.--_Bear up the helm._ That is,
let the ship go more large before the wind.--_Ease the helm._ To let the
helm come more amidships, when it has been put hard up or down.--It is
common to ease the helm before a heavy sea takes the ship when
close-hauled.--_Helm amidships_, or _right the helm_. That is, keep it
even with the middle of the ship, in a line with the keel.--_Helm over._
The position of the tiller to enable a vessel steaming ahead to describe
a curve.--_Port the helm._ Place the tiller so as to carry the rudder to
starboard. (_See_ _A-lee the helm_.)--_Shift the helm._ Put it from port
to starboard, and _vice versâ_, or it may be amidships.--_Starboard the
helm._ Place the tiller so as to carry the rudder to port.--_Up with the
helm._ Place the tiller so as to carry the rudder to leeward. (_See_
_A-lee the helm_.)

HELMED. An old word for steered; it is metaphorically used by Shakspeare
in _Measure for Measure_.

HELMET. A piece of defensive armour; a covering for the head.

HELM-PORT. The round hole or cavity in a ship's counter, through which
the head of the rudder passes into the trunk.

HELM-PORT TRANSOM. The piece of timber placed across the lower counter,
withinside the height of the helm-port, and bolted through every timber
for the security of that part of the ship.

HELMSMAN. The timoneer, or person, who guides the ship or boat by the
management of the helm. The same as _steersman_.

HELM-WIND. A singular meteorological phenomenon which occurs in the
north of England. Besides special places in Cumberland and Westmoreland,
it suddenly rushes from an immense cloud that gathers round the summit
of Cross-Fell, covering it like a helmet. Its effects reach the
sea-board.

HELMY. Rainy [from an Anglo-Saxon phrase for rainy weather].

HELTER-SKELTER. Hurry and confusion. Defiance of good order.
Privateerism.

HELVE. The handle of the carpenter's mauls, axes, and adzes; also of an
oar, &c.

HELYER. _See_ HELIER.

HEMISPHERE. Half the surface of a globe. The celestial equator divides
the heavens into two hemispheres--the northern and the southern.

HEMP. _Cannabis sativa._ A manufactorial plant of equal antiquity with
flax. The produce of hemp in fibre varies from three to six hundred
weight per acre, and forms the best of all cordage and ropes. It is
mixed with opium in the preparation of those rich drugs called
_hashishe_ in Cairo and Constantinople. Those who were in the constant
use of them were called _hashishin_ (herb-eaters); and being often by
their stimulative properties excited almost to frenzy and to murder, the
word "assassin" is said to have been derived by the crusaders from this
source. While the French army was in Egypt, Napoleon I. was obliged to
prohibit, under the severest penalties, the sale and use of these
pernicious substances.

HENDECAGON. A right-lined figure with eleven sides; if it be regular,
the sides and angles are all equal.

HEN-FRIGATE. A ship wherein the captain's wife interfered in the duty or
regulations.

HEN'S-WARE. A name of the edible sea-weed _Fucus esculentus_.

HEP-PAH, OR HIPPA. A New Zealand fort, or space surrounded with stout
palisades; these rude defences have given our soldiers and sailors much
trouble to reduce. (_See_ PAH.)

HEPTAGON. A right-lined figure with seven sides; if it be regular, the
sides and angles are all equal.

HERCULES. The large mass of iron by the blows of which anchors are
welded.

HERE-AWAY. A term when a look-out man announces a rhumb or bearing of
any object in this quarter.

HERE-FARE [Anglo-Saxon]. An expedition; going to warfare.

HERISSON. A balanced barrier to a passage in a fort, of the nature of a
turnstile.

HERLING. A congener of the salmon species found in Scotland; it is
small, and shaped like a sea-trout.

HERMAPHRODITE OR BRIG SCHOONER, is square-rigged, but without a top
forward, and schooner-rigged abaft; carrying only fore-and-aft sails on
the main-mast; in other phrase, she is a vessel with a brig's fore-mast
and a schooner's main-mast.

HERMIT-CRAB. A name applied to a group of crabs (family _Paguridæ_), of
which the hinder part of the body is soft, and which habitually lodge
themselves in the empty shell of some mollusc. Also called
_soldier-crabs_.

HERMO. A Mediterranean term for the meteor called _corpo santo_.

HERNE. A bight or corner, as Herne Bay, so called from lying in an
angle.

HERNSHAW AND HERNE. Old words for the heron.

HERON. A large bird of the genus _Ardea_, which feeds on fish.

HERRING. A common fish--the _Clupea harengus_; Anglo-Saxon _hæring_ and
_hering_.

HERRING-BONING. A method of sewing up rents in a sail by small
cross-stitches, by which the seam is kept flat.

HERRING-BUSS. A peculiar boat of 10 or 15 tons, for the herring fishery.
(_See_ BUSS.)

HERRING-COB. A young herring.

HERRING-GUTTED. _See_ SHOTTEN-HERRING.

HERRING-HOG. A name for the porpoise.

HERRING-POND. The Atlantic Ocean.

HETERODROMOUS LEVERS. The windlass, capstan, crank, crane, &c.

HETEROPLON. A kind of naval insurance, where the insurers only run the
risk of the outward voyage; when both the going out and return of a
vessel is insured, it is called amphoteroplon.

HETTLE. A rocky fishing-ground in the Firth of Forth, which gives name
to the fish called Hettle-codling.

HEUGH. A craggy dry dell; a ravine without water.

HEXAGON. A right-lined figure with six sides; if it be regular, the
sides and angles are all equal.

HEYS-AND-HOW. An ancient sea-cheer.

HI! Often used for _hoy_; as, "Hi, you there!" Also, the old term for
_they_, as in Sir Ferumbras--

    "Costroye there was, the Admiral,
      With vitaile great plente,
    And the standard of the sowdon royal,
      Toward Mantrible ridden hi."

HIDDEN HARBOUR. That of which the outer points so overlap as to cause
the coast to appear to be continuous.

HIDE, TO. To beat; to rope's-end or drub. Also, to secrete.

HIE, TO. To flow quickly in a tide-way.

HIE ALOFT. Away aloft.

HIGH. In gunnery, signifies tightly fitting the bore; said of shot,
wads, &c. Also, a gun is said to be laid high when too much elevated.

HIGH-AND-DRY. The situation of a ship or other vessel which is aground,
so as to be seen dry upon the strand when the tide ebbs from her.

HIGH ENOUGH. Said in hoisting in goods, water, or masts.

HIGH FLOOD. _See_ FLOOD.

HIGH LATITUDES. Those regions far removed from the equator towards the
poles of the earth above the 50th degree.

HIGH TIDE, OR HIGH WATER. Figuratively, a full purse. Constance, in
Shakspeare's _King John_, uses the term _high tides_ as denoting the
gold-letter days or holidays of the calendar.

HIGH-WATER. The greatest height of the flood-tide. (_See_ TIDE.)

HIGH-WATER MARK. The line made by the water upon the shore, when at its
greatest height; it is also designated the _flood-mark_ and _spring-tide
mark_. This constitutes the boundary line of admiralty jurisdiction as
to the soil.

HIGH WIND. _See_ HEAVY GALE.

HIGRE. _See_ BORE and EAGRE.

HIKE. A brief equivalent to "Be off," "Go away." It is generally used in
a contemptuous sense; as, he was "hiked off"--that is, dismissed at
once, or in a hurry. To swing.

HIKE UP, TO. To kidnap; to carry off by force.

HILL. In use with the Anglo-Saxons. An insulated rise of the ground,
usually applied to heights below 1000 feet, yet higher than a _hillock_
or _hummock_ (which see).

HILLOCK. A small coast-hill, differing from a _hummock_ in having a
peaked or pointed summit.

HILT. The handle and guard of a sword.

HIND-CASTLE. A word formerly used for the poop, as being opposed to
_fore-castle_.

HIPPAGINES, OR HIPPAGOGÆ. Ancient transports for carrying cavalry.

HIPPER, OR HIPPING-STONES. Large stones placed for crossing a brook.

HIPPOCAMPUS. A small fish, so termed from the head resembling that of a
horse. They live among reeds and long fuci, to which they cling with
prehensile tails.

HIPPODAMES. An old word for sea-horses.

HIPSY. A drink compounded of wine, water, and brandy.

HIRE, TO. To take vessel or men on service at a stipulated remuneration.

HIRECANO. An old word for hurricane.

HIRST. The roughest part of a river-ford. A bank.

HITCH. A species of knot by which one rope is connected with another, or
to some object. They are various; as, clove-hitch, racking-hitch,
timber-hitch (stopped), rolling-hitch, running-hitch, half-hitch,
blackwall-hitch, magnus-hitch, marline-spike hitch, harness-hitch, &c.
(_See_ BEND and KNOT.) It also signifies motion by a jerk. Figuratively,
it is applied to an impediment. A seaman often _hitches up_ his
trowsers, which "have no lifts or braces."--_To hitch_ is to make fast a
rope, &c., to catch with a hook. Thus of old, when a boat was to be
hoisted in, they said--"Hitch the tackles into the rings of the boat."

HITCHER. An old term for a boat-hook.

HO! OR HAY! An exclamation derived from our Danish ancestors, and
literally meaning _stop!_

HOAKY. A common petty oath--"By the hoaky!" by your hearth or fire.

HOAM. The dried fat of the cod-fish.

HOASTMEN. An ancient guild at Newcastle dealing in coals.

HOAY, OR HOY! a word frequently added to an exclamation bespeaking
attention, as "Main-top, hoay!" and is chiefly used to persons aloft or
without the ship.

HOB-A-NOB. To drink cosily; the act of touching glasses in pledging a
health. An early and extensive custom falling into disuse.

HOBBLE. A perplexity or difficulty.--_Hobbles_, irons or fetters.

HOBBLER. A coast-man of Kent, a bit of a smuggler, and an unlicensed
pilot, ever ready for a job in either of these occupations. Also, a man
on land employed in towing a vessel by a rope. Also, a sentinel who kept
watch at a beacon.

HOBITS. Small mortars of 6 or 8 inches bore mounted on gun-carriages; in
use before the howitzer.

HOBRIN. A northern designation of the blue shark, _Squalus glaucus_.

HOC. The picked dog-fish, _Squalus acanthias_.

HOCK-SAW. A fermented drink along the coasts of China, partaking more of
the nature of beer than of spirit, and therefore less injurious than
_sam-tsin_.

HOD. A hole under a bank or rock, forming a retreat for fish.

HODDY-DODDY. A west-country name for a revolving light.

HODMADODS. The name among early navigators for Hottentots.

HODMANDODS. _See_ DODMAN.

HODOMETRICAL. A method of finding the longitude at sea by dead-reckoning.

HOE. _See_ HOWE.

HOE-MOTHER, OR HOMER. The basking shark, _Squalus maximus_.

HOE-TUSK. _Squalus mustela_, smooth hound-fish of the Shetlanders.

HOG. A kind of rough, flat scrubbing broom, serving to scrape a ship's
bottom under water, particularly in the act of _boot-topping_ (which
see); formed by inclosing a multitude of short twigs of birch, or the
like, between two pieces of plank, which are firmly attached to each
other; the ends of the twigs are then cut off even, so as to form a
brush of considerable extent. To this is fitted a long staff, together
with two ropes, the former of which is used to thrust the hog under the
ship's bottom, and the latter to guide and pull it up again close to the
planks, so as to rub off all the dirt. This work is usually performed in
the ship's boat.

HOG-BOAT. _See_ HECK-BOAT.

HOGGED. A significant word derived from the animal; it implies that the
two ends of a ship's decks droop lower than the midship part,
consequently, that her keel and bottom are so strained as to curve
upwards. The term is therefore in opposition to that of _sagging_.

HOG-IN-ARMOUR. Soubriquet for an iron-clad ship.

HOGO. From the French _haut-gout_, a disagreeable smell, but rather
applied to ill-ventilated berths than to bilge-water.

HOISE. The old word for hoist.

HOIST. The perpendicular height of a sail or flag; in the latter it is
opposed to the fly, which implies its breadth from the staff to the
outer edge: or that part to which the halliards are bent.

HOIST, OR HOISE, TO. To raise anything; but the term is specially
applied to the operation of swaying up a body by the assistance of
tackles. It is also invariably used for the hauling up the sails along
the masts or stays, and the displaying of flags and pendants, though by
the help of a single block only. (_See_ SWAY, TRACING-UP, and WHIP.)

HOISTING-TACKLE. A whip, a burton, or greater purchase, as yard-arm
tackles, &c.

HOISTING THE FLAG. An admiral assuming his command "hoists his flag,"
and is saluted with a definite number of guns by all vessels present.

HOISTING THE PENDANT. Commissioning a ship.

HOLD. The whole interior cavity of a ship, or all that part comprehended
between the floor and the lower deck throughout her length.--_The
after-hold_ lies abaft the main-mast, and is usually set apart for the
provisions in ships of war.--_The fore-hold_ is situated about the
fore-hatchway, in continuation with the main-hold, and serves the same
purposes.--_The main-hold_ is just before the main-mast, and generally
contains the fresh water and beer for the use of the ship's
company.--_To rummage the hold_ is to examine its contents.--_To stow
the hold_ is to arrange its contents in the most secure and commodious
manner possible.--_To trim the hold_ (_see_ TRIM OF THE HOLD). Also, an
Anglo-Saxon term for a fort, castle, or stronghold.--_Hold_ is also
generally understood of a ship with regard to the land or to another
ship; hence we say, "Keep a good hold of the land," or "Keep the land
well aboard," which are synonymous phrases, implying to keep near the
land; when applied to a ship, we say, "She holds her own;" _i.e._ goes
as fast as the other ship; holds her wind, or way.--_To hold._ To
assemble for public business; as, to hold a court-martial, a survey,
&c.--_Hold!_ An authoritative way of separating combatants, according to
the old military laws at tournaments, &c.; stand fast!

HOLD A GOOD WIND, TO. To have weatherly qualities.

HOLD-ALL. A portable case for holding small articles required by
soldiers, marines, and small-arm men on service.

HOLD-BEAMS. The lowest range of beams in a merchantman. In a man-of-war
they support the orlop-deck. (_See_ ORLOP-BEAMS.)

HOLDERS. The people employed in the hold duties of a ship.

HOLD-FAST. A rope; also the order to the people aloft, when shaking out
reefs, &c., to suspend the operation. In ship-building, it means a bolt
going down through the rough tree rail, and the fore or after part of
each stanchion.

HOLDING-ON. The act of pulling back the hind part of any rope.

HOLDING ON THE SLACK. Doing nothing. (_See_ EYELIDS.)

HOLDING WATER. The act of checking the progress of a boat by holding the
oar-blades in the water, and bearing the flat part strongly against the
current alongside, so as to meet its resistance. (_See_ BACK ASTERN,
OAR, and ROW.)

HOLD OFF. The keeping the hove-in part of a cable or hawser clear of the
capstan.

HOLD ON. Keep all you have got in pulling a rope.--_Hold on a minute._
Wait or stop.--_Hold on with your nails and eyelids._ A derisive
injunction to a timid climber.

HOLD ON, GOOD STICKS! An apostrophe often made when the masts complain
in a fresh squall, or are over-pressed, and it is unadvisable to shorten
sail.

HOLD-STANCHIONS. Those which support the hold-beams amidships, and rest
on the kelson.

HOLD UP, TO. In meteorological parlance, for the weather to clear up
after a gale; to stop raining.

HOLE. A clear open space amongst ice in the Arctic seas.

HOLEBER. A kind of light horseman, who rode about from place to place in
the night, to gain intelligence of the landing of boats, men, &c., on
the Kentish coast.

HOLES, EYELET OR [OE]ILLET. The holes in sails for points and rope-bands
which are fenced round by stitching the edge to a small log-line
grommet. In the drumhead of a capstan, the holes receive the
capstan-bars.

HOLIDAY. Any part left neglected or uncovered in paying or painting,
blacking, or tarring.

HOLLANDS. The spirit principally distilled in Holland.

HOLLARDS. The dead branches and loppings of trees.

HOLLEBUT. A spelling of _halibut_.

HOLLOA, OR HOLLA. An answer to any person calling from a distance, to
show they hear. Thus, if the master intends to give any order to the
people in the main-top, he previously calls, "Main-top, hoay." It is
also the first answer received when hailing a ship. (_See_ HAILING and
HOAY.)

HOLLOW. The bore of a rocket. In naval architecture, a name for the
fifth or _top-timber-sweep_ (which see). Also, hollow or curved leeches
of sails, in contradistinction to straight.

HOLLOW BASTION. In fortification, a bastion of which the terreplein or
interior terrace is not continued beyond a certain distance to the rear
of the parapet, and thus leaves a central area at a lower level.

HOLLOW-MOULD. The same as _floor-hollow_ (which see).

HOLLOWS AND ROUNDS. Plane-tools used for making mouldings.

HOLLOW SEA. The undulation of the waves after a gale; long hollow-jawed
sea; ground-swell.

HOLLOW SHOT. Introduced principally for naval use before the horizontal
firing of shells from guns became general. Their weight was about
two-thirds that of the solid shot; thus they required less charge of
powder and weight of gun than the latter, whilst their smashing effect
and first ranges were supposed to be greater. It is clear, however, that
if filled with powder, their destructive effect must be immensely
increased.

HOLLOW SQUARE. The square generally used by British infantry; a
formation to resist cavalry. Each side is composed of four ranks of men,
the two foremost kneeling with bayonets forming a fence breast high; the
inclosed central space affords shelter to officers, colours, &c. With
breech-loading muskets this defence will become less necessary. (_See
also_ RALLYING SQUARE.)

HOLM. (_See_ CLETT.) A name both on the shores of Britain and Norway for
a small uninhabited island used for pasture; yet in old writers it
sometimes is applied to the sea, or a deep water. Also, an ill-defined
name applied to a low islet in a river, as well as the flat land by the
river side.

HOLOMETRUM GEOMETRICUM. A nautical instrument of brass, one of which,
price £4, was supplied to Martin Frobisher in 1576.

HOLSOM. A term applied to a ship that rides without rolling or
labouring.

HOLSTER. A case or cover for a pistol, worn at the saddle-bow.

HOLT [from the Anglo-Saxon]. A peaked hill covered with a wood.

HOLUS-BOLUS. Altogether; all at once.

HOLY-STONE. A sandstone for scrubbing decks, so called from being
originally used for Sunday cleaning, or obtained by plundering
churchyards of their tombstones, or because the seamen have to go on
their knees to use it.

HOME. The proper situation of any object, when it retains its full force
of action, or when it is properly lodged for convenience. In the former
sense it is applied to the sails; in the latter it usually refers to the
stowage of the hold. The anchor is said _to come home_ when it loosens,
or drags through the ground by the effort of the wind or current. (_See_
ANCHOR.)--_Home_ is the word given by the captain of the gun when, by
the sense of his thumb on the touch-hole, he determines that the charge
is home, and no air escapes by the touch-hole. It is the word given to
denote the top-sail or other sheets being "home," or butting.--_Sheet
home!_ The order to extend the clues of sails to the yard-arms.--_The
wind blows home._ When it sets continuously over the sea and land with
equal velocity. When opposed by vertical or high land, the breeze loses
its force as the land is neared: then it does not blow home, as about
Gibraltar and Toulon.

HOME-SERVICE. The Channel service; any force, either naval or military,
stationed in and about the United Kingdom.

HOME-TRADERS. The contradistinction of foreign-going ships.

HOMEWARD-BOUND. Said of a ship when returning from a voyage to the place
whence she was fitted out; or the country to which she belongs.

HOMEWARD-BOUNDER. A ship on her course home.

HOMMELIN. The _Raia rubus_, or rough ray.

HONEST-POUNDS. Used in contradistinction to "_purser's pounds_" (which
see).

HONEYCOMB. A spongy kind of flaw in the metal of ordnance, generally due
to faulty casting.

HONG. Mercantile houses in China, with convenient warehouses adjoining.
Also, a society of the principal merchants of the place.

HONOURS OF WAR. Favourable terms granted to a capitulating enemy on
evacuating a fortress; they vary in degree, according to circumstances;
generally understood to mean, to march out armed, colours flying, &c.,
but to pile arms at a given point, and leave them, and be sent home, or
give parole not to serve until duly exchanged.

HOO. _See_ HOWE.

HOOD. A covering for a companion-hatch, skylight, &c. Also, the piece of
tarred or painted canvas which used to cover the eyes of rigging to
prevent water from damaging them; now seldom used. Also, the name given
to the upper part of the galley chimney, made to turn round with the
wind, that the smoke may always go to leeward.--_Naval hoods or whood._
Large thick pieces of timber which encircle the hawse-holes.

HOOD-ENDS. The ends of the planks which fit into the rabbets of the stem
and stern posts.

HOOD OF A PUMP. A frame covering the upper wheel of a chain-pump.

HOODS, OR HOODINGS. The foremost and aftermost planks of the bottom,
within and without. Also, coverings to shelter the mortar in
bomb-vessels.

HOOK. There are several kinds used at sea, as boat-hooks, can-hooks,
cat-hooks, fish-hooks, and the like. A name given to reaches, or angular
points in rivers, such as Sandy Hook at New York.--_Laying-hook._ A
winch used in rope-making.--_Loof-tackle hooks_, termed _luffs_. A
tackle with two hooks, one to hitch into a cringle of the main or fore
sail in the bolt-rope, and the other to hitch into a strap spliced to
the chess-tree. They pull down the sail, and in a stiff gale help to
hold it so that all the stress may not bear upon the tack.

HOOK AND BUTT. The scarphing or laying two ends of planks over each
other. (_See_ BUTT-AND-BUTT and HOOK-SCARPH.)

HOOK-BLOCK. Any block, of iron or wood, strapped with a hook.

HOOK-BOLTS. Those used to secure lower-deck ports.

HOOKER, OR HOWKER. A coast or fishing vessel--a small hoy-built craft
with one mast, intended for fishing. They are common on our coasts, and
greatly used by pilots, especially off the Irish ports. Also, Jack's
name for his vessel, the favourite "old hooker." Also, a term for a
short pipe, probably derived from _hookah_.

HOOKEY. _See_ HOAKY.

HOOKING. In ship-carpentry this is the act of working the edge of one
plank into that of another, in such a manner that they cannot be drawn
asunder.

HOOK OF THE DECKS. _See_ BREAST-HOOKS.

HOOK-POTS. Tin cans fitted to hang on the bars of the galley range.

HOOK-ROPES. A rope 6 or 8 fathoms long, with a hook and thimble spliced
at one end, and whipped at the other: it is used in coiling hempen
cables in the tiers, dragging chain, &c.

HOOK-SCARPH. In ship-carpentry, the joining of two pieces of wood by a
strong method of hook-butting, which mode of connecting is termed _hook
and butt_.

HOOP. The principal hoops of different kinds used for nautical purposes,
are noticed under their several names, as mast-hoops, clasp-hoops, &c.
In wind-bound ships in former times the left hands of several boys were
tied to a hoop, and their right armed with a nettle, they being naked
down to the waist. On the boatswain giving one a cut with his cat, the
boy struck the one before him, and each one did the same, beginning
gently, but, becoming irritated, they at last laid on in earnest. Also,
a nautical punishment for quarrelsome fighters was, that two offenders,
similarly fastened, thrashed each other until one gave in. The craven
was usually additionally punished by the commander.

HOOPS. The strong iron bindings of the anchor-stock to the shank, though
square, are called hoops.

HOPE. A small bay; it was an early term for valley, and is still used in
Kent for a brook, and gives name to the adjacent anchorages. Johnson
defines it to be any sloping plain between two ridges of hills.

HOPPER-PUNT. A flat-floored lighter for carrying soil or mud, with a
_hopper_ or receptacle in its centre, to contain the lading.

HOPPO. The chief of the customs in China.

HOPPO-MEN. Chinese custom-house officers.

HORARY ANGLE. The apparent time by the sun, or the sidereal time of the
moon, or planets, or stars, from the meridian.

HORARY MOTION. The march or movement of any heavenly body in the space
of an hour.

HORARY TABLES. Tables for facilitating the determination of horary
angles.

HORIE-GOOSE. A northern name for the _Anser bernicla_, or brent-goose.

HORIOLÆ. Small fishing-boats of the ancients.

HORIZON. The apparent or visible circle which bounds our vision at sea;
it is that line which is described by the sky and water appearing to
meet. This is designated as the _sensible_ horizon; the _rational_, or
_true_ one, being a great circle of the heavens, parallel to the
sensible horizon, but passing through the centre of the earth.

HORIZON-GLASSES. Two small speculums on one of the radii of a quadrant
or sextant; the one half of the fore horizon-glass is silvered, while
the other half is transparent, in order that an object may be seen
directly through it: the back horizon-glass is silvered above and below,
but in the middle there is a transparent stripe through which the
horizon can be seen.

HORIZONTAL. A direction parallel to the horizon, or what is commonly
termed lying flat. One of the greatest inconveniences navigators have to
struggle with is the frequent want of a distinct sight of the horizon.
To obviate this a _horizontal spinning speculum_ was adopted by Mr.
Lerson, who was lost in the _Victory_ man-of-war, in which ship he was
sent out to make trial of his instrument. This was afterwards improved
by Smeaton, and consists of a well-polished metal speculum about 3-1/2
inches in diameter, inclosed within a circular rim of brass, so fitted
that the centre of gravity of the whole shall fall near the point on
which it spins. This is the end of a steel axis running through the
centre of the speculum, above which it finishes in a square for the
convenience of fitting a roller on it, bearing a piece of tape wound
round it. The cup in which it spins is made of agate flint, or other
hard substance. Sextants, with spirit-levels attached, have latterly
been used, as well as Becher's horizon; but great dexterity is demanded
for anything like an approximation to the truth; wherefore this
continues to be a great desideratum in navigation.

HORIZONTAL FIRE. From artillery, is that in which the piece is laid
either direct on the object, or with but small elevation above it, the
limit on land being 10°, and afloat still less. It is the most telling
under ordinary circumstances, and includes all other varieties, with the
exception of vertical fire, which has elevations of from 30° and
upwards; and, according to some few, curved fire, an intermediate kind,
of limited application.

HORIZONTAL PARALLAX. _See_ PARALLAX.

HORIZONTAL PLAN. In ship-building, the draught of a proposed ship,
showing the whole as if seen from above.

HORIZONTAL RIBBAND LINES. A term given by shipwrights to those lines, or
occult ribbands, by which the cant-timbers are laid off, and truly
bevelled.

HORN. The arm of a cleat or kevel.

HORN-CARD. Transparent graduated horn-plates to use on charts, either as
protractors or for meteorological purposes, to represent the direction
of the wind in a cyclone.

HORNED ANGLE. That which is made by a right line, whether tangent or
secant, with the circumference of a circle.

HORNEL. A northern term for the largest species of sand-launce or
sand-eel.

HORN-FISC. Anglo-Saxon for the sword-fish.

HORN-FISTED. Having hands inured to hauling ropes.

HORNING. In naval architecture, is the placing or proving anything to
stand square from the middle line of the ship, by setting an equal
distance thereon.

HORN-KECK. An old term for the _green-back_ fish.

HORNOTINÆ. Ancient vessels which were built in a year.

HORNS. The points of the jaws of the booms. Also, the outer ends of the
cross-trees. Also, two extreme points of land inclosing a bay.

HORNS OF THE MOON. The extremities of the lunar crescent, in which form
she is said to be horned.

HORNS OF THE RUDDER. _See_ RUDDER-HORN.

HORNS OF THE TILLER. The pins at the extremity.

HORN-WORK. In fortification, a form of outwork having for its head a
bastioned front, and for its sides two long straight faces, which are
flanked by the guns of the body of the place. Sometimes it is a detached
outwork.

HOROLOGIUM UNIVERSALE. An old brass nautical instrument, one of which
was supplied to Martin Frobisher, at an expense of £2, 6_s._ 8_d._, when
fitting out on his first voyage for the discovery of a north-west
passage.

HORS DE COMBAT. A term adopted from the French, signifying so far
disabled as to be incapable of taking farther share in the action.

HORSE. A foot-rope reaching from the opposite quarter of a yard to its
arms or shoulders, and depending about two or three feet under the yard,
for the sailors to tread on while they are loosing, reefing, or furling
the sails, rigging out the studding-sail booms, &c. In order to keep
the horse more parallel to the yard, it is usually attached thereto at
proper distances, by certain ropes called stirrups, which have an eye
spliced into their lower ends, through which the horse passes. (_See_
STIRRUPS and FOOT-ROPES.) Also, a rope formerly fast to the fore-mast
fore-shrouds, with a dead-eye to receive the spritsail-sheet-pendant,
and keep the spritsail-sheets clear of the flukes of the anchor. Also,
the breast-rope which is made fast to the shrouds to protect the
leadsman. Also, applied to any pendant and thimble through which
running-rigging was led, now commonly called a lizard. Also, a thick
rope, extending in a perpendicular direction near the fore or after side
of a mast, for the purpose of hoisting some yard, or extending a sail
thereon; when before the mast, it is used for the square-sail, whose
yard is attached to the horse by means of a traveller or bull's-eye,
which slides up and down. When it is abaft the mast, it is intended for
the trysail of a snow; but is seldom used in this position, except in
those sloops of war which occasionally assume the appearance of snows to
deceive the enemy. Also, the name of the sawyer's frame or trestle.
Also, the round iron bar formerly fixed to the main-rail at the head
with stanchions; a fir rail is now used, and the head berthed up. Also,
in cutters or schooners, one horse is a stout iron bar, with a large
thimble, which spans the vessel from side to side close to the deck
before the fore-mast. To this the forestaysail-sheet is hauled, and
traverses. The other horse is a similar bar abaft, on which the
main-boom sheet traverses. Also, cross-pieces on the tops of standards,
on which the booms or spare-spars or boats are lashed between the fore
and main masts. Horses are also termed jack-stays, on which sails are
hauled out, as gaff-sails. Horse is a term of derision where an officer
assumes the grandioso, demanding honour where honour is not his due.
Also, a strict disciplinarian, in nautical parlance. Also, tough salt
beef--_salt horse_.--_Flemish horse_ is the horse which has an iron
thimble in one end, which goes over the iron point of the yard-arm
before the studding-sail boom-iron is put on; in the other, a lashing
eye, which is secured near the head earing of the top-sail. It is
intended for the men at the earing in reefing, or when setting the
top-gallant-studding-sails.

HORSE-ARTILLERY. A branch of field artillery specially equipped to
man[oe]uvre with cavalry, having lighter guns, and all its gunners
mounted on horseback. Its service demands a rare combination of
soldierly qualities.

HORSE-BUCKETS. Covered buckets for carrying spirits or water in.

HORSE-BUCKLE. The great whelk.

HOUSE-COCKLE. _See_ GAWKY.

HORSE-FOOT. A name of the _Limulus polyphemus_ of the shores of America,
where from its shape it is called the horse-shoe or lantern crab.

HORSE-LATITUDES. A space between the westerly winds of higher latitudes
and the trade-winds, notorious for tedious calms. The name arose from
our old navigators often throwing the horses overboard which they were
transporting to America and the West Indies.

HORSE-MACKEREL. A large and coarse member of the Scomber family,
remarkably greedy, and therefore easily taken, but unwholesome.

HORSE-MARINE. An awkward lubberly person. One out of place.

HORSE-MUSSEL. _See_ DUCK-MUSSEL.

HORSE-POTATOES. The old word for yams.

HORSE-POWER. A comparative estimate of the capacity of steam-engines, by
assuming a certain average effective pressure of steam, and a certain
average linear velocity of the piston. The pressure multiplied by the
velocity gives the effective force of the engine exerted through a given
number of feet per minute; and since the force called a horse-power
means 33,000 lbs. acting thus one foot per minute, it follows that the
nominal power of the engine will be found by dividing the effective
force exerted by the piston, multiplied by the number of feet per minute
through which it acts by 33,000.

HORSES. Blocks in whalers for cutting blubber on. (_See_ WHITE-HORSE.)

HORSE-SHOE. In old fortification, a low work of this plan sometimes
thrown up in ditches.

HORSE-SHOE CLAMP. The iron or copper straps so shaped, used as the
fastenings which connect the gripe with the fore-foot at the scarph of
the keel and stem.

HORSE-SHOE HINGES. Those by which side-scuttles or ventilators to the
cabins are hung.

HORSE-SHOE RACK. A sweep curving from the bitt-heads abaft the main-mast
carrying a set of nine-pin swivel-blocks as the fair leaders of the
light running gear, staysail, halliards, &c.

HORSE-TONGUE. A name applied to a kind of sole.

HORSE-UP. _See_ HORSING-IRON.

HORSING-IRON. An iron fixed in a withy handle, sometimes only lashed to
a stick or tree-nail, and used with a beetle by caulkers.--_To
horse-up_, or harden in the oakum of a vessel's seams.

HOSE (for watering, &c.) An elastic pipe.

HOSE-FISH. A name for a kind of cuttle-fish.

HOSPITAL. A place appointed for the reception of sick and wounded men,
with a regular medical establishment. (_See_ NAVAL HOSPITALS.)

HOSPITAL-SHIP. A vessel fitted to receive the sick, either remaining in
port, or accompanying a fleet, as circumstance demands. She carries the
chief surgeons, &c. The _Dreadnought_, off Greenwich, is a free
hospital-ship for seamen of all nations.

HOSTAGE. A person given up to an enemy as a pledge or security for the
performance of the articles of a treaty.

HOSTILE CHARACTER is legally constituted by having landed in an enemy's
territory, and by residing there, temporary absence being immaterial; by
permanent trade with an enemy; and by sailing under an enemy's flag.

HOST-MEN. An ancient guild or fraternity at Newcastle, to whom we are
indebted for the valuable sea-coal trade. (_See_ HOASTMEN.)

HOT COPPERS. Dry fauces; morning thirst, but generally applied to those
who were drinking hard over-night.

HOT-PRESS. When the press-gangs were instructed, on imminent emergency,
to impress seamen, regardless of the protections.

HOT-SHOT. Balls made red-hot in a furnace. Amongst the savages in
Bergou, the women are in the rear of the combatants, and they heat the
heads of the spears, exchanging them for such as are cooled in the
fight.

HOT-WELL. In a steamer, a reservoir from whence to feed the boiler with
the warm water received out of the condenser; it also forms part of the
discharge passage from the air-pump into the sea.

HOUND-FISH. The old Anglo-Saxon term for dog-fish--_húnd-fisc_.

HOUNDS. Those projections at the mast-head serving as supports for the
trestle-trees of large and rigging of smaller masts to rest upon. With
lower masts they are termed _cheeks_.

HOUNSID. A rope bound round with service.

HOUR-ANGLE. The angular distance of a heavenly body east or west of the
meridian.

HOUR-GLASS. The sand-glass: a measure of the hour.

HOUSE, TO. To enter within board. To house a topgallant-mast, is to
lower it so as to prevent the rigging resting or chafing on the cap, and
securing its heel to the mast below it. This admits of double-reefed
top-sails being set beneath.

HOUSE-BOAT. One with a cabin; a _coche d'eau_.

HOUSED. The situation of the great guns upon the lower gun-decks when
they are run in clear of the port, and secured. The breech being let
down, the muzzle rests against the side above the port; they are then
secured by their tackles, muzzle-lashings, and breechings. Over the
muzzle of every gun are two strong eye-bolts for the muzzle-lashings,
which are 3-1/2-inch rope. When this operation is well performed, no
accident is feared, as every act is one of mechanical skill. A gun is
sometimes housed fore and aft to make room, as in the cabin, &c. Ships
in ordinary, not in commission, are housed over by a substantial
roofing.

HOUSEHOLD TROOPS. A designation of the horse and foot guards, who enjoy
many immunities and privileges for attending the sovereign.

HOUSEWIFE. _See_ HUZ-ZIF.

HOUSING, OR HOUSE-LINE. A small line formed of three fine strands,
smaller than rope yarn; principally used for seizings of the
block-strops, fastening the clues of sails to their bolt-ropes, and
other purposes. (_See_ MARLINE, TWINE.)

HOUSING-IN. After a ship in building is past the breadth of her bearing,
and that she is brought in too narrow to her upper works, she is said to
be _housed in_, or pinched. (_See_ TUMBLING HOME.)

HOUSING OF A LOWER MAST. That part of a mast which is below deck to the
step in the kelson; of a bowsprit, the portion within the
_knight-heads_.

HOUSING-RINGS. Ring-bolts over the lower deck-ports, through the
beam-clamps, to which the muzzle-lashings of the guns are passed when
housed.

HOUVARI. A strong land wind of the West Indies, accompanied with rain,
thunder, and lightning.

HOUZING. A northern term for lading water.

HOVE DOWN, properly _hove out_ or _careened_. The situation of a ship
when heeled or placed thus for repairs.--_Hove off_, when removed from
the ground.--_Hove up_, when brought into the slips or docks by cradles
on the gridiron, &c.

HOVE-IN-SIGHT. The anchor in view. Also, a sail just discovered.

HOVE-IN-STAYS. The position of a ship in the act of going about.

HOVE KEEL OUT. Hove so completely over the beam-ends that the keel is
above the water.

HOVELLERS. A Cinque-Port term for pilots and their boatmen; but
colloquially, it is also applied to sturdy vagrants who infest the
sea-coast in bad weather, in expectation of wreck and plunder.

HOVERING, AND HOVERING ACTS. Said of smugglers of old.

HOVE-SHORT. The ship with her cable hove taut towards her anchor, when
the sails are usually loosed and braced for canting; sheeted
home.--_Hove well short_, the position of the ship when she is drawn by
the capstan nearly over her anchor.

HOVE-TO. From the act of heaving-to; the motion of the ship stopped. It
is curious to observe that seamen have retained an old word which has
otherwise been long disused. It occurs in Grafton's _Chronicle_, where
the mayor and aldermen of London, in 1256, understanding that Henry III.
was coming to Westminster from Windsor, went to Knightsbridge, "and
_hoved_ there to salute the king."

HOW. An ancient term for the carina or hold of a ship.

HOWE, HOE, OR HOO. A knoll, mound, or elevated hillock.

HOW FARE YE? Are you all hearty? are you working together? a good old
sea phrase not yet lost.

HOWITZER. A piece of ordnance specially designed for the horizontal
firing of shells, being shorter and much lighter than any gun of the
same calibre. The rifled gun, however, throwing a shell of the same
capacity from a smaller bore, and with much greater power, is
superseding it for general purposes.

HOWKER. _See_ HOOKER.

HOWLE. An old English word for the hold of a ship. When the foot-hooks
or futtocks of a ship are scarphed into the ground-timbers and bolted,
and the plank laid up to the orlop-deck, then they say, "the ship begins
to howle."

HOY. A call to a man. Also, a small vessel, usually rigged as a sloop,
and employed in carrying passengers and goods, particularly in short
distances on the sea-coast; it acquired its name from stopping when
called to from the shore, to take up goods or passengers. In Holland the
hoy has two masts, in England but one, where the main-sail is sometimes
extended by a boom, and sometimes without it. In the naval service
there are _gun-hoy_, _powder-hoy_, _provision-hoy_, _anchor-hoy_, all
rigged sloop-fashion.

HOYSE. The old word for hoist.

HUBBLE-BUBBLE. An eastern pipe for smoking tobacco through water, which
makes a bubbling noise.

HUDDOCK. The cabin of a keel or coal-barge.

    "'Twas between Ebbron and Yarrow,
      There cam on a varry strong gale;
    The skipper luicked out o' th' huddock,
      Crying, 'Smash, man, lower the sail!'"

HUDDUM. The old northern term for a kind of whale.

HUER. A man posted on an elevation near the sea, who, by concerted
signals, directs the fishermen when a shoal of fish is in sight.
Synonymous with _conder_ (which see). Also, the hot fountains in the sea
near Iceland, where many of them issue from the land.

HUFFED. Chagrined, offended, often needlessly.

HUFFLER. One who carries off fresh provisions to a ship; a Kentish term.

HUG, TO.--_To hug the land_, to sail as near it as possible, the land
however being to windward.--_To hug the wind_, to keep the ship as
close-hauled to the wind as possible.

HUGGER-MUGGER. In its Shakspearian bearing may have meant secretly, or
in a clandestine manner, but its nautical application is to express
anything out of order or done in a slovenly way.

HUISSIERS. The flat-bottomed transports in which horses were embarked in
the Crusades.

HULCOCK. A northern name for the _Squalus galeus_, or smooth hound-fish.

HULK. Is generally applied to a vessel condemned as unfit for the risks
of the sea, and used as a store-vessel and housing for crews while
refitting the vessels they belong to. There are also hulks for convicts,
and for masting, as _sheer-hulk_. (_See_ SHEERS.)

HULL. The Gothic _hulga_ meant a husk or external covering, and hence
the body of a ship, independent of masts, yards, sails, rigging, and
other furniture, is so called.--_To hull_, signifies to hit with shot;
to drive to and fro without rudder, sail, or oar; as Milton--

    "He looked and saw the ark hull on the flood."

--_To strike hull_ in a storm, is to take in her sails and lash the helm
on the lee side of the ship, which is termed _to lie a-hull_.

HULL-DOWN. Is said of a ship when at such a distance that, from the
convexity of the globe, only her masts and sails are to be seen.

HULLING. Lying in wait at sea without any sails set. Also, to hit with
shot.

HULLOCK OF A SAIL. A small part lowered in a gale.

HULL-TO. The situation of a ship when she is lying a-hull, or with all
her sails furled.

HULLY. A long wicker-trap used for catching eels.

HUMBER-KEEL. A particular clincher-built craft used on the Humber.

HUMLA-BAND. A northern term for the grommet to an oar-pin or thole.

HUMMOCK. A hill with a rounded summit or conical eminence on the
sea-coast. When in pairs they are termed _paps_ by navigators (which
see).

HUMMOCKS OF ICE. Protuberant lumps of ice thrown up by some pressure
upon a _field_ or _floe_, or any other frozen plane. The pieces which
rise when large fragments come in contact, and bits of pack are frozen
together and covered with snow.

HUMMUMS. From the Arabic word _hammam_, a bagnio or bath.

HUMP-BACKED WHALE. A species of whalebone whale, the _Megaptera
longimana_, which attains to 45 or 50 feet in length, and is
distinguished by its low rounded dorsal fin.

HURD. The strand of a rope.

HURDICES. Ramparts, scaffolds, fortifications, &c.

HURDIGERS. Particular artificers employed in constructing the castles in
our early ships.

HURLEBLAST. An archaic term for _hurricane_.

HURRICANE. _See_ TYPHOON.

HURRICANE-DECK. A light deck over the saloon of some steamers.

HURRICANE-HOUSE. Any building run up for temporary purposes; the name is
occasionally given to the round-house on a vessel's deck.

HURRICANO. Shakspeare evidently makes King Lear use this word as a
water-spout.

HURRY. A staith or wharf where coals are shipped in the north.

HURST. Anglo-Saxon to express a wood.

HURT. A wound or injury for which a compensation can be claimed.

HURTLE, TO. To send bodily on by a swell or wind.

HUSBAND, OR SHIP'S HUSBAND. An agent appointed by deed, executed by all
the owners, with power to advance and lend, to make all payments, to
receive the prices of freights, and to retain all claims. But this
office gives him no authority to insure or to borrow money; and he is to
render a full account to his employers.

HUSH. A name of the lump-fish, denoting the female.

HUSSAR, OR HUZZAR. A Hungarian term signifying "twentieth," as the first
hussars were formed by selecting from various regiments the ablest man
in every twenty; now generally a light-cavalry soldier equipped somewhat
after the original Hungarian fashion.

HUT. The same as _barrack_ (which see).

HUTT. The breech-pin of a gun.

HUZZA! This was originally the _hudsa_, or cry, of the Hungarian light
horse, but is now also the national shout of the English in joy and
triumph.

HUZ-ZIF. A general corruption of _housewife_. A very useful contrivance
for holding needles and thread, and the like.

HYDRAULIC DOCK. _See_ CAISSON.

HYDRAULIC PRESS. The simple yet powerful water-press invented by Bramah,
without which it would have been a puzzle to float the enormous _Great
Eastern_.

HYDRAULIC PURCHASE. A machine for drawing up vessels on a slip, in which
the pumping of water is used to multiply the force applied.

HYDRAULICS. _See_ HYDROLOGY.

HYDROGRAPHER. One who surveys coasts, &c., and constructs true maps and
charts founded on astronomical observations. The hydrographer to the
admiralty presides over the hydrographical office.

HYDROGRAPHICAL CHARTS OR MAPS. Usually called _sea-charts_, are
projections of some part of the sea and its neighbouring coast for the
use of navigation, and therefore the depth of water and nature of the
bottom are minutely noted.

HYDROGRAPHICAL OFFICE. A department of the admiralty where the labours
of the marine surveyors of the Royal Navy are collected and published.

HYDROGRAPHY. The science of marine surveying, requiring the principal
points to be astronomically fixed.

HYDROLOGY. That part of physics which explains the properties of water,
and is usually divided into hydrostatics and hydraulics. The former
treats of weighing water and fluids in general, and of ascertaining
their specific gravities; the latter shows the manner of conveying water
from one place to another.

HYDROMETER. An instrument constructed to measure the specific gravities
of fluids. That used at sea for testing the amount of salt in the water
is a glass tube containing a scale, the bottom of the tube swelling out
into two bulbs, of which the lower is laden with shot, which causes the
instrument to float perpendicularly, and as it displaces its own weight
of water, of course it sinks deeper as the water is lighter, which is
recorded by the scale.

HYGRE. (_See_ BORE and EAGRE.) An effect of counter-currents.

HYGROMETER. An instrument for ascertaining the quantity of moisture in
the atmosphere.

HYPERBOLA. One of the conic sections formed by cutting a cone by a plane
which is so inclined to the axis, that when produced it cuts also the
opposite cone, or the cone which is the continuation of the former, on
the opposite side of the vertex.

HYPOTHECA. A mortgage. In the civil law, was where the thing pledged
remained with the debtor.

HYPOTHECATION. An authority to the master, amounting almost to a power
of the absolute disposal of the ship in a foreign country; he may
hypothecate not only the hull, but his freight and cargo, for necessary
and urgent repairs.

HYTHE. A pier or wharf to lade or unlade wares at [from the Anglo-Saxon
_hyd_,