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 laminae 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 _Pleuronectidae_, 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 deg. 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, _feam_]. 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 deg. and end at 10 deg. The next longer vane is called the thirty cross, belonging to that side of the staff on which the divisions begin at 10 deg. and end at 30 deg., called the thirty scale. The next is called the sixty cross, and belongs to that side where the divisions begin at 20 deg. and end at 60 deg. The last and longest, called the ninety cross, belongs to that side whereon the divisions begin at 30 deg. and end at 90 deg. 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 deg. 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 deg. 5' Fah.; fresh water at 32 deg.; mercury at 39 deg. 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. FRUMENTARIAE. 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 _Pelecanidae_, 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