13. Midshipmen " Ensigns.

Also, the order or straight line made by men drawn up side by side. RANK AND FILE. This word includes corporals as well as privates, all below sergeants. (_See_ FILE.) RANSACK, TO. To pillage; but to ransack the hold is merely to overhaul its contents. RANSOM. Money paid for the liberty of a war-prisoner, a city, or for the restoration of a captured vessel: formerly much practised at sea. It then fell into disuse, but was revived for a time in the seventeenth century. At length the greater maritime powers prohibited the offering or accepting such ransoms. By English law, all such securities shall be absolutely void; and he who enters into any such contract shall forfeit L500 on conviction. A privateer taking ransom forfeits her letters of marque, and her commander is punishable with a heavy penalty and imprisonment. RAPER. An old term for a rope-maker. RAP-FULL. Applies to a ship on a wind, when "keep her rap-full!" means, do not come too close to the wind, or lift a wrinkle of the sail. RAPID. A slope, down which water runs with more than ordinary rapidity, but not enough to be called a "fall;" and sometimes navigable by boats. RAPPAREE. A smuggler, or one who lives on forced hospitality. RASE. An archaism for a channel of the sea, and not a mispronunciation of _race_ (which see). RASEE. A line-of-battle ship with her upper works taken off, or reduced a deck, to lighten her; some of the old contract-built ships of the line, yclept "Forty Thieves," were thus converted into heavy frigates, as the _Duncan_, _America_, _Warspite_, &c. RASH. A disease which attacks trees that have ceased to grow. RASING. Marking timber by the _rasing-knife_, which has a peculiar blade hooked at its point, as well as a centre-pin to describe circles. RASING-IRON. A tool for clearing the pitch and oakum out of the seams, previous to their being caulked afresh. RAT. A term for one who changes his party for interest: from rats deserting vessels about to sink. These mischievous vermin are said to have increased after the economical expulsion of cats from our dockyards. Thus, in the petition from the ships-in-ordinary, to be allowed to go to sea, even to carry passengers, we read:-- "Tho' it was hemigrants or sodgers-- Anything afore them rats, Which now they is our only lodgers; For well they knows, the artful dodgers, The Board won't stand th' expense of cats." Injury done by rats is not included in a policy of insurance. Also, a rapid stream or race, derived from sharp rocks beneath, which injure the cable. RATCHER. An old term for a rock. RATCHET. A saw-toothed wheel in machinery, as the winch, windlass, &c., in which the paul catches. RATE. A tariff or customs roll. Also, the six orders into which the ships of war were divided in the navy, according to their force and magnitude. Thus the _first rate_ comprehended all ships of 110 guns and upwards, having 42-pounders on the lower deck, diminishing to 6-pounders on the quarter-deck and forecastle. They were manned with 850 to 875 men, including officers, seamen, marines, servants, &c.--_Second rate._ Ships carrying from 90 to 100 guns.--_Third rate._ Ships from 80 to 84 guns.--_Fourth rate._ Ships from 60 to 74 guns; these were comprehended under the general names of frigates, and never appeared in the line of battle.--_Fifth rate._ Mounting from 32 to 40, or even 60 guns.--And _Sixth rate_. Mounting from any number, or no guns, if commanded by captains; those commanded by commanders were deemed sloops. Since the late introduction of massive iron, a captain may command but one gun. RATE A CHRONOMETER, TO. To determine its daily gaining or losing rate on mean time. RATED SHIP. Synonymous with _post-ship_ in former times; the term _ship_ alone now infers that it is a captain's command, whilst _sloop_ means a commander's. RATH. A Gaelic term in use for _raft_--a timber raft; it is also an ancient earthen fort. RATING. The station a person holds on the ship's books. RATION. Each man's daily allowance of provisions; including, in the army, fuel and forage to man and horse. RATIONAL HORIZON. _See_ HORIZON. RATLINES, OR RATLINGS. Small lines which traverse the shrouds of a ship (at distances of 15 or 16 inches) horizontally from the deck upwards, and are made firm by jamming clove-hitches; they form a series of steps, like the rounds of a ladder. RAT'S-TAIL. The tapering end of a rope. Also, the round tapered file for enlarging holes in metal. RATTAN [Malay, _rotan_]. One of the genus _Calamus_, used for wicker-work, seats of chairs, &c. In the eastern seas they constitute the chief cables, even to 42 inches circumference, infinitely stronger than hemp, light, and not easily chafed by rocks; very useful also to seamen for brooms, hoops, hanks for sails, &c. RATTLE DOWN RIGGING, TO; OR, TO RATTLE THE SHROUDS. To fix the ratlines in a line parallel to the vessel's set on the water. RAUN. An old Manx term for a seal. In the north it implies the roe of salmon, used as a bait. RAUNER. A northern term for the female salmon, as having the raun or roe. RAVE-HOOK. In ship carpentry, a hooked iron tool used when enlarging the butts for receiving a sufficient quantity of oakum. RAVELIN. In fortification, an outwork consisting of two long faces meeting in a salient angle, covering the curtain, and, generally, the shoulders of the bastions; it affords a powerful defence to the ground in front of the latter, which may rarely be approached till after the fall of the ravelin. RAVINE. A deep chasm through which the rains are carried off elevated lands. RAY. A line of sight. Also, a flat rhomboidal fish with a rough skin; genus, _Raia_. RAZE, TO. To level or demolish (applicable to works or buildings). RAZED. Fortifications are said to be razed when totally demolished. RAZOR-BACK. The fin-whale (_Balaenoptera_), so called from its prominent dorsal fin. It usually attains the length of 70 feet. RAZOR-BILL. A sea-fowl allied to the auks, _Alca torda_. REACH, OR RATCH. A straight part of a navigable river; the distance between any two elbows on the banks, wherein the current flows in uninterrupted course. REACHING. Sometimes used for standing off and on: a vessel is also said to be on a reach, when she is sailing by the wind upon any tack. A vessel also _reaches_ ahead of her adversary. READY ABOUT! OR READY OH! The order to prepare for tacking, each man to his station. (_See_ ABOUT.) READY WITH THE LEAD! A caution when the vessel is luffed up to deaden her way, followed by "heave." REAL. A silver coin of Spain, value 5_d._ sterling. One-eighth of a dollar. REALILLO. A small Spanish silver coin, value half a real. REAM OR REEM OUT, TO. To enlarge the bore of a cannon with a special tool, so that it may take a larger projectile. REAMING. Fishing vessels shifting their quarters while fishing. This word is often used for _reeming_ (which see). REAR. An epithet for anything situated behind another, as the hindmost portion of a fleet or army. (_See_ DIVISION.) To _rear_ an object in view, is to _rise_ or approach it. REAR-ADMIRAL. The officer in command of the third division of a fleet, whose flag is at the mizen. REAR-GUARD. That part of the army which brings up and protects the rear. REARING. The upper-works tumbling home, or being wall-sided. REAR-RANK. The last rank of a body of men drawn up in simple line. REAR-SHIP. The sternmost ship of a fleet. RE-ASSEMBLE. To gather together a fleet, or convoy, after having been scattered. REASTY. Rancid or rusty pork or butter, &c. REAVEL, OR RAFFLE. To entangle; to knot confusedly together. REBALLING. The catching of eels with earth-worms attached to a ball of lead suspended by a string from a pole. REBATE. _See_ DISCOUNT. REBATES. The grooves formed on each side of the keel, stem, or stern-post, to receive the planks. (_See_ RABBET.) REBELS. Revolters and mutineers; in admiralty law the same as enemies. RECEIVERS OF DROITS OF ADMIRALTY. Now termed _receivers of wreck_ (which see). RECEIVERS OF WRECK. Persons specially charged with wrecked property for the benefit of the shipping interests. RECEIVING-SHIP. At any port, to receive supernumerary seamen, or entered or impressed men for the royal navy. RECIPROCATE. The alternate motion balancing a steam-engine. RECIPROCITY. The enlarging or contracting particular admiralty statutes, to meet the usages of foreign powers. RECKONING, SHIP'S. The ship's position resulting from the courses steered, and distances run by log, brought up from the last astronomical observations. If unaccompanied by corrections for longitude by chronometer, and for latitude, it is termed only the dead-reckoning. RECOIL. The running in of a gun when discharged, which backward motion is caused by the force of the fire. RECONNAISSANCE. A word adopted from the French, as meaning a military or nautical examination of a place. RECONNOITRING. Sailing within gun-shot of an enemy's port to ascertain his strength and capabilities for offence and defence. Also, a rapid examination of coasts and countries, for correcting the defects of many previous maps and charts. RECREANT. This term was for him who had yielded in single combat. RECTA PRISA REGIS. In law, the sovereign's right to prisage, or one pipe of wine before, and another behind the masts, as customary in every cargo of wine. RECTIFIER. An instrument used for determining the variation of the compass, in order to rectify the ship's course, &c. It consists of two circles, either laid upon or let into one another, and so fastened together in their centres that they represent two compasses, the one fixed, the other movable; each is divided into 32 points of the compass, and 360 deg., and numbered both ways from the north and the south, ending at the east and west in 90 deg. The fixed compass represents the horizon, in which the north and all the other points are liable to variation. REDAN. The simplest form of regular fortification, consisting of two faces meeting in a salient angle; generally applied in connection with other works. REDD. The spawn of fish. Also, the burrow scooped out by salmon in which to deposit their ova. REDD-FISH. A northern general term for fishes in the spawning state, but particularly applied to salmon. REDEMPTIONER. One who purchases his release from obligation to the master of a ship, by his services; or one whose services are sold to pay the expenses of his passage to America or elsewhere. REDHIBITION. An action to annul or set aside a contract of sale. RED-HOT BALLS. Shot made red-hot in a furnace, and in that state discharged at the enemy. The loading is managed with wet wads. REDOUBT. An inclosed work, differing from a fort, in that its parts do not flank one another. RED PINE. _Pinus rubra_, the red spruce; the timber of which is preferred throughout the United States for yards, and imported for that purpose into Liverpool from Nova Scotia. REDUCE, TO. To degrade to a lower rank; or to shorten the allowance of water or provisions. REDUCE A CHARGE, TO. To diminish the contents of a cartridge, sometimes requisite during heavy firing. REDUCE A PLACE, TO. To compel its commander to surrender, or vacate it by capitulation. REDUCTION OF CELESTIAL OBSERVATIONS. The process of calculation, by which observations are rendered subservient to utility. REEF. A certain portion of a sail comprehended between the head of a sail and any of the reef-bands. The intention of each reef is to reduce the sail in proportion to the increase of the wind; there are also reefs parallel to the foot or bottom of large sails, extended upon booms.--_Close-reefed_ is when all the reefs of the top-sails are taken in.--_Reef_ is also a group or continuous chain of rocks, sufficiently near the surface of the water to occasion its breaking over them. (_See_ FRINGING REEFS and BARRIER REEFS.) REEF-BAND. A narrow band of canvas sewed on the reef-line to support the strain of the reef-points. It is pierced with eyelet-holes, through which the points are passed each way with a running eye. REEF-CRINGLES. _See_ CRINGLE. REEF-EARINGS. _See_ EARINGS. REEFED TOP-MAST. When a top-mast is sprung in or near the cap, the lower piece is cut off, and a new fid-hole cut, by which the mast is reefed or shortened. REEFERS. A familiar term for midshipmen, because they have to attend in the tops during the operation of taking in reefs. REEF-KNOT. Is one in which the ends fall always in a line with the outer parts; in fact, two loops, easy to untie, never jamming. That with the second tie across, is termed a granny's knot. REEF-LINE. Casual aids in bad weather to help the men at the earings. When the vessel was going free, and the sail could not be "spilled," the men were, if blowing hard, often aided by passing the studding-sail halyards loosely round the sail, clewed up spirally from yard-arm to bunt. REEF-PENDANT. A rope going through a cringle in the after-leech of a boom main-sail, and through a check sheave-hole in the boom, with a tackle attached to its end to bowse the after-leech down to the boom by which the sail is held reefed. On the lower yards it is a pendant for a similar purpose as the reef-tackle. REEF-POINTS. Small flat pieces of plaited cordage or soft rope, tapering from the middle towards each end, whose length is nearly double the circumference of the yard, and used for the purpose of tying up the sail in the act of reefing; they are made fast by their eyes on each side of the eyelet-holes. REEF-TACKLES, are indeed pendants and tackles. The pendant is rove through the sister-block, then a sheave in the yard-arm, and secured to a strong cringle beneath the close reef, sometimes through a block, and the end secured to the yard-arm. Within the sister-block it becomes a gun-tackle purchase, with the fall leading on deck. The reef-tackles are hauled out, and the other aids complete, before the men are sent aloft. REEF-TACKLE SPAN. Two cringles in the bolt-rope, about a couple of feet apart, when a block is used. REELS. Well-known wheels moving round an axis, and serving to wind various lines upon, as the log-reel for the log-line, deep-sea reel (which contains the deep-sea line, amounting to 150 or 200 fathoms), spun-yarn reel, &c. "She went 10 knots off the reel"--_i.e._ by the log-line. REEMING. A term used by caulkers for opening the seams of the plank with reeming-irons, that the oakum may be more readily admitted. This may be a corruption of _rimer_, for opening circular holes in metal. REEMING-BEETLE. A caulker's largest mallet. REEMING-IRON. The larger iron used by caulkers in opening the seams. RE-ENTERING ANGLE. In fortification, is an angle whose vertex points inward, or towards the place. REEVE, TO. To pass the end of a rope through any cavity or aperture, as the channel of a block; to _unreeve_ is the opposite. REEVING. In polar voyaging, following up serpentine channels in the ice, till the vessel reaches open water, or _reeves the pack_. REFITTING. Repairing any damages which a ship may have sustained. REFLECTING CIRCLE. An instrument used instead of a sextant, quintant, or quadrant; but the quintant embraces as much--viz. 152 degrees. The instrument reflects a celestial or any distant object so as to bring the image into contact with any object seen direct, by which their angular distance is measured, as in lunar distances. REFLECTION, ANGLE OF. Whether the instance be a ray of light or a cannon-ball, the angle of reflection will always be found equal to the angle of incidence. REFLUX. The ebbing of the tide, or reflow of the waters, which have been pressed back. REFORMADES. The sons of the nobility and gentry who served in the navy under letters from Charles II., and were allowed table-money and other encouragements to raise the character of the service. REFRACTING TELESCOPE. That through which objects are seen directly through its double object-glass. REFRACTION. An inflection of the rays of light: that property of the atmosphere which bends the rays of light in their passage to the eye from a different density, and causes the altitude of heavenly bodies to appear greater than it really is, especially near the horizon. (_See_ TERRESTRIAL REFRACTION.) REFUSAL OF A PILE. Its stoppage or obstruction, when it cannot be driven further in. REGAL FISHES. In statute law, these are whales and sturgeons. REGARDERS. Inspectors of the felling of timber. REGATTA. A rowing-match formerly peculiar to the republic of Venice; but now the term is applied to yacht and boat races in general. REGIMENT. A body of men commanded by a colonel, complete in its own organization, and divided into companies of infantry or troops of cavalry. REGIMENTAL ORDERS. Such as the commanding officer may deem it necessary to issue for the discipline of the regiment. REGIMENTALS. The regulation dress for the individuals of a regiment. REGIMENTAL STAFF-OFFICERS. The surgeon, adjutant, paymaster, assistant-surgeon, and quarter-master of each regiment. REGION. Any large tract of land or water on the earth's surface, having some feature common to every part of itself, and different from what exists elsewhere; as northern, southern, or intertropical region; mountainous region; region of perpetual congelation, &c. REGISTER. A purchaser has no title to a ship, either at law or in equity, unless he be mentioned in the register. If a vessel, not duly registered, exercise any of the privileges of a British ship, she is liable to forfeiture. REGISTER ANEW. When any registered ship is so altered as not to correspond with the "particulars" relating to the description in her register-book, either a new certificate of registry, or an official indorsement of the old one, is necessary. REGISTER OF VICE-ADMIRALTY COURT. Not responsible for money transmitted under proper precautions, and in the usual course of business, but afterwards lost by the failure of the consignee. REGISTER SHIP. A Spanish plate-ship or galleon. REGISTRY OF SEAMEN. A record of merchant seamen kept by the registrar-general of seamen. REGNI POPULI. An old law-term given to the people of Surrey and Sussex, and on the sea-coasts of Hampshire. REGULATOR. A name for the governor of a steam-engine. Also, a valve-cock. The _regulator_ of a clock is the shortening or lengthening pendulum or escapement. REGULUS. {a} Leonis; the principal star in the old constellation Leo. REIGNING WINDS. The prevalent winds on any particular coast or region. (_See_ WIND.) REIN. A crack or vein in a musket-barrel. REINFORCE, TO. To strengthen a fleet, squadron, army, or detachment, by additional means and munitions. REINFORCE. In artillery, that increase, beyond its general conical outline, of the metal towards the breech, which was marked on old pattern guns by rings. They are generally in cast guns omitted now, though the principle of the reinforce remains, yet less defined in nature and number, in the recent wrought and built-up guns. RE-INSURANCE. To insure the same property a second time by other underwriters. If an underwriter find that he has incautiously bound himself to a greater amount than he can discharge, he may shift it, or part of it, from himself to others, by a re-insurance policy made on the same risk. REIS. Small coins of Portugal, of which 4800 go to the moidore. RELIEF. The change of watches. Also, the person relieving a particular station. Also, a fresh detachment of troops, ordered to replace those already on duty. In fortification, the total height of the crest of the parapet above the bottom of the ditch. RELIEVE, TO. To put fresh men or ships upon a stipulated duty. RELIEVING TACKLES. Those which are occasionally hooked to the tiller, in order to steer by in bad weather or in action, when any accident has happened to the wheel or tiller-rope. REMA, OR REUME. The tide. REMAIN. The quantity of stores left on charge for survey, after a voyage. REMARK-BOOK. This contains hydrographical observations of every port visited, and is sent annually to the admiralty, together with any charts, plans, or views which have been taken. Often a very dull miscellany, though kept by intelligent masters. REMBERGE. A long narrow rowing vessel of war, formerly used by the English. Its name is derived from _remo_ and _barca_, and it seems to have been the precursor of the Deal luggers. REMBLAI. The mass of earth requisite for the construction of the rampart. An embankment. REMORA. The _sucker-fish_. It has a long oval plate on the top of the head, by which, having exhausted the air in it, it clings to a ship's bottom, to the sides of a shark, or to turtle. REMOVAL FROM THE LIST. Dismission, or dropping an officer out of the service. RENDERING. The act of yielding to any force applied. For instance, the rope of a laniard or tackle is said to render when, by pulling upon one part, each other part takes its share of the strain. Any rope, hawser, or cable is "rendered" by easing it round the bitts, particularly in riding with a strain to freshen the nip. RENDEZVOUS. The port or place of destination where the several ships of a fleet are appointed to join company. REPEATING FIRE-ARM. One by which a number of charges, previously inserted, may be fired off in rapid succession, or after various pauses. The principle is very old, but the effective working of it is new. REPEAT SIGNALS, TO. Is to make the same signal exhibited by the admiral, in order to its being more readily distinguished at a distance, or through smoke, &c. Frigates and small vessels out of the line were deemed repeating ships, and enforced signals by guns. The _repeat_ from a superior intended to convey rebuke for inattention, is usually accompanied by one gun, or several. REPLENISH, TO. To obtain supplies of water and provisions up to the original amount. REPORT OF GUARD. The document rendered in by the guard-boat, of every vessel boarded during her hours of duty, with their arrivals, sailings, and other occurrences. REPORT OF SURVEY. The opinion of surveys officially signed by surveying officers. REPORT ONE'S SELF, TO. When an officer returns on board from duty, or from leave of absence. REPRESENTATION. A collateral statement of such facts not inserted on the policy of insurance, as may give the underwriters a just estimate of the risk of the adventure. (_See_ WARRANTY.) REPRIMAND. A formal reproof for error or misconduct, conveyed sometimes publicly, sometimes confidentially, sometimes by sentence of court-martial, or on the judgment, mature or otherwise, of a superior. REPRISAL. The taking one thing in satisfaction for another, as the seizing of ships and goods for injury inflicted; a right exerted, though no actual war be commenced. It is authorized by the law of nations if justice has been solemnly called for and denied. The word is synonymous with _marque_ in our admiralty courts. REPRISE, OR REPRISAL. Is the retaking a vessel from the enemy before she has arrived in any neutral or hostile port. If a vessel thus retaken has been 24 hours in the possession of an enemy, she is deemed a lawful recapture; but if within that time, she is merely _detenu_, and must be wholly restored to the owner. An amount of salvage is sometimes awarded to the re-captors. Also, if a vessel has from any cause been abandoned by the enemy, before he has taken her into any port, she is to be restored to the original proprietor. (_See_ SALVAGE.) REQUISITION. An official demand for stores, &c. RESCUE. Any vessel recovered by the insurrection of prisoners on board of her, or by her being forced by stress of weather into our ports, she is restored on _salvage_. There is no rule prescribed by the law of England in the case of foreign property rescued; with British subjects the court usually adopts the proportion of recapture. In respect to foreigners the only guide is that of "quantum meruit." RESERVE. A portion drawn out from the main body, and stationed in the rear for a special object. RE-SHIP. To ship again, or ship goods that have been imported or conveyed by water. RESIDENT. A British subject residing in an enemy's country may trade generally with the natives, but not in contraband. RESISTING MEDIUM. An assumed thin ethereal fluid, which, from the retardation of Encke's comet, may be supposed to pervade the planetary space--perhaps the _spiritus subtilissimus_ of Newton--in virtue of which periodical comets seem to have their velocity diminished, and their orbits contracted at every revolution. RESOLVE, TO. To reduce a traverse, or day's work, to its exact limits. RESOURCE. Expedient. A good seaman is ever a man of resources. RESPONDENTIA. A loan made upon goods laden in a ship, for which the borrower is personally responsible; differing therein from bottomry, where the ship and tackle are liable. In bottomry the lender runs no risk, though the goods should be lost; and upon respondentia the lender must be paid his principal and interest, though the ship perish, provided the goods be safe. RESPONSIBILITY. Often a wholesome restraint; but the bugbear of an inefficient officer. REST. A pole with an iron fork at the top for the support of the old heavy musket. RET, TO. To soak in water, as in seasoning timber, hemp, &c. RETINUE. Applied strictly to the admiral's suite or followers, though it means an accompanying train in general. RETIRE. The old war-term for retreat. Thus Shakspeare makes Richard Plantagenet exclaim-- "Ne'er may he live to see a sunshine day, That cries Retire, if Warwick bid him stay." RETIRED LIST. A roll whereon deserving officers are placed whose health, age, or want of interest justifies their retirement from active service. RETIRED PAY. A graduated pension for retired officers; but the term is nearly synonymous with _half pay_. RETRACTUS AQUAE. An old law-term for the ebb or return of tide. RETREAT. The order in which a fleet or squadron declines engagement. Or the retrograde movement of any body of men who retire from a hostile force. Also, that beat of drum about sunset which orders the guards and piquets to take up their night duties. RETRENCHMENT. A defence with a ditch and breast-work behind another post or defence, whereby the besieger, on forcing the original work, is confronted by a fresh one. RETROGRADATION. An apparent motion of the planets contrary to the order of the signs, and to their orbital march. The arc of retrogradation is the angular distance thus apparently traversed. Mars may be watched as an instance. RETROGRADE MOTION. _See_ MOTION. RETURN. A ship on a return voyage is not generally liable; but if she sailed on the outward voyage under false papers, the liability to confiscation continues. RETURN A SALUTE, TO. Admirals are saluted, but return two guns less for each rank that the saluting officer is below the admiral. RETURNS. All the various reports and statements required by officers in command to be made periodically. (_See_ SUPPLIES AND RETURNS.) REVEILLE. The beat of drum at break of day, when night duties cease. REVENUE. In cases of revenue proceedings, the law harshly provides that the _onus probandi_ is to be on the claimant, however injured. REVENUE-CUTTERS. Sharp-built single-masted vessels armed, for the purpose of preventing smuggling, and enforcing the custom-house regulations. They are usually styled _revenue-cruisers_. REVERSE. A change; a vicissitude. Also, the flank at the other extremity from the pivot of a division is termed the reverse flank. REVETMENT. A sloping wall of brick-work, or any other attainable material, supporting the outer face of the rampart, and lining the side of the ditch. REVIEW. The inspection of a fleet or army, or of any body of men under arms. REVOLUTION, TIME OF. In relation to a planet or comet, this is the time occupied in completing a circuit round the sun, and is synonymous with _periodic time_. RHE. A very old word signifying an overflow of water. RHILAND-ROD. A Dutch measure of 12 English feet, formerly in use with us: it is more properly _Rhine-land rod_. RHODIAN LAWS. A maritime code, asserted, but without sufficient proof, to be the basis of the Roman sea-laws. The code published by Leunclavius and others, as a body of Rhodian laws, is a mere forgery of modern times. RHODINGS. The brass cleats on which the axles of the pumps work. RHOMBOID. An oblique parallelogram, having its opposite sides equal and parallel, but its angles not right angles. RHOMBUS. A lozenge-shaped figure, having four equal sides, but its angles not right angles. RHUMB, OR RHOMB. A vertical circle of any given place, or the intersection of a part of such a circle with the horizon. Rhumbs, therefore, coincide with points of the world, or of the horizon; and hence seamen distinguish the rhumbs by the same names as the points and winds, as marked on the fly or card of the compass. The _rhumb-line_, therefore, is a line prolonged from any point of the compass in a nautical chart, except the four cardinal points; or it is a line which a ship, keeping in the same collateral point or rhumb, describes throughout its whole course. RHYDAL [from the Celtic _rhydle_]. A ford or channel joining lakes or broad waters. RIBADOQUIN. A powerful cross-bow for throwing long darts. Also, an old piece of ordnance throwing a ball of one or two pounds. RIBBANDS. In naval architecture, long narrow flexible pieces of fir nailed upon the outside of the ribs, from the stem to the stern-post of a ship, so as to encompass the body lengthways, and hold the timbers together while in frame. RIBBING-NAILS. Similar to deck-nails, but not so fine; they have large round heads with rings, so as to prevent their heads from splitting the timbers, or being drawn through. RIBBONS. The painted mouldings along a ship's side. Also, the tatters of a sail in blowing away. RIBS. The frame timbers which rise from the bottom to the top of a ship's hull: the hull being as the body, the keel as the backbone, and the planking as the skin. RIBS AND TRUCKS. Used figuratively for fragments. RIBS OF A PARREL. An old species of parrel having alternate ribs and bull's-eyes; the ribs were pieces of wood, each about one foot in length, having two holes in them through which the two parts of the parrel-rope are reeved with a bull's-eye between; the inner smooth edge of the rib rests against, and slides readily up and down, the mast. RICKERS. Lengths of stout poles cut up for the purpose of stowing flax, hemp, and the like. Spars supplied for boats' masts and yards, boat-hook staves, &c. RICOCHET. The bound of a shot. _Ricochet fire_, that whereby, a less charge and a greater elevation being used, the shot or shell is made to just clear a parapet, and bound along the interior of a work. RIDDLE. A sort of weir in rivers.--_To riddle._ To fire through and through a vessel, and reduce her to a sieve-like condition. RIDE, TO. To ride at anchor. A vessel rides easily, apeak, athwart, head to wind, out a gale, open hawse, to the tide, to the wind, &c. A rope rides, as when round the capstan or windlass the strain part overlies and jams the preceding turn.--_To ride between wind and tide._ Said of a ship at anchor when she is acted upon by wind and tide from different directions, and takes up a position which is the result of both forces. RIDEAU. A rising ground running along a plain, nearly parallel to the works of a place, and therefore prejudicial. RIDERS. Timbers laid as required, reaching from the keelson to the orlop-beams, to bind a ship and give additional strength. They are variously termed, as _lower futtock-riders_ and _middle futtock-riders_. When a vessel is weak, or has broken her floors or timbers, riders are introduced to secure the ship, and enable her to reach a port where she can be properly repaired. Stringers are also used, but these run horizontally.--_Riders_ are also upper tiers of casks, or any stowed above the ground tier in the hold. RIDING A PORT-LAST. With lower yards on the gunwales. RIDING-BITTS. Those to which the cable is made fast. RIDING-DOWN. The act of the men who throw their weight on the head of a sail to stretch it. Also, of the man who comes down a stay, &c., to tar it; or foots the bunt in. RIDGE. Hydrographically means a long narrow stretch of shingle or rocks, near the surface of the sea, (_See_ REEF and SHALLOWS.) Geographically, the intersection of two opposite slopes, or a range of hills, or the highest line of mountains. RIDGE-ROPES, are of various kinds. Thus the centre-rope of an awning, and those along the rigging to which it is stretched, the man-ropes to the bowsprit, safety lines from gun to gun in bad weather--all obtain this name. RIFE. An old provincial term for a salt-water pond. RIFLED ORDNANCE. That which is provided with spiral grooves in the interior of the bore, to give rotatory motion to the projectile, thereby much increasing its accuracy of flight, and permitting the use of elongated shot and shell. RIFLE-PIT. Cover hastily thrown up by one or two skirmishers, but contributing, when a line of them is joined together, to form works sometimes of much importance. RIG. Colloquially, mischievous frolic not carried to excess. RIG, TO. To fit the shrouds, stays, braces, and running-rigging to their respective masts, yards, and sails. Colloquially, it means to dress.--_To rig in a boom_, is to draw it in.--_To rig out a boom_, is to run it out from a yard, in order to extend the foot of a sail upon it, as with studding-sail booms, &c. RIGEL. {b} _Orionis_, one of the bright stars in Orion. RIGGED. Completely equipped. RIGGERS. Men employed on board ships to fit the standing and running rigging, or to dismantle them. The riggers in the naval yards, who rig ships previous to their being commissioned, are under the master-attendant, and perform all anchor, mooring, and harbour duties also. RIGGING. A general name given to all the ropes or chains employed to support the masts, and arrange the sails according to the direction of the wind. Those are termed "standing" which are comparative fixtures, and support the masts, &c.; and those "running," which are in constant use, to trim the yards, and make or shorten sail, &c. RIGGING-LOFT. A long room or gallery in a dockyard, where rigging is fitted by stretching, serving, splicing, seizing, &c., to be in readiness for the ship. RIGGING-MATS. Those which are seized upon a vessel's standing rigging, to prevent its being chafed. RIGGING OUT. A term for outfitting. Also, a word used familiarly to express clothing of ship or tar. RIGGING-STOPPER. _See_ STOPPER OF THE CABLE. RIGHT. As to direction, fully or directly; thus, right ahead, or right away, &c. RIGHT ANGLE. An angle formed by a line rising or falling perpendicularly upon another, and measuring 90 deg., or the quadrant of a circle. RIGHT-ANGLED TRIANGLE. That which has one right angle. RIGHT ASCENSION. An arc of the equator between the first point of Aries, and the hour circle which passes through any planet or star; or that point of the equinoctial, which comes to the meridian with any heavenly object, and is therefore similar to terrestrial longitude. RIGHT ATHWART. Square, or at right angles with the keel. RIGHT AWAY! It is a habit of seamen answering when a sail is discovered from the mast-head; "Right away on the beam, sir," or "on the bow," &c. RIGHT-HAND ROPE. That which is laid up and twisted with the sun, that is to the right hand; the term is opposed to _water-laid rope_, which is left-handed. RIGHTING. The act of a ship recovering her upright position after she has been laid upon a careen, which is effected by casting loose the careening tackles, and, if necessary, heaving upon the relieving tackles. A ship is also said _to right_ at sea, when she rises with her masts erect, after having been listed over on one side by grounding, or force of wind. RIGHT THE HELM! The order to put it amidships, that is, in a line with the keel. RIGHT ON END. In a continuous line; as the masts should be. RIGHT SAILING. Running a course on one of the four cardinal points, so as to alter only a ship's latitude, or longitude. RIGHT UP AND DOWN. Said in a dead calm, when the wind is no way at all. Or, in anchor work, when the cable is in that condition, the boatswain calls, "Up and down, sir," whereupon "Thick and dry (nippers) for weighing" are ordered. RIGHT WAY. When the ship's head casts in the desired direction. Also, when she swings clear at single anchor. RIGHT WHALE. A name applied to the whale with a very large head and no dorsal fin, which yields the whalebone and train-oil of commerce, in opposition to the fin-backs or rorquals, which are scarcely worth catching. There are several species found both in the Arctic and Southern seas, but never within the tropics. RIG OF A SHIP. The disposition of the masts, cut of sails, &c., whether square or fore-and-aft rigs. In fact, the rig denotes the character of the vessel. RIG THE CAPSTAN, TO. To fix the bars in the drumhead in readiness for heaving; not forgetting to pin and swift. (_See_ CAPSTAN.) RIG THE GRATINGS. Prepare them for punishment. RILE. An old corruption of _rail_. To ruffle the temper; to vex. RILL. A very small run of fresh water, less than a rivulet. RIM, OR BRIM. A name given to the circular edge of a top. (_See_ TOP.) RIM-BASE. The shoulder on the stock of a musket. RIME. Hoar-frost; condensed vapour. RIMER. A palisade in fortification; but for its naval application, _see_ REEMING. Also, a tool for enlarging holes in metal plates, &c. RIMS. Those pieces which form the quarter-galleries between the stools. Also, the cast-iron frame in which the dropping pauls of a capstan traverse, and bring up the capstan. RING. A commercial measure of staves, or wood prepared for casks, and containing four shocks. Also, the iron ring to which the cable is bent to the anchor in the summit of the shank. RING-BOLT. An iron bolt with an eye at one end, wherein is fitted a circular ring. They are more particularly used for managing cannon, and are for this purpose fixed on each side of the port-holes. They are driven through the plank and the corresponding timber, and retained in this position by a clinching ring. RING-DOGS. Iron implements for hauling timber along: made by connecting two common dogs by a ring through the eyes. When united with cordage they form a _sling-dog_ (which see). RING-ROPES. Ropes rove through the ring of the anchor, to haul the cable through it, in order to bend or make it fast in bad weather; they are first rove through the ring, and then through the hawse-holes, when the end of the cable is secured to them. RINGS. The annual circular layers in timber. Also, grommets, or circles of metal for lifting things by hand, or securing the points of bolts, &c., as hatch or port rings. RING-STOPPER. A long piece of rope secured to an after ring-bolt, and the loop embracing the cable through the next, and others in succession nip the cable home to each ring-bolt in succession. It is a precaution in veering cable in bad weather. RING-TAIL. A kind of studding-sail hoisted beyond the after edge of those sails which are extended by a gaff and a boom over the stern. The two lower corners of this sail are stretched to a boom, called a _ring-tail boom_, which rigs in and out upon the main or driver boom. RINK. A space of ice devoted to certain recreations, as a skating or a curling rink: generally roofed in from the snow in Canada. RIONNACK. A name of the horse-mackerel among the Scottish islands. RIP. A pannier or basket used for carrying fish.--_To rip_, to strip off a ship's planks. RIPARIA. A law-term for the water running between the banks of a river. RIPARY. Inhabiting the sea-shore. RIPE [from the Latin, _ripa_]. The banks of a tide-river, and the sea-shore: a term in use on our southern coasts. RIPPERS, OR RIPIERS. Men from the sea-shores, who sell fish to the inland towns and villages. RIPPING-IRON. A caulker's tool for tearing oakum out of a seam, or stripping copper or sheathing from a ship's bottom. (_See_ REEMING.) RIPPLE. The small waves raised on the surface of the water by the passage of a slight breeze, or current, caused by foul bottom. RIPPLE-MARKS. The ripply appearance left at low water on the flat part of a sandy beach. RIPPS. _See_ TIDE-RIP. Also, strange overfalls, the waves of which, even in calm weather, will throw their crests over the bulwarks. RISBERM. Fascines placed to oppose the violence of the surf. RISING-FLOORS. The floor-timbers, which rise gradually from the plane of the midship floor, so as to sharpen the form of a vessel towards the bow and stern. RISINGS OF BOATS. A narrow strake of board fastened withinside to support the thwarts. RISING-SQUARE. In ship-carpentry, a square used in the whole moulding, upon which is marked the height of the rising line above the keel. RISK A RUN, TO. To take chance without convoy. RISKS. The casualties against which insurances are made on ships and cargoes. RITTOCH. An Orkney name for the tern, _Sterna hirundo_. RIVAGE. An old term, from the French, for a coast or shore of the sea, or a river. RIVAGIUM. A law-term for a duty paid to the sovereign on some rivers for the passage of boats or vessels. RIVAILE. An Anglo-Norman term for a harbour. RIVE. The sea-shore. Also, as a verb, to split wood. RIVER-BOATS. Wherries, and the like, which ply in harbours and rivers for the conveyance of passengers. RIVER-HARBOUR. That which is situated in the channel of a river, especially such as are at the embouchure with a bar in front. RIVER-LAKES. Large pools of water occupying a portion of the valleys or hollows through which the courses of rivers lie. RIVER-RISK. A policy of insurance from the docks to the sea, at any port. RIVET. The roe of a fish. Also, a hinge-pin, or any piece of riveted work. The soft iron pin by which the ends of a cask hoop, or the plates of a boiler, &c., are secured by clinching. RIVIERA. An Italian term for a coast, as the _Riviera di Genoa_. RIX-DOLLAR. A silver coin common in northern Europe, of the average value of 4_s._ 6_d._ ROACH. The hollow curvature of the lower parts of upper square-sails, to clear the stays when the yards are braced up. ROAD, OR ROADSTEAD. An off-shore well-known anchorage, where ships may await orders, as St. Helen's at Portsmouth, Cowes, Leith, Basque Roads, Saugor, and others, where a well-found vessel may ride out a gale. ROADSTER, OR ROADER. Applied chiefly to those vessels which work by tides, and seek some known road to await turn of tide or change of wind. If a vessel under sail strike against any roader and damage her, the former is obliged by law to make good the damages. ROAST-BEEF DRESS. Full uniform; probably from its resemblance to that of the royal beef-eaters. ROAST BEEF OF OLD ENGLAND. A popular air, by which officers are summoned to the dinner-table. ROBANDS, OR ROBBENS. (_See_ ROPE-BANDS.) ROBINET. An ancient military machine for throwing darts and stones; now the name of some useful cocks in the steam-engine, as for gauge, brine, trial, and steam-regulator. ROCK. An extensive geological term, but limited in hydrographical parlance to hard and solid masses of the earth's surface; when these rise in insulated masses nearly to the surface of the sea, they render navigation especially dangerous.--_Half-tide rock._ A rock which appears above water at half-ebb. ROCK-COD. A species of cod found on a rocky bottom. ROCKET. The well-known pyrotechnical preparation, but modified to suit various purposes. A cylindrical case charged with a fiercely burning composition, the gases of which, rushing out from the after-end against the resisting atmosphere, propel the whole forward at a rate continually increasing, until the composition be expended. It is generally kept in balance by a long light stick or tail attached. The case is made of metal or paper, and variously headed to the amount of 32 lbs. if its purpose be war (_see_ CONGREVE-ROCKETS); life-saving (by conveying a line over a stranded vessel); even the killing of whales, when reduced to 1, 2, or 3 lbs.; or, lastly, signals, for which it is fired straight upwards. ROCKET-BOAT. Flat-bottomed boats, fitted with rocket-frames to fire Congreve rockets from, in naval bombardment. ROCKET-BRIGADE. A body of horse-artillery assigned to rocket service. ROCKET-FRAME. The stand from which Congreve rockets are fired. ROCK-HIND. A large fish of tropical regions, _Serranus catus_. ROCK-SCORPION. A name applied to persons born at Gibraltar. ROD. The connecting and coupling bars of the steam-engine. (_See_ SOUNDING-ROD.) RODD. A sort of cross-bow formerly in use in our navy. RODDEN-FLEUK. A northern name for the turbot. RODDING TIME. The season for fish-spawning. RODE OF ALL. Improperly so written for _rowed of all_ (which see). The order to throw in and boat the oars. RODGERS' ANCHOR. The excellent small-palmed, very strong and good-holding anchor. It is the result of many years' study and experiment by Lieutenant Rodgers, R.N. RODMAN GUN. One cast on the excellent method of Captain Rodman, formerly of the United States Ordnance--viz. on a core artificially kept cool; whereby the outer metal, cooling last, shrinks on to and compresses the inner, instead of drawing outwards and weakening it, as it must do when cooled first in a solid casting. ROGER. The black flag hoisted by pirates. (_See_ JOLLY ROGER.) ROGER'S BLAST. A provincialism denoting a sudden and local motion of the air, resembling a miniature whirlwind. ROGUE'S MARCH. The tune appropriated to drumming a bad character out of a ship or out of a regiment. ROGUE'S YARN. A yarn twisted the contrary way to the rest of a rope, for detecting theft or embezzlement. Being tarred if in a white rope, but white in a tarred rope, it is easily discovered. It is placed in the middle of each strand in all the cordage made for the royal navy. Lately the rogue's yarn has been superseded by a thread of worsted: a different coloured worsted being used in each dockyard, so that any defective rope may be traced to the place where it was made. ROLE D'EQUIPAGE. An important document in admiralty law. (_See_ MUSTER-ROLL.) ROLL. A uniform beat of the drum, without variation, for a considerable time. The divisions are summoned by roll of drum, one roll for each. (_See_ MUSTER-ROLL.) ROLLER. A mighty oceanic swell said to precurse the northers of the Atlantic, and felt in great violence at Tristan d'Acunha, where H.M.S. _Lily_ foundered with all hands in consequence, and several vessels at St. Helena have been driven from their anchors and wrecked. These waves roll in from the north, and do not break till they reach soundings, when they evince terrific power, rising from 5 to 15 feet above the usual level of the waters. A connection with volcanoes has been suggested as a cause. ROLLERS. Cylindrical pieces of timber, fixed either horizontally or vertically in different parts of a ship above the deck, so as to revolve on an axis, and prevent the cables, hawsers, and running rigging from being chafed, by lessening their friction. The same as _friction-roller_. Also, movable pieces of wood of the same figure, which are occasionally placed under boats, pieces of heavy timber, &c. ROLLING. That oscillatory motion by which the waves rock a ship from side to side. The larger part of this disturbance is owing to the depth of the centre of gravity below the centre of figure, the former exercising a violent reaction when disturbed from its rest by passing seas; therefore it is diminished by raising the weights, and must by no means be confounded with heeling. ROLLING-CHOCK, OR JAW-PIECE. Similar to that of a gaff, fastened to the middle of an upper yard, to steady it. ROLLING-CLEAT. Synonymous with _rolling-chock_. ROLLING DOWN TO ST. HELENA. Running with a flowing sheet by the trade-wind. ROLLING-HITCH. Pass the end of a rope round a spar or rope; take it round a second time, riding the standing part; then carry it across, and up through the bight. ROLLING-SWELL. That heaving of the sea where the waves are very distant, forming deep troughs between. ROLLING-TACKLES. Used to prevent the yards from swaying to and fro under heavy rolling motion. ROLLSTER, OR ROSTER. A rotation list of officers. ROLL UP A SAIL, TO. To hand it quickly. ROMAN CEMENT. A cement which hardens under water; used for piers, docks, &c., as pozzolana, Aberthaw limestone, &c. ROMBOWLINE, OR RUMBOWLINE. Condemned canvas, rope, and the like. Also the coarse rope used to secure new coils. RONDEL. An old term for a light, round shield. RONE. A northern term for the roe of a fish. RONNAL. A northern term for a female fish, as kipper is for the male. ROOBLE. A Russian coin. (_See_ RUBLE.) ROOD-GOOSE. A name for the brent-goose. ROOF-TREE. _See_ ROUGH-TREE. ROOKE, OR ROUKE. A mist, dampness, or fog. ROOM. A name given to some reserved apartment in a ship, as--_The bread-room._ In the aftermost part of the hold: properly lined to receive the bread, and keep it dry.--_The cook-room._ (_See_ GALLEY.)--_The gun-room._ On the after gun-deck of ships of the line, or steerage of frigates; devoted to the gun-room officers.--_Light-room._ Attached to the magazine.--_Sail-rooms_, devoted to the sails, are on the orlop deck, and are inclosed for the reception of the spare sails.--_Slop-room._ Devoted to slop-clothing.--_Spirit-room._ A secure space in the after-part of a ship's hold, for the stores of wine, brandy, &c.--_Steward's-room._ The office devoted to the purser's steward of former times, now paymaster's steward, whence he issues most of the light provisions to the ship's company.--_Ward-room._ A room over the gun-room in ships of the line, where the lieutenants and other principal officers sleep and mess. The term _sea-room_ is applied when a ship obtains a good offing, is clear of the coast dangers, and is free to stand on a long course without nearing danger. ROOM, ROOMER, OR GOING ROOM. The old term for going large, or from, the wind. (_See_ LASK and LARGE.) It is mentioned by Bourne in 1578. ROOMING. An old word to signify running to leeward.--_To go room._ To bear down. ROOST. A phrase applied to races of strong and furious tides, which set in between the Orkney and Shetland Islands, as those of Sumburgh and the Start. ROPE. Is composed of hemp, hide, wire, or other stuff, spun into yarns and strands, which twisted together forms the desired cordage. The word is very old, being the actual representative of the Anglo-Saxon _rap_.--_To rope a sail._ To sew the bolt-rope round its edges, to strengthen it and prevent it from rending. ROPE-BANDS. Small plaited lines rove through the eyelet holes with a running eye, by which the head of a sail, after the earings are secured, is brought to the yard or jack-stay. ROPE-HOUSE. A long building in a dockyard, where ropes are made. ROPE-LADDER. Such as hangs over the stern, to enable men to go into boats, &c. ROPE-MAKER. A first-class petty officer in the navy. ROPE OF SAND. A term borrowed from a Greek proverb signifying attempting impossibilities; without cohesion. Said of people who ought, but will not combine to effect a necessary object. ROPES. A general name given to all the cordage above one inch in circumference used in rigging a ship; but the name is severally applied to the awning, bell, boat, bolt, breast, bucket, buoy, davit, entering, grapnel, guest or guist, guy, heel, keel, man, parral, passing, ring, rudder, slip, swab, tiller, top, and yard: all which see under their respective heads. Ropes are of several descriptions, viz.:--_Cable-laid_, consists of three strands of already formed hawser-laid or twisted left-hand, laid up into one opposite making nine strands.--_Hawser-laid_, is merely three strands of simple yarns twisted right, but laid up left.--_Four-strand_ is similarly laid with four strands, and a core scarcely twisted.--_Sash-line_ is plaited and used for signal halliards.--_Rope-yarn_ is understood to be the selected serviceable yarns from condemned rope, and is worked into twice-laid. The refuse, again, into rumbowline for temporary purposes, not demanding strength. ROPES, HIGH. _On the high ropes_. To be ceremonious, upstart, invested with brief authority. ROPE'S END. The termination of a fall, and should be pointed or whipped. Formerly much used for illegal punishment. ROPE-YARN. The smallest and simplest part of any rope, being one of the large threads of hemp or other stuff, several of which being twisted together form a strand. ROPING-NEEDLES. Those used for roping, being strong accordingly. RORQUAL, OR FURROWED WHALE. A name of Scandinavian origin applied to the fin-back whales, distinguished from the right whales by the small size of their heads, shortness of their whalebone, the presence of a dorsal fin, and of a series of conspicuous longitudinal folds or furrows in the skin of the throat and chest. ROSE, OR STRAINER. A plate of copper or lead perforated with small holes, placed on the heel of a pump to prevent choking substances from being sucked in. Roses are also nailed, for the like purpose, upon the holes which are made on a steamer's bottom for the admission of water to the boilers and condensers. ROSE-LASHING. This lashing is middled, and passed opposite ways; when finished, the ends appear as if coiled round the crossings. ROSINA. A Tuscan gold coin, value 17_s._ 1_d._ sterling. ROSS. A term from the Celtic, signifying a promontory. ROSTER, OR ROLLSTER. A list for routine on any particular duty. (_See_ ROLLSTER.) ROSTRAL-CROWN. The naval crown anciently awarded to the individual who first boarded an enemy's ship. ROSTRUM. A prow; also a stand for a public speaker. ROTATION. The motion of a body about its axis. ROTHER. This lineal descendant of the Anglo-Saxon _roter_ is still in use for _rudder_ (which see). ROTTEN ROW. A line of old ships-in-ordinary in _routine_ order. ROUBLE. _See_ RUBLE. ROUGH BOOKS. Those in which the warrant officers make their immediate entries of expenditure. ROUGH-KNOTS, OR ROUGH NAUTS. Unsophisticated seamen. ROUGH MUSIC. Rolling shot about on the lower deck, and other discordant noises, when seamen are discontented, but without being mutinous. ROUGH-SPARS. Cut timber before being worked into masts, &c. ROUGH-TREE. An unfinished spar: also a name given in merchant ships to any mast, or other spar above the ship's side; it is, however, with more propriety applied to any, mast, &c., which, remaining rough and unfinished, is placed in that situation. ROUGH-TREE TIMBER. Upright pieces of timber placed at intervals along the side of a vessel, to support the rough-tree. They are also called stanchions. ROUND. _To bear round up._ To go before the wind.--_To round a point_, is to steer clear of and go round it. ROUND-AFT. The outward curve or segment of a circle, that the stern partakes of from the wing transom upwards. ROUND AND GRAPE. A phrase used when a gun is charged at close quarters with round shot, grape, and canister; termed a belly-full. ROUND DOZEN. A punishment term for thirteen lashes. ROUND-HOUSE. A name given in East Indiamen and other large merchant ships, to square cabins built on the after-part of the quarter-deck, and having the poop for its roof; such an apartment is frequently called the _coach_ in ships of war. Round, because one can walk round it. In some trading vessels the round-house is built on the deck, generally abaft the main-mast. ROUND-IN, TO. To haul in on a fall; the act of pulling upon any slack rope which passes through one or more blocks in a direction nearly horizontal, and is particularly applied to the braces, as "Round-in the weather-braces." It is apparently derived from the circular motion of the rope about the sheave or pulley, through which it passes. ROUNDING. A service wrapped round a spar or hawser. Also, old ropes wound firmly and closely about the layers of that part of a cable which lies in the hawse, or athwart the stem, &c. It is used to prevent the cable from being chafed. (_See_ KECKLING and SERVICE.) ROUNDING-UP. Is to haul through the slack of a tackle which hangs in a perpendicular direction, without sustaining or hoisting any weighty body. ROUNDLY. Quickly. ROUND-RIBBED. A vessel of burden with very little run, and a flattish bottom, the ribs sometimes almost joining the keel horizontally. ROUND ROBBIN [from the French _ruban rond_]. A mode of signing names in a circular form, after a complaint or remonstrance, so that no one can tell who signed first. ROUNDS. General discharges of the guns. Cartridges are usually reckoned by rounds, including all the artillery to be used; as, fifty rounds of ammunition. Also, going round to inspect sentinels. The general visiting of the decks made by officers, to see that all is going on right. Also, the steps of a ladder. ROUND SEAM. The edges or selvedges sewed together, without lapping. ROUND SEIZING. This is made by a series of turns, with the end passed through the riders, and made fast snugly. In applying this the rope does not cross, but both parts are brought close together, and the seizing crossed. ROUND SHOT. The cast-iron balls fitting the bores of their respective guns, as distinguished from grape or other shot. ROUNDS OF THE GALLEY. The opposite of what is termed Coventry; for it is figurative of a man incurring the expressed scorn of his shipmates. ROUND SPLICE. One which hardly shows itself, from the neatness of the rope and the skill of the splicer. Properly a long splice. ROUND STERN. The _segmental stern_, the bottom and wales of which are wrought quite aft, and unite in the stern-post: it is now used in our navy, thus securing an after battery for the ship. It had long obtained in the Danish marine. ROUND THE FLEET. A diabolical punishment, by which a man, lashed to a frame on a long-boat, was towed alongside of every ship in a fleet, to receive a certain number of lashes by sentence of court-martial. ROUND-TO, TO. To bring to, or haul to the wind by means of the helm. To go round, is to tack or wear. ROUND-TOP. A name which has obtained for modern tops, from the shape of the ancient ones. (_See_ TOP.) ROUND-TURN IN THE HAWSE. A term implying the situation of the two cables of a ship, which, when moored, has swung the wrong way three times successively; if after this she come round till her head is directed the same way as at first, this makes a _round turn and elbow_. A round turn is also the passing a rope completely round a timber-head, or any proper thing, in order to hold on. (_See_ HOLDING-ON.) Also, to pass a rope over a belaying pin. Also, the bending of any timber or plank upwards, but especially the beams which support the deck, and curve upwards towards the middle of the deck. This is for the purpose of strength, and for the convenience of the run of water to the scuppers.--_To round up_ a fall or tackle, is to gather in the slack; the reverse of overhaul. ROUND UP OF THE TRANSOMS. That segment of a circle to which they are sided, or of beams to which they are moulded. ROUNDURE. An old English word for circle. ROUSE, TO. To man-handle. "Rouse in the cable," haul it in, and make it taut. ROUSE AND BIT. The order to turn out of the hammocks. ROUST. A word used in the north of Scotland to signify a tumultuous current or tide, occasioned by the meeting of rapid waters. (_See_ ROOST.) ROUT. The confusion and disorder created in any body of men when defeated and dispersed. ROUTE. The order for the movement of a body of men, specifying its various stages and dates of march. ROUTINE. Unchanging adherence to official system, which, if carried too far in matters of service, often bars celerity, spirit, and consequently success. ROVE. A rope when passed through a block or sheave-hole. ROVENS. A corruption of _rope-bands_ (which see). Also, the ravellings of canvas or buntin. ROVER. A pirate or freebooter. (_See_ PIRATE.) Also, a kind of piratical galley of the Barbary States. ROVING COMMISSION. An authority granted by the Admiralty to a select officer in command of a vessel, to cruise wherever he may see fit. [From the Anglo-Saxon _rowen_.] ROW, TO. To propel a boat or vessel by oars or sweeps, which are managed in a direction nearly horizontal. (_See_ OAR.) ROW DRY! The order to those who row, not to splash water into the boat. ROWED OF ALL! The orders for the rowers to cease, and toss their oars into the boat simultaneously, in naval style. ROW IN THE SAME BOAT, TO. To be of similar principles. ROWL. The iron or wooden shiver, or wheel, for a whip-tackle. ROWLE. A light crane, formerly much used in clearing boats and holds. ROWLOCKS. Those spaces in the gunwale, or upper edge of a boat's side, wherein the oars work in the act of rowing. ROW-PORTS. Certain scuttles or square holes, formerly cut through the sides of the smaller vessels of war, near the surface of the water, for the purpose of rowing them along in a calm or light wind, by heavy sweeps, each worked by several men. (_See_ SWEEPS.) ROYAL. The name of a light sail spread immediately next above the top-gallant sail, to whose yard-arms the lower corners of it are attached; it used to be termed top-gallant royal, and is never used but in fine weather. Also, the name of a small mortar. ROYAL FISH. Whales, porpoises, sturgeons, &c., which, when driven on shore, become droits of admiralty. ROYAL MARINE ARTILLERY. Originally selected from the royal marines, now specially enlisted. (_See_ ARTILLERY, ROYAL MARINE.) ROYAL MARINES. _See_ MARINES. ROYAL MERCHANT. A title of the Mediterranean, traders of the thirteenth century, when the Venetians were masters of the sea. ROYAL MORTAR. A brass one of 5-1/2 inches diameter of bore, and 150 lbs. weight, throwing a 24-pounder shell up to 600 yards; most convenient for advanced trenches and boat work. ROYAL NAVAL RESERVE. _See_ NAVAL RESERVE. ROYALS. A familiar appellation for the marines since the mutiny of 1797, when they were so distinguished for the loyalty and steadiness they displayed. Also called _royal jollys_. (_See_ JOLLY.) ROYAL STANDARD. _See_ STANDARD. ROYAL YACHT. A vessel built and equipped expressly for the use of the sovereign. ROYAL YACHT CLUB. A very useful and honourable association. (_See_ YACHT CLUB.) ROYAL YARD. The fourth yard from the deck, on which the royal is set. ROYNES. An archaic term for streams, currents, or other usual passages of rivers and running waters. RUBBER. A small instrument used to rub or flatten down the seams of a sail, in sail-making. RUBBLE-WORK. A mass of masonry, formed of irregular stones and pebbles imbedded in mortar. It is used in the interior of docks, piers, and other erections, and is opposed to ashlar-work. RUBLE. A Russian silver coin of 100 kopeks, in value about 3_s._ 2_d._ sterling, so called from _rubli_, a notch; derived from the time when bars of silver, marked with notches at different distances to represent different values, were used in Russia instead of coin, portions of the bar being cut off as required. RUDDER. The appendage attached by pintles and braces to the stern-post of a vessel, by which its course through the water is governed. It is formed of several pieces of timber, of which the main one is generally of oak, extending the whole length. Tiphys is said to have been its inventor. The Anglo-Saxon name was _steor-roper_. RUDDER BANDS OR BRACES. The iron or composition hinges on which a rudder turns. RUDDER-CASE. The same as _rudder-trunk_ (which see). RUDDER-CHAINS. Strong copper chains connected with the aft side of the rudder by a span clamp and shackles. They are about 6 feet in length; a hempen pendant is then spliced into the outer link, and allowing for slack to permit the rudder free motion, they are stopped to eye-bolts along the stern-moulding, terminating on the fore-side of the stools of the quarter galleries. They are, when the rudder or tiller is damaged, worked by tackles hooked to the after-channel bolts. But their principal use in later times is to save the rudder if unshipped by striking on a reef or shoal. RUDDER-CHALDER. The same as _gudgeon_ (which see) and _chalder_. RUDDER-CHOCKS. _See_ CHOCK. RUDDER-COAT. A canvas coat affixed to the rudder, encasing the opening in the counter, to prevent the sea from rushing in through the tiller-hole. RUDDER-GUDGEON. Those secured to a ship are termed braces; gudgeon is more applicable to boats or small vessels. RUDDER-HEAD. The upper end of the rudder-stock. Also, the flat surface of the trunk, which in cabins and ward-rooms forms a very convenient table. RUDDER-HORN. A kind of iron crutch bolted to the back of the rudder, for attaching the rudder chains to in case of necessity. RUDDER-HOUSE. Synonymous with _wheel-house_. RUDDER-IRONS. The pintles, gudgeons, and braces of the rudder are frequently so called, though they were usually of copper. RUDDER-PENDANTS. (_See_ RUDDER-CHAINS.) Hempen pendants fastened to the rudder-chains, for steering in cases of accident, and towing the rudder to prevent its being lost if it gets unshipped. RUDDER-PINTLES. The hooks attached to the rudder, which enter the braces, and hang it. RUDDER-RAKE. The aftermost part of the rudder. RUDDER-STOCK. The main piece of a rudder. RUDDER-TACKLES. Attached to the rudder-pendants. RUDDER-TRUNK. A casing of wood fitted or boxed firmly into a cavity in the vessel's counter, called the helm port, through which the rudder-stock is introduced. RUFFLE. A low vibrating sound of the drum, continuous like the roll, but not so loud: it is used in complimenting officers of rank. RUFFLERS. Certain fellows who begged about formerly, under pretext of having served in the wars. RULE OF THUMB. That rule suggested by a practical rather than a scientific knowledge. In common matters it means to estimate by guess, not by weight or measure. RULES OF THE SEA. Certain practices and regulations as to steerage, which are recognized by seamen as well as by law, in order to prevent the collision of ships, or to determine who has contravened them; precedents in one sense, custom in another. RULE-STAFF. A lath about 4 inches in breadth, used for curves in ship-building. RUMBELOW. A very favourite burden to an old sea-song, of which vestiges still remain. RUMBO. Rope stolen from a royal dockyard. RUM-GAGGER. A cheat who tells wonderful stories of his sufferings at sea to obtain money. RUMMAGE. The search by custom-house officers for smuggled goods. RUN. The distance sailed by a ship. Also, used among sailors to imply the agreement to work a single passage from one place to another, as from Jamaica to England, and so forth.--_To make a run._ To sway with alacrity. RUN, CLEAN. When the after part of a ship's form exhibits a long clean curvature approaching to a wedge.--_Full run._ When it is otherwise. RUN OF THE ICE. In Arctic parlance, implies that the ice is suddenly impelled by a rushing motion, arising from currents at a distance. RUN, TO LOWER BY THE. To let go altogether, instead of lowering with a turn on a cleat or bitt-head. RUN ATHWART A SHIP'S COURSE, TO. To cross her path. RUN AWAY WITH HER ANCHOR. Said of a ship when she drags or "shoulders" her anchor; drifting away owing to the anchor not holding, for want, perhaps, of sufficient range of cable. RUN AWAY WITH IT! The order to men on a tackle fall, when light goods are being hoisted in, or in hoisting top-sails, jib, or studding-sails. RUNDLE. That part of a capstan round which the messenger is wound, including the drumhead. (_See_ WHELPS.) RUN DOWN A COAST, TO. To sail along it, keeping parallel to or skirting its dangers. RUN DOWN A VESSEL, TO. To pass over, into, or foul her by running against her end-on, so as to jeopardize her. RUNE [from the Teutonic _rennen_, to flow]. A water-course. RUNGS. The same as the floor or ground timbers, and whose ends are the rung-heads. Also, a spoke, and the step or round of a ladder. RUNLET. A measure of wine, oil, &c., containing eighteen gallons and a half. RUN-MONEY. The money paid for apprehending a deserter, and charged against his wages. Also, the sum given to seamen for bringing a ship home from the West Indies, or other places, in time of war. Coasters are sometimes paid by the run instead of by the month. RUNNER-PURCHASE. The addition of a tackle to a single rope, then termed a pendant, passing through a block applied to the object to be moved; as it might be the laniard of a shroud, the end of the runner pendant being fast to some secure fixed object; as in backstays, &c. RUNNERS. Ships which risk every impediment as to privateers or blockade, to get a profitable market. RUNNERS OF FOREIGN GOODS. Organized smugglers. RUNNING AGREEMENT. In the case of foreign-going ships making voyages averaging less than six months in duration, running agreements can legally be made with the crew to extend over two or more voyages. RUNNING-BLOCKS. Those which are made fast to the running rigging or tackles. RUNNING BOWLINE-KNOT. Is made by taking the end round the standing part, and making a bowline upon its own part. RUNNING BOWSPRIT. One which is used in revenue cutters and smacks; it can be reefed by sliding in, and has fid holes for that purpose. (_See_ SLOOP.) RUNNING-DOWN CLAUSE. A special admission into policies of marine insurance, to include the risk of loss or damage in consequence of the collision of the ship insured with other vessels. RUNNING-DOWN THE PORT. A method practised in the ruder state of navigation, when the longitude was very doubtful, by sailing into its parallel of latitude, and then working for it on its parallel. RUNNING FOUL. A vessel, by accident or bad steerage, falling in contact with another under sail. (_See_ ATHWART HAWSE.) The law and custom of the sea requires that the ship on the port tack shall bear up and give way to that on the starboard tack. Foreigners observe this general custom. Steamers however are always bound to give way to vessels under canvas, having the power to alter course without altering sails, or endangering the vessel. RUNNING GOODS. Landing a cargo of contraband articles. RUNNING OUT, AND RUNNING IN, THE LOWER DECK GUNS. The old practice of morning and evening evolutions in a line-of-battle ship, wind and weather permitting. RUNNING PART OF A TACKLE. Synonymous with the fall, or that part on which the man power is applied to produce the intended effect. RUNNING THE GANTLET. _See_ GANT-LOPE (pronounced _gantlet_). RUN OUT A WARP, TO. To carry a hawser out from the ship by a boat, and fasten it to some distant place to remove the ship towards that place, or to keep her steady whilst her anchors are lifted, &c. RUPEE. The well-known coin of the East Indies. There are gold rupees of nearly 30 shillings in value; but the current rupee is of silver, varying a little from 2 shillings, according to its being named Bombay, Arcot, or Sicca. RUSPONE. A gold Tuscan coin of the value of L1, 8_s._ 7_d._ sterling. RUT OF THE SEA. The point of impact where it dashes against anything. RUT OF THE SHORE. The sea breaking along the coast. RUTTER, OR ROUTIER. The old word for an outline chart for ships' tracks [from _route_]. It was also applied to a journal or log-book; or to a set of sailing instructions, as a directory. RYDE. A small stream. RYNE. An Anglo-Saxon word still in use for a water-course, or streamlet which rises high with floods. S. S. A bent iron, called a crooked catch, or pot-hook, in anchors, &c. SABANDER. The familiar of _shah-bander_, an eastern title for captain or governor of a port. SABATINES. Steel coverings for the feet; sometimes slippers or clogs. SABRE. A sword with a broad and rather heavy blade, thick at the back, and curved towards the point, intended for cutting more than for thrusting. SABRETACHE. A flat leathern case or pocket suspended at the left side of a cavalry officer's sword-belt. SACCADE. The sudden jerk of the sails in light winds and a heavy swell. SACCOLEVA, OR SACOLEGE. A Levantine small craft of great sheer, carrying a sail with an enormous sprit, so called. SACK, TO [from the Anglo-Saxon _saec_]. To pillage a place which has been taken by storm. SACKS OF COALS. The seaman's name for the black _Magellanic clouds_, or patches of deep blue sky in the milky-way near the south pole. SADDLE HILL. A high land visible from the coast, having a centre less elevated than its ends, somewhat like a riding-saddle. SADDLES. Chocks of notched wood embracing spars, to support others attached to them; thus we have a saddle-crutch for the main or driver boom on the taffarel; another on the bowsprit to support the heel of the jib-boom. SAFE-CONDUCT. A security passport granted to an enemy for his safe entry and passage through the realm. SAFEGUARD. Protection given to secure a people from oppression in time of trouble. SAFETY-KEEL. A construction of keel for further security, by Oliver Lang. SAFETY-PIN. To secure the head of the capstan-bar. SAFETY-VALVE. A conical valve on the top of the steam-chest, communicating with the boiler of a steam-engine, and opening outwardly; it is so adapted and loaded, that when the steam in the boiler exceeds its proper pressure, it raises the valve, and escapes by a pipe called the waste steam-pipe. SAGG, TO. To bend or give way from heavy weight; to press down towards the middle; the opposite of _hogging_. In _Macbeth_ the word is figuratively applied-- "The mind I sway by, and the heart I bear, Shall never sagg with doubt, nor shake with fear." SAGGING TO LEEWARD. To drift off bodily to leeward. The movement by which a ship makes a considerable lee-way. SAGITTA. One of the ancient northern constellations. SAGITTARII. The name in our records for some small vessels with oars and sails, used in the twelfth century. SAGITTARIUS. The ninth sign of the zodiac, which the sun enters about the 21st of November. SAGUM. An ancient military cloak. SAIC. A sort of Greek ketch, which has no top-gallant nor mizen sails, but still spreads much canvas. SAIL. The terms applicable to the parts of a sail comprise:--Seaming the cloths together; cutting the gores; tabling and sewing on the reef, belly, lining, and buntline bands, roping, and marling on the clues and foot-rope. The _square sails_ comprise courses, top-sails, topgallant-sails, royals, skysails on each mast. The _fore and aft_, are jibs, staysails, trysails, boom main-sails and fore-sails, gaff top-sails, to which may be added the studding-sails and the flying kites. Also, a distant ship is called a sail. SAIL BURTON. A purchase extending from topmast-head to deck, for sending sails aloft ready for bending; it usually consists of two single blocks, having thimbles and a hook; a leading block on the slings through which the fall leads to bear the top-sail clear of the top-rim. SAIL HO! The exclamation used when a strange ship is first discerned at sea--either from the deck or from the mast-head. SAIL-HOOK. A small hook used for holding the seams of a sail while in the act of sewing. SAILING. The movement of a vessel by means of her sails along the surface of the water. _Sailing_, or the _sailings_, is a term applied to the different ways in which the path of a ship at sea, and the variations of its geographical position, are represented on paper, all which are explained under the various heads of great circle sailing, Mercator's sailing, middle latitude sailing, oblique sailing, parallel sailing, plane sailing. SAILING, ORDER OF. The general disposition of a fleet of ships when proceeding on a voyage or an expedition. It is generally found most convenient for fleets of ships of war to be formed in three parallel lines or columns. But squadrons of less than ten sail of the line are placed in two lines. SAILING CAPTAIN. An officer in some navies, whose duties are similar to those of our masters in the royal navy. SAILING DIRECTIONS. Works supplied by the admiralty to Her Majesty's ships, which advise the navigator as to the pilotage of coasts and islands throughout the world. SAILING ICE. A number of loose pieces floating at a sufficient distance from each other, for a ship to be able to pick her way among them. Otherwise termed _open ice_; when she forces her way, pushing the ice aside, it is termed boring. SAILING LARGE. With a quartering wind. (_See_ LARGE.) SAILING ORDERS. Written instructions for the performance of any proposed duty. SAIL-LOFT. A large apartment in dockyards where the sails are cut out and made. SAIL-LOOSERS. Men specially appointed to loose the sails when getting under weigh, or loosing them to dry. SAIL-MAKER. A qualified person who (with his mates) is employed on board ship in making, repairing, or altering the sails; whence he usually derives the familiar sobriquet of _sails_. SAIL-NETTING. The fore-topmast staysail, main-topmast staysail, and main staysail are generally stowed in the nettings. SAILOR. A man trained in managing a ship, either at sea or in harbour. A thorough sailor is the same with mariner and seaman, but as every one of the crew is dubbed a sailor, there is much difference in the absolute meaning of the term. (_See_ MARINER and SEAMAN.) SAILORS' HOME. A house built by subscription, for the accommodation of seamen on moderate terms, and to rescue them from swindlers, crimps, &c. Sailors' homes are a great boon also to shipwrecked mariners. Homes for married seamen and their families are now contemplated, and it is hoped that the admiralty will set the example, by building them for the royal navy, and letting them at moderate rents. SAILOR'S PLEASURE. A rather hyperbolic phrase for a sailor's overhauling his ditty-bag at a leisure moment, and restowing his little hoard. SAILS, TO LOOSE. To unfurl them, and let them hang loose to dry; or the movement preparatory to "making sail."--_To make sail_, to spread the sails to the wind in order to begin the action of sailing, or to increase a ship's speed.--_To shorten sail_, to take in part of or all the sails, either by reefing or furling, or both.--_To strike sail_, to lower the upper sails. A gracious mode of salute on passing a foreigner at sea, especially a superior. SAINT CUTHBERT'S DUCK. The _Anas mollissima_; the eider, or great black and white duck of the Farne Islands. SAINT ELMO'S LIGHT. _See_ COMPASANT. SAINT SWITHIN. The old notion is, that if it should rain on this bishop's day, the 15th of July, not one of forty days following will be without a shower. SAKER. A very old gun, 8 or 9 feet long, and of about 5 lbs. calibre: immortalized in _Hudibras_:-- "The cannon, blunderbuss, and saker, He was th' inventer of, and maker." The name is thought to have been derived from the French oath _sacre_. SALADE. An Anglo-Norman term for a light helmet or head-piece. SALADIN. The first coat-of-arms; so called because the crusaders assumed it in imitation of the Saracens, whose chief at that time was the redoubtable Saladin. SALAM, TO. To salute a superior; a very common term, borrowed from India. Overdoing it does not please Jack, for he dislikes to see his commander "salamming like a captured Frenchman." SALAMANDER. The heated iron formerly used for firing guns, especially in salutes, as it ensures regularity. SALE OF COMMISSIONS. The regulated disposal of full-pay, unattached, retired, and half-pay commissions in the army. SALE OF EFFECTS. _See_ EFFECTS, of dead men sold by auction "at the mast." SALIENT ANGLE. In fortification, one of which the point projects outwards. SALINAS, OR SALINES. Salt-ponds, natural or artificial, near the sea-coast. SALINOMETER. A brine-gauge for indicating the density of brine in the boilers of marine steam-engines, to show when it is necessary to blow off. SALLY. A sudden expedition out of a besieged place against the besiegers or some part of their works; also called a _sortie_.--_To sally._ To move a body by jerks or rushes; a sudden heave or set. Thus, when a vessel grounds by the bow or stern, and the hawsers are severely taut, the sally is practised. This is done by collecting all hands at the point aground, and then by a simultaneous rush reaching the part afloat. SALLY-PORT. An opening cut in the glacis of a place to afford free egress to the troops in case of a sortie. Also, a large port on each quarter of a fire-ship, out of which the officers and crew make their escape into the boats as soon as the train is fired. Also, a place at Portsmouth exclusively set apart for the use of men-of-war's boats. Also, the entering port of a three-decker. SALMAGUNDI. A savoury sea dish, made of slices of cured fish and onions. SALMON. The well-known fish, _Salmo salar_. It is partly oceanic and partly fluviatile, ascending rivers in the breeding season. SALMON-LADDER. A short trough placed suitably in any fall where the water is tolerably deep, leaving a narrow trough at intervals for the fish to pass through, with barriers to break the force of the water. SALOON. A name for the main cabin of a steamer or passenger ship. SALT, OR OLD SALT. A weather-beaten sailor. One of the old seamen who not only have known but have felt what war was. SALT-BOX. A case for keeping a temporary supply of cartridges for the immediate use of the great guns; it is under the charge of the cabin-door sentry. SALT-EEL. A rope's-end cut from the piece for starting the _homo delinquens_. SALT-JUNK. Navy salt beef. (_See_ JUNK.) SALTPETRE. The neutral salt; also called _nitre_ (which see). SALT-PITS. Reservoirs to contain sea-water for the purpose of making salt. SALUTE. A discharge of cannon or small arms, display of flags, or cheering of men, in deference, by the ships of one nation to those of another, or by ships of the same nation to a superior or an equal. Also, the proper compliment paid by troops, on similar occasions, whether with the sword, musket, or hand. SALVAGE. Originally meant the thing or goods saved from wreck, fire, or enemies. It now signifies an allowance made to those by whose means the ship or goods have been saved. These cases, when fairly made out, are received with the most liberal encouragement. Goods of British subjects, retaken from the enemy, are restored to the owners, paying for salvage one eighth of the value to ships-of-war; one-sixth to privateers. When a ship is in danger of being stranded, justices of the peace are to command the constables to assemble as many persons as are necessary to preserve it; and on its being thus preserved, the persons assisting therein shall, in thirty days after, be paid a reasonable reward for the salvage; otherwise the ship or goods shall remain in the custody of the officers of the customs as a security for the same. SALVAGE LOSS. A term in marine insurance implying that the underwriters are liable to pay the amount insured on the property lost in the ship, but taking credit for what is saved. SALVAGER. One employed on the sea-coast to look to the rights of salvage, wreck, or waif. SALVO. A discharge from several pieces simultaneously, as a salute. SALVOR. The person claiming and receiving salvage for having saved a ship and cargo, or any part thereof, from impending peril, or recovered after actual loss. SAMAKEEN. A Turkish coasting trader. SAMBUCCO. A pinnace common among the Arabs on the east coast of Africa, as at Mombaze, Melinda, &c. The name is remarkable, as Athenaeus describes the musical instrument _sambuca_ as resembling a ship with a ladder placed over it. SAMPAAN, OR SAMPAN. A neatly-adjusted kind of hatch-boat, used by the Chinese for passengers, and also as a dwelling for Tartar families, with a comfortable cabin. SAMPHIRE. _Crithmum maritimum_, a plant found on sea-shores and salt marshes, which forms an excellent anti-scorbutic pickle. SAMS-CHOO. A Chinese spirit distilled from rice; it is fiery, fetid, and very injurious to European health. SAMSON'S POST. A movable pillar which rests on its upper shoulder against a beam, with the lower tenons into the deck, and standing at an angle of 15 deg. forward. To this post, at 4 feet above the deck, a leading or snatch-block is hooked, and any fore-and-aft purchase is led by it across the deck to one similar, so that, from the starboard bow to the starboard aft Samson-post, across to the port-post and forward, the whole crew can apply their force for catting and fishing the anchor, or hoisting in or out boats; top-tackle falls, &c., are usually so treated. SANDAL. A long narrow Barbary boat, of from 15 to 50 tons; open, and fitted with two masts. SAND-BAGS. Small square cushions made of canvas and painted, for boats' ballast. Also, bags containing about a cubical foot of earth or sand, used for raising a parapet in haste, and making temporary loop-holes for musketry; also, to repair any part beaten down or damaged by the enemy's fire. SAND AND CORAL BANK. An accumulation of sand and fragments of coral above the surface of the sea, without any vegetation; when it becomes verdant it is called a _key_ (which see). SAND-DRIFTS. Hillocks of shifting sands, as on the deserts of Sahara, &c. SANDERLING. A small wading bird, _Calidris arenaria_. SAND-HILLS. Mounds of sand thrown up on the sea-shore by winds and eddies. They are mostly destitute of verdure. SAND-HOPPER. A small creature (_Talitra_), resembling a shrimp, which abounds on some beaches. SAND-LAUNCE. _Ammodytes tobianus_, a small eel-like fish, which buries itself in the sand. SAND-PIPER. A name applied to many species of small wading birds found on the sea-shore and banks of lakes and rivers, feeding on insects, crustaceans, and worms. SAND-SHOT. Those cast in moulds of sand, when economy is of more importance than form or hardness; the small balls used in case, grape, &c., are thus produced. SAND-STRAKE. A name sometimes given to the garboard-strake. SAND-WARPT. Left by the tide on a shoal. Also, striking on a shoal at half-flood. SANGAREE. A well known beverage in both the Indies, composed of port or madeira, water, lime-juice, sugar, and nutmeg, with an occasional corrective of spirits. The name is derived from its being blood-red. Also, arrack-punch. SANGIAC. A Turkish governor; the name is also applied to the banner which he is authorized to display, and has been mistaken for St. Jacques. SAP. That peculiar method by which a besieger's zig-zag approaches are continuously advanced in spite of the musketry of the defenders; gabions are successively placed in position, filled, and covered with earth, by men working from behind the last completed portion of the trench, the head of which is protected by a moving defence called a _sap-roller_. Its progress is necessarily slow and arduous. There is also the _flying sap_, used at greater distances, and by night, when a line of gabions is planted and filled by a line of men working simultaneously; and the _double sap_, used when zig-zags are no longer efficient, consisting of two contiguous single saps, back to back, carried direct towards the place, with frequent returns, which form traverses against enfilade; the _half-double sap_ has its reverse side less complete than the last. SARABAND. A forecastle dance, borrowed from the Moors of Africa. SARACEN. A term applied in the middle ages indiscriminately to all Pagans and Mahometans. SARDINE. _Engraulis meletta_, a fish closely allied to the anchovy; found in the Mediterranean and Atlantic. SARGASSO. _Fucus natans_, or gulf-weed, the sea-weed always to be found floating in large quantities in that part of the Atlantic south of the Azores, which is not subject to currents, and which is called the Sargasso Sea. SARKELLUS. An unlawful net or engine for destroying fish. (_Inquisit. Justic. anno 1254._) SAROS. _See_ CYCLE OF ECLIPSES. SARRAZINE. A rough portcullis. SARRE. An early name for a long gun, but of smaller dimensions than a bombard. SASH. A useful mark of distinction worn by infantry and marine officers; it is made of crimson silk, and intended as a waist-band, but latterly thrown over the left shoulder and across the body. Also, now worn by the naval equerries to the queen. Serjeants of infantry wear it of the same colour in cotton. SASSE. A kind of weir with flood-gate, or a navigable sluice. SATELLITES. Secondary planets or moons, which revolve about some of the primary planets. The moon is a satellite to the earth. SATURN. One of the ancient superior planets remarkable for the luminous rings with which his globe is surrounded, and for his being accompanied by no fewer than eight moons. SAUCER, OR SPINDLE OF THE CAPSTAN. A socket of iron let into a wooden stock or standard, called the step, resting upon, and bolted to, the beams. Its use is to receive the spindle or foot on which the capstan rests and turns round. SAUCER-HEADED BOLTS. Those with very flat heads. SAUCISSON, OR SAUCISSE. A word formerly used for the _powder-hose_, a linen tube containing the train of powder to a mine or fire-ship, the slow match being attached to the extremity to afford time for the parties to reach positions of safety. SAUCISSONS. Faggots, differing from fascines only in that they are longer, and made of stouter branches of trees or underwood. SAUVE-TETE. _See_ SPLINTER-NETTING. SAVANNAH [Sp. _Sabana_]. A name given to the wonderfully fertile natural meadows of tropical America; the vast plains clear of wood, and covered in general with waving herbage, in the interior of North America, are called _prairies_ (which see). SAVE-ALL, OR WATER-SAIL. A small sail sometimes set under the foot of a lower studding-sail. SAW-BILL. A name for the goosander, _Mergus merganser_. SAW-BONES. A sobriquet for the surgeon and his assistants. SAW-FISH. A species of shark (_Pristis antiquorum_) with the bones of the face produced into a long flat rostrum, with a row of pointed teeth placed along each edge. SAY-NAY. A Lancashire name for a lamprey. SAYTH. A coal-fish in its third year. SCAFFLING. A northern term for an eel. SCALA. Ports and landing-places in the Levant, so named from the old custom of placing a ladder to a boat to land from. Gang-boards are now used for that purpose. SCALDINGS! Notice to get out of the way; it is used when a man with a load wishes to pass, and would lead those in his way to think that he was carrying hot water. SCALE. An old word for commercial emporium, derived from _scala_. Also, the graduated divisions by which the proportions of a chart or plan are regulated. Also, the common measures of the sheer-draught, &c. (_See_ GUNTER'S LINE.) SCALENE TRIANGLE. That which has all three sides unequal. SCALING. The act of cleaning the inside of a ship's cannon by the explosion of a reduced quantity of powder. Also, attacking a place by getting over its defences. SCALING-LADDERS. Those made in lengths which may be carried easily, and quickly fitted together to any length required. SCAMPAVIA. A fast rowing war boat of Naples and Sicily; in 1814-15 they ranged to 150 feet, pulled by forty sweeps or oars, each man having his bunk under his sweep. They were rigged with one huge lateen at one-third from the stem; no forward bulwark or stem above deck; a long brass 6-pounder gun worked before the mast, only two feet above water; the jib, set on a gaff-like boom, veered abeam when firing the gun. Abaft a lateen mizen with top-sail, &c. SCANT. A term applied to the wind when it heads a ship off, so that she will barely lay her course when the yards are very sharp up. SCANTLING. The dimensions of a timber when reduced to its standard size. SCAR. In hydrography applies to a cliff; whence are derived the names Scarborough, Scarnose, &c. Also, to rocks bare only at low water, as on the coasts of Lancashire. Also, beds of gravel or stone in estuaries. SCARBRO' WARNING. Letting anything go by the run, without due notice. Heywood in his account of Stafford's surprise of Scarborough castle, in 1557, says:-- "This term _Scarborow warning_ grew (some say), By hasty hanging for rank robbery theare, Who that was met, but suspected in that way, Straight he was truss't, whatever he were." SCARFED. An old word for "decorated with flags." SCARP. A precipitous steep; as either the escarp or counterscarp of a fort: but a bank or the face of a hill may also be _scarped_. SCARPH, OR SCARFING. Is the junction of wood or metal by sloping off the edges, and maintaining the same thickness throughout the joint. The stem and stern posts are scarfed to the keel. SCARPHS OF THE KEEL. The joints, when a keel is made of several pieces. (_See_ SCARPH.) SCARRAG. Manx or Erse for a skate or ray-fish. SCAT. A west of England term for a passing shower. SCAUR. _See_ SCAR. SCAW. A promontory or isthmus. SCAWBERK. An archaism for scabbard. SCEITHMAN. An old statute term signifying _pirate_. 'SCENDING [from _ascend_]. The contrary motion to pitching. (_See_ SEND.) SCENOGRAPHY. Representation of ships or forts in some kind of perspective. SCHEDAR. The lucida of the ancient constellation Cassiopeia, and one of the nautical stars. SCHEMER. One who has charge of the hold of a North Sea ship. SCHNAPS. An ardent spirit, like Schiedam hollands, impregnated with narcotic ingredients; a destructive drink in common use along the shores of the northern seas. SCHOCK. A commercial measure of 60 cask staves. (_See_ RING.) SCHOOL. A term applied to a shoal of any of the cetacean animals. SCHOONER. Strictly, a small craft with two masts and no tops, but the name is also applied to fore-and-aft vessels of various classes. There are two-topsail schooners both fore and aft, main-topsail schooners, with two square top-sails; fore-topsail schooners with one square top-sail. Ballahou schooners, whose fore-mast rakes forward; and we also have three-masted vessels called schooners. SCHOUT. A water-bailiff in many northern European ports, who superintends the police for seamen. SCHRIVAN. An old term for a ship's clerk. SCHULL. _See_ SCHOOL. SCHUYT. A Dutch vessel, galliot rigged, used in the river trade of Holland. SCIMETAR. An eastern sabre, with a broad, very re-curved blade. SCOBS. The scoria made at the armourer's forge. SCONCE. A petty fort. Also, the head; whence Shakspeare's pun in making Dromio talk of having his sconce ensconced. Also, the Anglo-Saxon for a dangerous candle-holder, made to let into the sides or posts in a ship's hold. Also, _sconce of the magazine_, a close safe lantern. SCOODYN. An old word to express the burring which forms on vessels' bottoms, when foul. SCOOP. A long spoon-shaped piece of wood to throw water, when washing a ship's sides in the morning. _Scooping_ is the same as _baling_ a boat. SCOPE. The riding scope of a vessel's cable should be at least three times the depth of water under her, but it must vary with the amount of wind and nature of the bottom. SCORE. Twenty; commercially, in the case of certain articles, six score went to the hundred--a usage thus regulated: "Five score's a hundred of men, money, and pins: Six score's a hundred of all other things." Also an angular piece cut out of a solid. Also, an account or reckoning. SCORE OF A BLOCK, OR OF A DEAD EYE. The groove round which the rope passes. SCORPIO. The eighth sign of the zodiac, which the sun enters about the 22d of October. {a} Scorpii, _Antares_; a nautical star. SCOT, OR SHOT. Anglo-Saxon _sceat_. A share of anything; a contribution in fair proportion. SCOTCHMAN. A piece of stiff hide, or batten of wood, placed over the backstays fore-swifter of the shrouds, &c., so as to secure the standing rigging from being chafed. Perhaps so called from the scotch or notch where the seizing is passed. SCOTCH MIST. Mizzle, or small soaking rain. SCOTCH PRIZE. A mistake; worse than no prize, or one liable to hamper the captors with heavy law expenses. SCOTIA. Carved mouldings and grooves. SCOUR A BEACH, TO. To pour a quick flanking fire along it, in order to dislodge an enemy. SCOURER, OR SCOURING-STICK. Spring-searcher. An implement to clean the interior of musket barrels. SCOURGE. A name of the boatswain's cat. SCOUR THE SEAS, TO. To infest the ocean as a pirate. SCOUSE. A dish made of pounded biscuit and salt beef cut into small pieces, boiled up with seasoning. (_See_ LOBSCOUSE.) SCOUTS. Small vessels of war for especial service. (_See_ SKOUTS.) Also, intelligent men sent in advance to discover the enemy, and give an account of his force. SCOW. A large flat-bottomed boat, used either as a lighter, or for ferrying. SCOW-BANKER. A manager of a scow. Also, a contemptuous term for a lubberly fellow. SCOWRING. The cleansing and clearing a harbour by back-water, or otherwise. Also an old term for tropical flux or dysentery. SCRABBLE. A badly written log. This term is used by the translators of the Bible at David's feigned madness, when he "scrabbled on the doors of the gate." SCRABER. The puffinet, _Colymbus grille_. (_See_ GREENLAND DOVE.) SCRAPER [from the Anglo-Saxon _screope_]. A small triangular iron instrument, having two or three sharp edges. It is used to scrape the ship's side or decks after caulking, or to clean the top-masts, &c. This is usually followed by a varnish of turpentine, or a mixture of tar and oil, to protect the wood from the weather. Also, metaphorically, a cocked hat, whether shipped fore-and-aft or worn athwart-ships. SCRATCH-RACE. A boat-race where the crews are drawn by lot. SCRAWL. The young of the dog-crab, or a poor sort of crab itself. SCREEN-BERTH. Pieces of canvas temporarily hung round a berth, for warmth and privacy. (_See_ BERTH.) SCREW-DOCK. _See_ GRIDIRON. SCREW-GAMMONING FOR THE BOWSPRIT. A chain or plate fastened by a screw, to secure a vessel's bowsprit to the stem-head, allowing for the tricing up of the bowsprit when required. SCREW-PROPELLER. A valuable substitute for the cumbersome paddle-wheels as a motive-power for steam-vessels: the Archimedean screw plying under water, and hidden by the counter, communicates motion in the direction of its axis to a vessel, by working against the resisting medium of water. (_See_ TWIN-SCREW.) SCREWS. Powerful machines for lifting large bodies. (_See_ BED, BARREL, and JACK SCREWS.) SCREW-WELL. A hollow trunk over the screw of a steamer, for allowing the propeller to be disconnected and lifted when required. SCRIMP. Scant. A word used in the north; as, a scrimp wind, a very light breeze. SCRIVANO. A clerk or writer; a name adopted in our early ships from the _Portuguese_ or _Spanish_. SCROLL-HEAD. A slightly curved piece of timber bolted to the knees of the head, in place of a figure: finished off by a volute turning outwards, contrary to the _fiddle-head_. SCROVIES. An old name given to the worthless men picked up by crimps, and sent on board as A.B.'s. SCRUFF. The matter adhering to the bottoms of foul vessels. SCUD. The low misty cloud. It appears to fly faster than others because it is very near the earth's surface. When scud is abundant, showers may be expected.--_To scud._ To run before a gale under canvas enough to keep the vessel ahead of the sea: as, for instance, a close-reefed main top-sail and fore-sail; without canvas she is said to scud under _bare poles_, and is very likely to be pooped. When a vessel makes a sudden and precipitate flight, she is said to scud away.--_Scud like a 'Mudian._ Be off in a hurry. SCUDO. A coin of Italy, varying in value in the different provinces. SCUFFLE. A confused and disorderly contention-- "Then friends and foes to battle they goes; But what they all fights about--nobody knows." SCULL. A short oar of such length that a pair of them, one on each side, are conveniently managed by a single rower sitting in the middle of the boat. Also, a light metal-helmet worn in our early fleet.--_To scull._ To row a boat with a pair of sculls. Also, to propel a boat by a particular method of managing a single oar over the boat's stern, and reversing the blade each time. It is in fact the half-stroke of the screw rapidly reversed, and closely resembles the propelling power of the horizontal tail of the whale. SCULPTURES. The carved decorations of the head, stern, and quarter of an old ship-of-war. Also, the copper plates which "adorned" the former books of voyages and travels. SCUM OF THE SEA. The refuse seen on the line of tidal change; the drift sent off by the ebbing tide. Or (in the neighbourhood of the rains), the fresh water running on the surface of the salt and carrying with it a line of foam bearing numerous sickly gelatinous marine animals, and physaliae, commonly called Portuguese men-of-war, affected by the fresh water and other small things often met with on the surface sea. SCUM-O'-THE-SKY. Thin atmospheric vapours. SCUPPER-HOSE. A canvas leathern pipe or tube nailed round the outside of the scuppers of the lower decks, which prevents the water from discolouring the ship's sides. SCUPPER-LEATHER. A flap-valve nailed over a scupper-hole, serving to keep water from getting in, yet letting it out. SCUPPER-NAILS. Short nails with very broad flat heads, used to nail the flaps of the scuppers, so as to retain the hose under them: they are also used for battening tarpaulins and other general purposes. SCUPPER-PLUGS. Are used to close the scuppers in-board. SCUPPERS. Round apertures cut through the water ways and sides of a ship at proper distances, and lined with metal, in order to carry the water off the deck into the sea. SCUPPER-SHOOTS. Metal or wooden tubes which carry the water from the decks of frigates to the sea-level. SCURRY. Perhaps from the Anglo-Saxon _scur_, a heavy shower, a sudden squall. It now means a hurried movement; it is more especially applied to seals or penguins taking to the water in fright. SCUTTLE. A small hole or port cut either in the deck or side of a ship, generally for ventilation. That in the deck is a small hatchway. SCUTTLE, TO. To cut or bore holes through part of a ship when she is stranded or over-set, and continues to float, in order to save any part of her contents. Also, a trick too often practised by boring holes below water, to sink a ship, where fictitious cargo is embarked and the vessel insured beyond her value. (_See_ BARRATRY.) SCUTTLE OR SCUTTLED BUTT. A cask having a square piece sawn out of its bilge and lashed in a convenient place to hold water for present use. SCUTTLE-HATCH. A lid or hatch for covering and closing the scuttles when necessary. SEA. Strictly speaking, _sea_ is the next large division of water after _ocean_, but in its special sense signifies only any large portion of the great mass of waters almost surrounded by land, as the Black, the White, the Baltic, the China, and the Mediterranean seas, and in a general sense in contradistinction to land. By sailors the word is also variously applied. Thus they say--"We shipped a heavy sea." "There is a great sea on in the offing." "The sea sets to the southward," &c. Hence a ship is said to head the sea when her course is opposed to the direction of the waves.--_A long sea_ implies a uniform motion of long waves, the result of a steady continuance of the wind from nearly the same quarter.--_A short sea_ is a confused motion of the waves when they run irregularly so as frequently to break over a vessel, caused by sudden changes of wind. The law claims for the crown wherever the sea flows to, and there the admiralty has jurisdiction; accordingly, no act can be done, no bridge can span a river so circumstanced without the sanction of the admiralty. It claims the fore-shore unless specially granted by charter otherwise, and the court of vice-admiralty has jurisdiction as to flotsam and jetsam on the fore-shore. But all crimes are subject to the laws, and are tried by the ordinary courts as within the body of a county, comprehended by the chord between two headlands where the distance does not exceed three miles from the shore. Beyond that limit is "the sea, where high court of admiralty has jurisdiction, but where civil process cannot follow." SEA-ADDER. The west-country term for the pipe-fish _Syngnathus_. The name is also given to the nest-making stickleback. SEA-ANCHOR. That which lies towards the offing when a ship is moored. SEA-ATTORNEY. The ordinary brown and rapacious shark. SEA-BANK. A work so important that our statutes make it felony, without benefit of clergy, maliciously to cut down any sea-bank whereby lands may be overflowed. SEA-BEANS. Pods of the acacia tribe shed into the rivers about the Gulf of Mexico, and borne by the stream to the coasts of Great Britain, and even further north. SEA-BEAR. A name applied to several species of large seals of the genus _Otaria_, found both in the northern and southern hemispheres. They differ from the true seals, especially in the mode in which they use their hind limbs in walking on land. SEA-BOARD. The line along which the land and water meet, indicating the limit common to both. SEA-BOAT. A good sea-boat implies any vessel adapted to bear the sea firmly and lively without labouring heavily or straining her masts or rigging. The contrary is called _a bad sea-boat_. SEA-BORNE. Arrived from a voyage: said of freighted ships also afloat. SEA-BOTTLE. The pod or vesicle of some species of _sea-wrack_ or _Fucus gigantea_ of Cape Horn and the Straits of Magellan. SEA-BREEZE. A wind from the sea towards the land. In tropical climates (and sometimes during summer in the temperate zone) as the day advances the land becomes extremely heated by the sun, which causes an ascending current of air, and a wind from the sea rushes in to restore equilibrium. Above the sea-breeze is a counter current, which was clearly shown in Madras, where an aeronaut waited until the sea-breeze had set in to make his ascent, expecting to be blown inland, but after rising to a certain height found himself going out to sea, and in his haste to descend he disordered the machinery, and could not close the valve which allowed the gas to escape, so fell into the sea about three miles from the land, but clung to his balloon and was saved. Also, a cool sea drink. SEA-BRIEF. A specification of the nature and quantity of the cargo of a ship, the place whence it comes, and its destination. (_See_ PASSPORT.) SEA-CALF. A seal, _Phoca vitulina_. SEA-CAP. The white drift or breaks of a wave. _White horses_ of trades. SEA-CARDS. The old name for charts. SEA-CAT. A name of the wolf-fish, _Anarrhicas lupus_. SEA-CATGUT. The _Fucus filum_, or sea-thread. SEA-COAST, OR SEA-BORD. The shore of any country, or that part which is washed by the sea. SEA COCOA-NUT, OR DOUBLE COCOA-NUT. The fruit of the _Lodoicea seychellarum_, a handsome palm growing in the Seychelles Islands. It was once supposed to be produced by a sea-weed, because so often found floating on the sea around. SEA-COULTER. The puffin or coulter-neb, _Fratercula arctica_. SEA-COW. One of the names given to the _manatee_ (which see). SEA-CRAFTS. In ship-building, a term for the scarphed strakes otherwise called _clamps_. For boats, _see_ THWART-CLAMPS. SEA-CROW. A name on our southern coast for the cormorant. SEA-CUCKOO. The _Trigla cuculus_, or red gurnard, so called from the unmusical grunt which it emits. SEA-CUNNY. A steersman in vessels manned with lascars in the East India country trade. SEA-DEVIL. A name for the _Lophius piscatorius_, or angler, a fish with a large head and thick short body. SEA-DOG. A name of the common seal. SEA-DOGG. The meteor called also _stubb_ (which see). SEA-DRAGON. An early designation of the _stinging-weever_. SEA-EAGLE. A large ray-fish with a pair of enormous fins stretching out from either side of the body, and a long switch tail, armed with a barbed bone, which forms a dangerous weapon. _Manta_ of the Spaniards. SEA-EDGE. The boundary between the icy regions of the "north water" and the unfrozen portion of the Arctic Sea. SEA-EEL. The _conger_ (which see). SEA-EGG. A general name for the _echinus_, better known to seamen as the _sea-urchin_ (which see). SEA-FARDINGER. An archaic expression for a seafaring man. SEA-FISHER. An officer in the household of Edward III. SEA-FRET. A word used on our northern coasts for the thick heavy mist generated on the ocean, and rolled by the wind upon the land. SEA-FROG. A name for the _Lophius piscatorius_, or angler. SEA GATE OR GAIT. A long rolling swell: when two ships are thrown aboard one another by its means, they are said to be in a sea-gate. SEA-GAUGE. An instrument used by Drs. Hale and Desaguliers to investigate the depth of the sea, by the pressure of air into a tube prepared for the purpose, showing by a mark left by a thin surface of treacle carried on mercury forced up it during the descent into what space the whole air is compressed, and, consequently, the depth of water by which its weight produced that compression. It is, however, an uncertain and difficult instrument, and superseded by Ericson's patent, working on the same principle, but passing over into another tube the volume of water thus forced in. (_See_ WATER-BOTTLE.) SEA-GOING. Fit for sea-service abroad. SEA-GREEN. The colour which in ancient chivalry denoted inconstancy. SEA-GROCER. A sobriquet for the purser. SEA-GULL. A well-known bird. When they come in numbers to shore, and make a noise about the coast, or when at sea they alight on ships, sailors consider it a prognostic of a storm. This is an old idea; see Virg. Georg. lib. i., and Plin. lib. xviii. c. 35. SEA-HARE. _Aplysia_, a molluscous animal. SEA-HEN. A name of the fish _Trigla lyra_, or _crooner_ (which see). SEA-HOG. A common name for the porpoise, _Phoc[oe]na communis_. SEA-HORSE. A name for the walrus, _Trichecus rosmarus_. Also, the _hippocampus_ (which see). SEA-ICE. Ice within which there is a separation from the land. SEAL [from the Anglo-Saxon _seolh_]. The well-known marine piscivorous animal. SEA-LAKE. Synonymous with _lagoon_ (which see). SEA-LAWS. The codes relating to the sea; as, the laws of Rhodes, Oleron, Wisbuy, &c. SEA-LAWYER. An idle litigious 'longshorer, more given to question orders than to obey them. One of the pests of the navy as well as of the mercantile marine. Also, a name given to the tiger-shark. SEALED ORDERS. Secret and sealed until the circumstances arise which authorize their being opened and acted on. Often given to prevent officers from divulging the point to which they are ordered. SEA-LEGS. Implies the power to walk steadily on a ship's decks, notwithstanding her pitching or rolling. SEA-LETTER. _See_ PASSPORT. SEA-LION. A large seal of the genus _Otaria_, distinguished from the sea-bear, to which it otherwise has a great resemblance, by the shaggy mane on its neck and shoulders. SEA-LOG. That part of the log-book relating to whatever happens while the ship is at sea. SEA-LUMP. _See_ LUMP. SEAM. The sewing together of two edges of canvas, which should have about 110 stitches in every yard of length. Also, the identical Anglo-Saxon word for a horse-load of 8 bushels, and much looked to in carrying fresh fish from the coast. Also, the opening between the edges of the planks in the decks and sides of a ship; these are filled with a quantity of oakum and pitch, to prevent the entrance of water. (_See_ CAULKING.) SEA-MALL. A name for a sea-gull. SEAMAN. This is a term seldom bestowed among seafaring men upon their associates, unless they are known to be pre-eminent in every duty of the thorough-paced tar; one who never issues a command which he is not competent to execute himself, and is deemed an authority on every matter relating to sea-craft.--The _able seaman_ is the seafaring man who knows all the duties of common seamanship, as to rig, steer, reef, furl, take the lead, and implicitly carry out the orders given, in a seamanlike manner. His rating is A.B.; pay in the navy, 24_s._ to 27_s._ per month.--The _ordinary seaman_ is less qualified; does not take the weather-helm, the earing, or lead; pay about 21_s._ to 23_s._ per month.--The _landsman_ is still less qualified. SEAMAN'S DISGRACE. A foul anchor. SEAMANSHIP. The noble practical art of rigging and working a ship, and performing with effect all her various evolutions at sea. SEAMAN'S WAGES. A proper object of the admiralty jurisdiction. SEA-MARK. A point or object distinguishable at sea, as promontories, steeples, rivers, trees, &c., forming important beacons, and noted on charts. By keeping two in a line, channels can be entered with safety, and thus the errors of steerage, effect of tide, &c., obviated. These erections are a branch of the royal prerogative, and by statute 8 Eliz. cap. 13, the corporation of the Trinity House are empowered to set up any beacons or sea-marks wherever they shall think them necessary; and, if any person shall destroy them, he shall forfeit L100, or, in case of inability to pay, he shall be, _ipso facto_, outlawed. SEAMEN-GUNNERS. Men who have been trained in a gunnery ship, and thereby become qualified to instruct others in that duty. SEA-MEW. A sea-gull. SEA-MOUSE. The _Aphrodita aculeata_, a marine annelid, remarkable for the brilliant iridescence of the long silky hairs with which its sides are covered. SEA-NETTLE. An immemorial name of several zoophytes and marine creatures of the class _Acalephae_, which have the power of stinging, particularly the _Medusae_. SEA-OWL. A name of the lump-fish, _Cyclopterus lumpus_. SEA-PAY. That due for actual service in a duly-commissioned ship. SEA-PERIL. Synonymous with _sea-risk_. SEA-PIE. The pied oyster-catcher, _Haematopus ostralegus_. Also, a favourite sea-dish in rough weather, consisting of an olla of fish, meat, and vegetables, in layers between crusts, the number of which denominate it a two or three decker. SEA-PINCUSHION. The name among northern fishermen for a kind of star-fish of the genus _Goniaster_. SEA-POACHER. A name of the pogge, _Cottus cataphractus_. SEA-PORCUPINE. Several fish of the genera _Diodon_ and _Tetraodon_, beset with sharp spines, which they can erect by inflating themselves with air. SEA-PORK. The flesh of young whales in the western isles of Scotland; the whale-beef of the Bermudas, &c. It is also called sea-beef. SEA-PORT. A haven near the sea, not situated up a river. SEA-PURSE. _See_ MERMAID'S PURSE. SEA-QUADRANT. The old name of Jacob's cross-staff. SEA-QUAKE. The tremulous motion and shock of an earthquake felt through the waves. SEA-RATE. The going of a chronometer as established on board, instead of that supplied from the shore. This may be done by lunars. From motion and other causes their rates after embarkation are frequently useless, and rates for their new ever-changing position are indispensable. This rate is sometimes _loosely_ deduced between two ports; but as the meridian distances are never satisfactorily known, even as to the spots of observation, they cannot be relied on but as comparative. SEARCH. If the act of submitting to search is to subject neutral vessels to confiscation by the enemy, the parties must look to that enemy whose the injustice is for redress, but they are not to shelter themselves by committing a fraud upon the undoubted rights of the other country. SEARCH, RIGHT OF. _See_ VISITATION. SEARCHER. A custom-house officer employed in taking an account of goods to be exported. Also, _see_ GUN-SEARCHER. SEA-REACH. The straight course or reach of a winding river which stretches out to sea-ward. SEA-RISK. Liability to losses by _perils of the sea_ (which see). SEA-ROKE. A cold fog or mist which suddenly approaches from the sea, and rapidly spreads over the vicinity of our eastern shores, to a distance of 8 or 10 miles inland. SEA-ROOM. Implies a sufficient distance from land, rocks, or shoals wherein a ship may drive or scud without danger. SEA-ROVERS. Pirates and robbers at sea. SEA-SERGEANTS. A society of gentlemen, belonging to the four maritime counties of South Wales, holding their anniversaries at sea-port towns, or one within the reach of tidal influence. It was a secret association of early date, revived in 1726, and dissolved about 1765. SEA-SLATER. The _Ligia oceanica_, a small crustacean. SEA-SLEECH. _See_ SLEECH. SEA-SLEEVE. A name of the flosk or squid, _Loligo vulgaris_. SEA-SLUG. The _Holothuria_. An animal of the class _Echinodermata_, with elongated body, and flexible outer covering. SEASONED TIMBER. Such as has been cut down, squared, and stocked for one season at least. SEASONING. The keeping a vessel standing a certain time after she is completely framed, and dubbed out for planking. A great prince of this maritime country in passing a dockyard, inquired what those _basket-ships_ were for! SEA-SPOUT. The jetting of sea-water over the adjacent lands, when forced through a perforation in a rocky shore; both its egress and ingress are attended with a rumbling noise, and the spray is often very injurious to the surrounding vegetation. SEA-STAR. A common rayed or star-like animal, belonging to the class _Echinodermata_. Also called _star-fish_ (_Asteria_). SEA-STREAM. In polar parlance, is when a collection of bay-ice is exposed on one side to the ocean, and affords shelter from the sea to whatever is within it. SEA-SWABBER. A reproachful term for an idle sailor. SEA-SWALLOW. The tern, a bird resembling the gull, but more slender and swift. SEA-SWINE. The porpoise. SEAT. A term often applied to the peculiar summit of a mountain, as the Queen of Spain's Seat near Gibraltar, the Bibi of Mahratta's Seat near Bombay, Arthur's Seat at Edinburgh, &c. SEA-TANG. Tangle, a sea-weed. SEAT-LOCKERS. Accommodations fitted in the cabins of merchantmen for sitting upon, and stowing cabin-stores in. SEAT OF WATER. Applies to the line on which a vessel sits. SEA-TRANSOM. That which is bolted to the counter-timbers, above the upper, at the height of the port-sills. SEA-TURN. A tack into the offing. SEA-URCHIN. The _Echinus_, an animal of the class _Echinodermata_, of globular form, and a hard calcareous outer covering, beset with movable spines, on the ends of which it crawls about. SEA-WALLS. Elevations of stones, stakes, and other material, to prevent inundations. SEA-WARD. Towards the sea, or offing. SEA-WARE. The sea-weed thrown up by surges on a beach. SEA-WATER. "The quantity of solid matter varies considerably in different seas, but we may assume that the average quantity of saline matter is 3-1/2 per cent., and the density about 1.0274" (_Pereira_). The composition of the water of the English Channel according to Schweitzer is-- Grains. Water 964.74372 Chloride of Sodium 27.05948 " Potassium 0.76552 " Magnesium 3.66658 Bromide of Magnesium 0.02929 Sulphate of Magnesia 2.29578 " Lime 1.40662 Carbonate of Lime 0.03301 ---------- 1000.00000 SEA-WAY. The progress of a ship through the waves. Also, said when a vessel is in an open place where the sea is rolling heavily. SEA-WAY MEASURER. A kind of self-registering log invented by Smeaton, the architect of the Eddystone lighthouse. SEA-WEASEL. An old name of the lamprey. SEA-WOLF. The wolf-fish, _Anarrhicas lupus_. SEA-WOLVES. A name for privateers. SEA-WORTHY. The state of a ship in everyway fitted for her voyage. It is the first stipulation in every policy of insurance, or other contract, connected with a vessel: "for she shall be tight, staunch, and strong, sufficiently manned, and her commander competent to his duty." (_See_ OPINION.) SEA-WRACK GRASS. _Zostera marina_; used in Sweden and Holland for manuring land. At Yarmouth it is thrown on shore in such abundance that mounds are made with it to arrest the encroachments of the sea. It is also used as thatch. SECANT. A line drawn from the centre of a circle to the extremity of the tangent. SECCA. A shoal on Italian shores and charts. SECOND. The sixtieth part of a minute. A division of a degree of a circle. A term applied both to time and to space. Also, second in a duel; a very important part to play, since many a life may be saved without implicating honour. SECONDARY PLANET. _See_ SATELLITES. SECOND-CAPTAIN. Commanders under captains in the navy, of late. SECOND-COUNTER. _See_ COUNTER. SECOND-FUTTOCKS. The frame-timbers scarphed on the end of the futtock-timbers. SECOND-HAND. A term in fishing-boats to distinguish the second in charge. SECOND OFFICER. Second mate in merchantmen. SECOND-RATE. Vessels of seventy-four guns (on the old scale). SECTION. A draught or figure representing the internal parts of a ship cut by a plane at any particular place athwart ships or longitudinally. SECTOR. _See_ DIP-SECTOR. SECULAR ACCELERATION. _See_ ACCELERATION OF THE MOON. SECULAR INEQUALITY. _See_ INEQUALITY. SECURE ARMS! Place them under the left arm, to guard the lock from the weather or rain. SEDITION. Mutinous commotion against the constituted authorities, especially dangerous at sea. SEDOW. The old English name for the fish called gilt-head; _Sparus auratus_. SEDUCE, TO. To inveigle a man to desertion. SEELING. A sudden heeling over, and quick return. SEER. The tumbler of a gun-lock. SEE-SAW. Reciprocating motion. SEGE. An old law-term for the seat or berth in which a ship lies. SEGMENT. In geometry, any part of a circle which is bounded by an arc and its chord, or so much of the circle as is cut off by that chord. SEGMENTAL STERN. _See_ ROUND STERN. SEGMENT-SHELL. For use with rifled guns; an elongated iron shell having very thin sides, and built up internally with segment-shaped pieces of iron, which, offering the resistance of an arch against pressure from without, are easily separated by the very slight bursting charge within; thereby retaining most of their original direction and velocity after explosion. SEIN, OR SEINE. The name of a large fishing-net. Also, a flat seam. SEIN-FISH. By statute (3 Jac. I. c. 12) includes that sort taken with a sein. SEIZING. Fastening any two ropes, or different parts of one rope together, with turns of small stuff. SEIZINGS. The cords with which the act of seizing is performed; they vary in size in proportion to the rope on which they are used. SEIZLING. A young carp. SEIZURE. The right of naval officers to seize anywhere afloat, is legally established: a ship, therefore, although incapable of cruising, may still make a seizure in port. SELCHIE. The northern name for the seal, _Phoca vitulina_. SELENOCENTRIC. Having relation to the centre of the moon. SELENOGRAPHY. The delineation of the moon's surface. SELLING OUT. An officer in the army wishing to retire from the service, may do so by disposing of his commission. SELLOCK. _See_ SILLOCK. SELVAGE. The woven edge of canvas formed by web and woof. See _Boke of Curtasye_ (14th century):-- "The overnape shal doubulle be layde, To the utter side the selvage brade." SELVAGEE. A strong and pliant hank, or untwisted skein of rope-yarn marled together, and used as a strap to fasten round a shroud or stay, or slings to which to hook a tackle to hoist in any heavy articles. SEMAPHORE. An expeditious mode of communication by signal; it consists of upright posts and movable arms, now chiefly used for railway signals, electric telegraphs being found better for great distances. SEMEBOLE. An old term for a pipe, or half a tun of wine. SEMI-AXIS MAJOR. _See_ MEAN DISTANCE. SEMICIRCLE. A figure comprehended between the diameter of a circle and half the circumference. SEMI-DIAMETER. The angle subtended by half the diameter of a heavenly body; in the cases of the sun and moon it is much used in navigation. SEMI-DIURNAL ARC. Half the arc described by a heavenly body between its rising and setting. SEMI-ISLET. An old term for _bridge-islet_ (which see). SEND, TO. To rise after pitching heavily and suddenly between two waves, or out of the trough of the sea. SENDING, OR 'SCENDING. The act of being thrown about violently when adrift. SENIORITY. The difference of rank, or standing in priority, according to dates of commissions; or if on the same day, the order in which they stand on the official printed lists. SENIOR OFFICER. The commanding officer for the time being. SENNIT. A flat cordage formed by plaiting five or seven rope-yarns together. Straw, plaited in the same way for hats, is called plat-sennit; it is made by sailors in India from the leaf of the palm, for that well-known straw-hat, adorned with flowing ribbons, which formerly distinguished the man-of-war's man. SENSIBLE HORIZON. _See_ HORIZON. SENTINEL, OR SENTRY. A soldier, marine, or seaman placed upon any post, to watch and enforce any specific order with which he may be intrusted. SENTRY GO! The order to the new sentry to proceed to the relief of the previous one. SEQUIN. A Turkish and Venetian gold coin of the current value of 6_s._ 11_d._ SERANG. A boatswain of Lascars. SERASKIER. A Turkish general. SERGEANT. The senior non-commissioned rank in the army and marines. SERGEANT-MAJOR. The senior sergeant in a regiment, or first non-commissioned officer; usually a zealous and thorough soldier. SERON. A commercial package of Spanish America, made of green bullock's-hide with the hair on. SERPENTARIUS. _See_ OPHIUCHUS. SERPENTIN. An ancient 24-pounder gun, the dolphins of which represented serpents; it was 13 feet long, and weighed 4360 lbs. SERPENTINE POWDER. An old term for a peculiar granulated gunpowder. SERRATED. Notched like the edge of a saw. SERVE, TO. To supply the gun with powder and shot. Also, to handle it through all the changes of station. SERVE THE VENT, TO. To stop it with the thumb. SERVICE. The profession; as a general term, expresses every kind of duty which a naval or military man can be called upon to perform. Also, implying any bold exploit.--_To see service_, is a common expression, which implies actual contest with the enemy.--_Service_, of served rope, is the spun-yarn wound round a rope by means of a _serving-board_ or _mallet_. SERVICEABLE. Both as respects men and stores, capable of or fit for duty. SERVING-BOARD. A flattened piece of hard wood with a handle, for passing service on the smaller ropes. SERVING-MALLET. The mallet, grooved on the under side, with which spun-yarn, or other small stuff, is wrapped tightly round a rope. SERVING OUT SLOPS. Distributing clothing, &c. Also, a cant term to denote punishment at the gangway. SET. The direction in which a current flows, or of the wind. (_See_ DIRECTION.)--_To set_, is to observe the bearings of any distant object by the compass. (_See_ BEARING.) Also applied to the direction of the tide, as "the tide setting to the south," is opposed to a swelling sea setting to the north-west. Also, when applied to sails, implies the loosing and spreading them, so as to force the ship through the water on weighing. When in chase, or other emergency, the term is sometimes used as synonymous with _make sail_. SET-BOLTS. Used in drifting out bolts from their position. Also employed for forcing the planks and other works, bringing them close to one another, as Blake's bringing-to bolts, with wood screws, eyes, and rings. SET FLYING. Sails that do not remain aloft when taken in, but are hauled on deck or stowed in the tops, as skysails, studding-sails, &c. SET IN. Said when the sea-breeze or weather appears to be steady. SET ON! The order to set the engine going on board a steamer. SETT. A kind of shipwright's power, composed of two ring-bolts and a wrain-staff, with cleats and lashings. Also, the particular spot in a river or frith, where stationary nets are fixed. SETTEE. A single-decked Mediterranean vessel with a long and sharp prow, without top-masts, and carrying lateen sails. They were mostly used as transports to galleys. SET THE CHASE, TO. To mark well the position of the vessel chased by bearing, so that by standing away from her on one tack, she may be cut off on the other. SETTING. The operation of moving a boat or raft by means of poles. Also, arranging the sights of a gun, or pointing it. SETTING POLE. A pole, generally pointed with iron, forced into the mud, by which boats and barges are moored in shallow water. SETTING THE WATCH. The military night guard or watch at the evening gun-fire. Naval watches are not interfered with by time. SETTING-UP. Raising a ship from her blocks, shores, &c., by wedges driven between the heels of the shore and the dock foundation. SETTLE. Now termed the _stern-sheets_ [derived from the Anglo-Saxon _settl_, a seat].--_To settle._ To lower; also to sink, as "the deck has settled;" "we settled the land." (_See_ LAYING.) "Settle the main top-sail halliards," _i.e._ ease them off a little, so as to lower the yard, as on shaking out a reef. SETTLING. Sinking in the water. SET UP. Soldiers, mariners, and small-arm men, well drilled, and instructed to be upright and soldierlike in their carriage, are "well set up." SET UP RIGGING, TO. To take in the slack of the shrouds, stays, and backstays, to bring the same strain as before, and thus secure the masts. SEVERALTY. The denomination under which disagreements respecting accounts amongst the part-owners of a ship are referred, either to equity courts, or the common law. SEVERE. Effectual; as, a _severe_ turn in belaying a rope. SEW, OR SUE. Pronounced _sue_. (_See_ SEWED.) SEWANT. A north-country name for the plaice. SEWARD, OR SEA-WARD. An early name for the _custos maris_, or he who guards the sea-coast. SEWED. A ship resting upon the ground, where the water has fallen, so as to afford no hope of floating until lightened, or the return tide floats her, is said to be sewed, by as much as the difference between the surface of the water, and the ship's floating-mark. If not left quite dry, she sews to such a point; if the water leaves her a couple of feet, she is sewed two feet. SEWIN. A white kind of salmon taken on the coast of Wales. Sometimes this word is used for the dish called _sowens_. SEXAGESIMAL DIVISIONS. The circumference of the circle is divided into 360 degrees, each degree into 60 minutes, and each minute into 60 seconds. The Americans afterwards used 60 thirds, but European astronomers prefer decimals. SEXTANT. A mathematical instrument for taking altitudes of, and measuring the angular distances between, the heavenly bodies. It is constructed on a principle similar to Hadley's quadrant; but the arc contains a sixth part of a circle, and measures angles up to 120 deg. SHACKLE [from the Anglo-Saxon _sceacul_]. A span with two eyes and a bolt, attached to open links in a chain-cable, at every 15 fathoms; they are fitted with a movable bolt, so that the chain can there be separated or coupled, as circumstances require. Also, an iron loop-hooked bolt moving on a pin, used for fastening the lower-deck port-bars. SHACKLE-BREECHING. Two shackles are turned into the breeching, by which it is instantly disconnected from the port-ringbolts. Also, the lug of the cascable is cut open to admit of the bight of the breeching falling into it, thus obviating the loss of time by unreeving. SHACKLE-CROW. A bar of iron slightly bent at one end like the common crow, but with a shackle instead of a claw at the bent end. It is used for drawing bolts or deck-nails. (_See also_ SPAN-SHACKLE.) SHACKLE-NET. The northern term for flue-net. SHACKLES. Semicircular clumps of iron sliding upon a round bar, in which the legs of prisoners are occasionally confined to the deck. _Manacles_ when applied to the wrists. (_See_ BILBOES.) SHAD. The _Clupea alosa_, a well-known fish, of very disputed culinary merit, owing perhaps to its own dietetic habits. SHADES. Coloured glasses for quadrants, sextants, and circles. (_See_ DARK GLASSES, or SCREENS.) SHAFT OF A MINE. The narrow perpendicular pit by which the gallery is entered, and from which the branches of the mine diverge. SHAG. A small species of cormorant, _Phalacrocorax graculus_. SHAG-BUSH. An old term for a harquebus, or hand-gun. SHAKE, TO. To cast off fastenings, as--_To shake out a reef._ To let out a reef, and enlarge the sail.--_To shake off a bonnet_ of a fore-and-aft sail.--_To shake a cask._ To take it to pieces, and pack up the parts, then termed "shakes." Thus the term expressing little value, "No great shakes." SHAKE IN THE WIND, TO. To bring a vessel's head so near the wind, when close-hauled, as to shiver the sails. SHAKES. A name given by shipwrights to the cracks or rents in any piece of timber, occasioned by the sun or weather. The same as _rends_ or _shans_ (which see). SHAKING A CLOTH IN THE WIND. In galley parlance, expresses the being slightly intoxicated. SHAKINGS. Refuse of cordage, canvas, &c., used for making oakum, paper, &c. SHALLOP, SHALLOOP, OR SLOOP. A small light fishing vessel, with only a small main-mast and fore-mast for lug-sails. They are commonly good sailers, and are therefore often used as tenders to men-of-war. Also, a large heavy undecked boat, with one mast, fore-and-aft main-sail, and jib-foresail. The gunboats on the French coasts were frequently termed chaloupes, and carried one heavy gun, with a crew of 40 men. Also, a small boat rowed by one or two men. SHALLOWS. A continuation of shoal water. SHALLOW-WAISTED. Flush-decked vessels are thus termed, in contradistinction to the deep-waisted. SHAN. A defect in spars, most commonly from bad collared knots; an injurious compression of fibres in timber: the turning out of the cortical layers when the plank has been sawed obliquely to the central axis of the tree. SHANK. An arrangement of deep-water fishing lines. Also, a handle or shaft. Also the bar or shaft of an anchor, constituting its main piece, at one end of which the stock is fixed, and at the other the arms. SHANK-PAINTER. The stopper which confines the shank of the anchor to the ship's side, and prevents the flukes from flying off the bill-board. Where the bill-board is not used, it bears the weight of the fluke end of the anchor. SHANTY. A small hut on or near a beach. SHAPE. The lines and form of a vessel.--_To shape a course._ To assign the route to be steered in order to prosecute a voyage. SHARE AND SHARE ALIKE. The golden rule of all messes at sea. SHARK. A name applied to many species of large cartilaginous fish of the family _Squalidae_. Their ferocity and voracity are proverbial. Also, applied to crimps, sharpers, and low attorneys. SHARP. Prompt and attentive.--_Be sharp!_ Make haste.--_Look sharp!_ Lose no time. Also, an old term for a sword. SHARP BOTTOM. Synonymous with a sharp floor; used in contradistinction to a flat floor: the epithet denotes vessels intended for quick sailing. SHARP LOOK-OUT BEFORE! The hail for the forecastle look-out men to be extremely vigilant. SHARP UP. Trimmed as near as possible to the wind, with the yards braced up nearly fore and aft. SHAVE. A close run; a narrow escape from a collision. SHEAF. A bundle of arrows, as formerly supplied to our royal ships. SHEAL. A northern term for a fisherman's hut, whence several of them together became _sheals_ or _shields_. SHEAR. An iron spear, of three or more points, for catching eels. SHEAR-HOOKS. A kind of sickle formerly applied to the yard-arms, for cutting the rigging of a vessel running on board. SHEARS. _See_ SHEERS. SHEAR-WATER. A sea-fowl, _Puffinus anglorum_. SHEATHING. Thin boards formerly placed between the ship's body and the sheets of copper, to protect the planks from the pernicious effects of the worm. Tar and hair, or brown paper dipped in tar and oil, is laid between the sheathing and the bottom. In 1613 a junk of 800 or 1000 tons was seen in Japan all sheeted with iron; and yet it was not attempted in Europe till more than a hundred years afterwards. But by 1783 ships of every class were coppered. SHEATHING-NAILS. These are used to fasten wood-sheathing, and prevent the filling-nails from tearing it too much. Those used for copper-sheathing are of mixed metal, cast in moulds about one inch and a quarter long. The heads are flat on the upper side, and counter-sunk below, with the upper side polished to prevent the adhesion of weeds. SHEAVE. The wheel on which the rope works in a block; it is generally formed of lignum vitae, sometimes of brass, and frequently of both; the interior part, or that which sustains the friction against the pin, being of brass, let into the exterior, which is of lignum vitae, and is then termed a sheave with a brass coak, _bouche_, or bush. The name also applies to a cylindrical wheel made of hard wood, movable round a stout pin as its axis; it is let through the side and chess-trees for leading the tacks and sheets. Also, the number of tiers in coiling cables and hawsers. SHEAVE-HOLE. A channel cut in masts, yards, or timber, in which to fix a sheave, and answering the place of a block. It is also the groove cut in a block for the ropes to reeve through. SHEBEEN. A low public-house, yet a sort of sailor trap. SHED. A pent-house or cover for the ship's artificers to work under. SHEDDE. An archaic term for the slope of a hill. SHEDDERS. Female salmon. (_See_ FOUL FISH.) SHEDELE. A channel of water. SHEEN-NET. A large drag-net. SHEEPSHANK. A hitch or bend made on a rope to shorten it temporarily; and particularly used on runners, to prevent the tackle from coming block and block. It consists in making two long bights in a rope, which shall overlay one another; then taking a half hitch over the end of each bight, with the standing part, which is next to it. SHEER. The longitudinal curve of a ship's decks or sides; the hanging of the vessel's side in a fore-and-aft direction. Also, a fishing-spear in use on the south coast. (_See_ SHEAR.) Also, the position in which a ship is sometimes kept when at single anchor, in order to keep her clear of it [evidently from the Erse _sheebh_, to drift]. SHEER, TO BREAK. To deviate from that position, and thereby risk fouling the anchor. Thus a vessel riding with short scope of cable breaks her sheer, and bringing the force of the whole length of the ship at right angles, tears the anchor out of the ground, and drifts into deep water. SHEER-BATTEN. A batten stretched horizontally along the shrouds, and seized firmly above each of their dead-eyes, serving to prevent the dead-eyes from turning at that part. This is also termed a _stretcher_. SHEER-DRAUGHT. In ship-building, a section supposed to be cut by a plane passing through the middle line of the keel, the stem, and the stern-post: it is also called the _plan of elevation_, and it exhibits the out-board works, as the wales, sheer-rails, ports, drifts, height of water-line, &c. SHEERED. Built with a curved sheer. (_See_ MOON-SHEERED.) SHEER-HULK. An old ship fitted with sheers, &c., and used for taking out and putting in the masts of other vessels. SHEERING. The act of deviating from the line of the course, so as to form a crooked and irregular path through the water; this may be occasioned by the ship's being difficult to steer, but more frequently arises from the negligence or incapacity of the helmsman. For _sheering_ or _shearing_ in polar seas, _see_ LAPPING. SHEER-LASHING. Middle the rope, and pass a good turn round both legs at the cross. Then take one end up and the other down, around and over the cross, until half of the lashing is thus expended; then ride both ends back again on their own parts, and knot them in the middle. Frap the first and riding turns together on each side with sennit. SHEER-MAST. The peculiar rig of the rafts on the Guayaquil river; also of the piratical prahus of the eastern seas, and which might be imitated in some of our small craft with advantage: having a pair of sheers (instead of a single mast) within which the fore-and-aft main-sail works, or is hoisted or slung. SHEER-MOULD. Synonymous with _ram-line_ (which see). SHEER OFF, TO. To move to a greater distance, or to steer so as to keep clear of a vessel or other object. SHEER-PLAN. The draught of the side of a proposed ship, showing the length, depth, rake, water-lines, &c. SHEER-RAIL. The wrought-rail generally placed well with the sheer or top-timber line; the narrow ornamental moulding along the top-side, parallel to the sheer. SHEERS. Two or more spars, raised at angles, lashed together near their upper ends, and supported by guys; used for raising or taking in heavy weights. Also, to hoist in or get out the lower masts of a ship; they are either placed on the side of a quay or wharf, on board of an old ship cut down (_see_ SHEER-HULK), or erected in the vessel wherein the mast is to be planted or displaced, the lower ends of the props resting on the opposite sides of the deck, and the upper parts being fastened together across, from which a tackle depends; this sort of sheers is secured by stages extending to the stem and stern of the vessel. SHEER-SAIL. A drift-sail. SHEER TO THE ANCHOR, TO. To direct the ship's bows by the helm to the place where the anchor lies, while the cable is being hove in. SHEER UP ALONGSIDE, TO. To approach a ship or other object in an oblique direction. SHEER-WALES. Strakes of thick stuff in the top-sides of three-decked ships, between the middle and upper deck-ports. Synonymous with _middle-wales_. SHEET. A rope or chain fastened to one or both the lower corners of a sail, to extend and retain the clue down to its place. When a ship sails with a side wind, the lower corners of the main and fore sails are fastened by a tack and a sheet, the former being to windward, and the latter to leeward; the tack is, however, only disused with a stern wind, whereas the sail is never spread without the assistance of one or both of the sheets; the staysails and studding-sails have only one tack and one sheet each; the staysail-tacks are fastened forward, and the sheets drawn aft; but the studding-sail tacks draw to the extremity of the boom, while the sheet is employed to extend the inner corner. SHEET-ANCHOR. One of four bower anchors supplied, two at the bows, and one at either chest-tree abaft the fore-rigging; one is termed the sheet, the other the spare anchor; usually got ready in a gale to let go on the parting of a bower. To a sheet anchor a stout hempen cable is generally bent, as lightening the strain at the bow, and being more elastic. SHEET-BEND. A sort of double hitch, made by passing the end of one rope through the bight of another, round both parts of the other, and under its own part. SHEET-CABLE. A hempen cable used when riding in deep water, where the weight of a chain cable would oppress a ship. SHEET-COPPER. Copper rolled out into sheets, for the sheathing of ships' bottoms, &c. SHEET-FISH. The _Silurus glanis_, a large fish found in many European rivers and lakes. SHEET HOME! The order, after the sails are loosed, to extend the sheets to the outer extremities of the yards, till the clue is close to the sheet-block. Also, when driving anything home, as a blow, &c. SHEET IN THE WIND. Half intoxicated; as the sail trembles and is unsteady, so is a drunken man. SHELDRAKE. The _Anas tadorna_, a large species of wild duck. SHELF. A dangerous beach bounded by a ledge of flat rocks a-wash. In icy regions, (_see_ TONGUE). SHELF-PIECES. Strakes of plank running internally in a line with the decks, for the purpose of receiving the ends of the beams. They are also called _stringers_. SHELKY. A name for the seal in the Shetland Isles. SHELL. In artillery, a hollow iron shot containing explosive materials, whether spherical, elongated, eccentric, &c., and destined to burst at the required instant by the action of its _fuse_ (which see).--_Common shells_ are filled with powder only, those fired from mortars being spherical, and having a thickness of about one-sixth of their diameter. (_See_ also SEGMENT-SHELL and SHRAPNEL SHELL.) Also, the hard calcareous external covering of the mollusca, crustacea, and echinoderms. SHELL-FISH. A general term applied to aquatic animals having a hard external covering or shell, as whelks, oysters, lobsters, &c. These are not, however, properly speaking, fish. SHELLING. The act of bombarding a fort, town, or position. SHELL OF A BLOCK. The outer frame or case wherein the sheave or wheel is contained and traverses about its axis. SHELL-ROOM. An important compartment in ships of war, fitted up with strong shelves to receive the shells when charged. SHELL, SHRAPNEL. _See_ SHRAPNEL SHELL. SHELVES. A general name given to any dangerous shallows, sand-banks, or rocks, lying immediately under the surface of the water. SHELVING. A term expressive of step-like rocks lying in nearly horizontal strata, or inclining very gradually; as a "shelving bottom," or a "shelving land." Applied to the shore, it means that it ascends from the sea, and passes under it at an extremely low angle, so that vessels of draught cannot approach. SHERE. An archaic sea-term for running aground. SHEVO. An entertainment, thought by some to be derived from the gaiety of the chevaux, or horse-guards; more probably from _chez-vous_. SHIBAH. A small Indian vessel. SHIELD-SHIP. A vessel fitted with one or more massive iron shields, each protecting a heavy gun or guns. The name was applied to an improvement on the "cupola-ship," before the latter was perfected into the "turret-ship." SHIELD TOWER OR TURRET. A revolving armoured cover for guns. SHIEVE, TO. To have head-way. To row the wrong way, in order to assist the steersman in a narrow channel. SHIFT. In ship-building, when one butt of a piece of timber or plank overlaunches the butt of another, without either being reduced in length, for the purpose of strength and stability.--_To shift_ [thought to be from the Anglo-Saxon _scyftan_, to divide]. To change or alter the position of; as, to shift a sail, top-mast, or spar; to shift the helm, &c. Also, to change one's clothes. SHIFT A BERTH, TO. To move from one anchorage to another. SHIFTED. The state of a ship's ballast or cargo when it is shaken from one side to the other, either by the violence of her rolling, or by her too great inclination to one side under a great press of sail; this accident, however, rarely happens, unless the cargo is stowed in bulk, as corn, salt, &c. SHIFTER. A person formerly appointed to assist the ship's cook in washing, steeping, and shifting the salt provisions; so called from having to change the water in the steep-tub. SHIFTING A TACKLE. The act of removing the blocks of a tackle to a greater distance from each other, in order to extend their purchase; this operation is otherwise called _fleeting_ (which see). SHIFTING BACKSTAYS, ALSO PREVENTER. Those which can be changed from one side of a ship to the other, as the occasion demands. SHIFTING BALLAST. Pigs of iron, bags of sand, &c., used for ballast, and capable of being moved to trim the vessel. Also, a term applied to messengers, soldiers, and live-stock. SHIFTING-BOARDS. One or more wooden bulk-heads in a vessel's hold, put up fore-and-aft, and firmly supported, for preventing a cargo which is stowed in bulk from shifting. SHIFTING-CENTRE. _See_ META-CENTRE. SHIFTING SAND. A bank, of which the sand, being incoherent, is subject to removal or being driven about by the violence of the sea or the power of under-currents. Very accurate experiments have proved that the sands at the mouths of rivers are differently acted on during every hour of tide (or wind together); hence sands shift, and even stop up or render some channels unsafe. SHIFTING THE MESSENGER. Changing its position on the capstan from right to left, or _vice versa_. SHIFTING WINDS. Variable breezes, mostly light. SHIFT OF WIND. Implies that it varies, or has changed in its direction. SHIFT THE HELM! The order for an alteration of its position, by moving it towards the opposite side of the ship; that is, from port to starboard, or _vice versa_. SHIMAL. A severe gale of wind from the N.W. in the Gulf of Persia and its vicinity; it is accompanied by a cloudless sky, thus differing from the _shurgee_. SHINDY. A kind of dance among seamen; but also a row. Apparently modernized from the old Erse _sheean_, clamour. SHINE. _To take the shine out of_. To excel another vessel in a man[oe]uvre. To surpass in any way. SHINER. The familiar name for a lighthouse. Also, a name for the _dace_ (which see). Also, money; Jack's "shiners in my sack." SHINGLE. Coarse gravel, or stones rounded by the action of water; it is used as ballast. SHINGLES. Thin slips of wood, used principally in America, in lieu of slate or tiles in roofing. In very old times a planked vessel was termed a "shyngled or clap-boarded ship." SHINGLE-TRAMPER. A coast-guard man. SHIN UP, TO. To climb up a rope or spar without the aid of any kind of steps. SHIP [from the Anglo-Saxon _scip_]. Any craft intended for the purposes of navigation; but in a nautical sense it is a general term for all large square-rigged vessels carrying three masts and a bowsprit--the masts being composed of a lower-mast, top-mast, and topgallant-mast, each of these being provided with tops and yards.--_Flag-ship._ The ship in which the admiral hoists his flag; whatever the rank of the commander be; all the lieutenants take rank before their class in other ships.--_Line-of-battle ship._ Carrying upwards of 74 guns.--_Ship of war._ One which, being duly commissioned under a commissioned officer by the admiralty, wears a pendant. The authority of a gunboat, no superior being present, is equal to that of an admiral.--_Receiving ship._ The port, guard, or admiral's flag-ship, stationed at any place to receive volunteers, and bear them _pro. tem._ in readiness to join any ship of war which may want hands.--_Store-ship._ A vessel employed to carry stores, artillery, and provisions, for the use of a fleet, fortress, or Garrison.--_Troop-ship._ One appointed to carry troops, formerly called a transport.--_Hospital-ship._ A vessel fitted up to attend a fleet, and receive the sick and wounded. Scuttles are cut in the sides for ventilation. The sick are under the charge of an experienced surgeon, aided by a staff of assistant-surgeons, a proportional number of assistants, cook, baker, and nurses.--_Merchant ship._--A vessel employed in commerce to carry commodities of various sorts from one port to another. (_See_ MERCHANTMAN.)--_Private ship of war._ (_See_ PRIVATEERS, and LETTERS OF MARQUE.)--_Slaver_, or _slave-ship_. A vessel employed in carrying negro slaves.--_To ship._ To embark men or merchandise. It also implies to fix anything in its place, as "Ship the oars," _i.e._ place them in their rowlocks; "Ship capstan-bars." Also, to enter on board, or engage to join a ship.--_To ship a sea._ A wave breaking over all in a gale. Hence the old saying-- "Sometimes we ship a sea, Sometimes we see a ship." _To ship a swab._ A colloquialism for mounting an epaulette, or receiving a commission. SHIP-BOY. Boys apprenticed to learn their sea-duties, but generally appointed as servants. SHIP-BREAKER. A person who purchases old vessels to break them to pieces for sale. SHIP-BROKER. One who manages business matters between ship-owners and merchants, in procuring cargoes, &c., for vessels. SHIP-BUILDER. Synonymous with naval constructor. SHIP-BUILDING, OR NAVAL ARCHITECTURE. The art of constructing a ship so as to answer a particular purpose either for war or commerce. It is now expanding into a science. SHIP-CHANDLER. A tradesman who supplies ships with their miscellaneous marine stores. (_See_ MATERIAL MEN.) SHIP-CONTRACTOR. The charterer or freighter of a vessel. SHIP-CRAFT. Nearly the same as the Anglo-Saxon _scyp-craeft_, an early word for navigation. SHIP CUT DOWN. One which has had a deck cut off from her, whereby a three-decker is converted into a two-decker, and a two-decker becomes a frigate. They are then termed razees. SHIP-GUNS. Those cast expressly for sea-service. SHIP-KEEPER. An officer not much given to going on shore. Also, the man who has charge of a ship whilst she is without any part of her crew. SHIP-LANGUAGE. The shibboleth of nautic diction, as _tau'sle_, _fok'sle_, for top-sail, forecastle, and the like. SHIP-LAST. _See_ LAST. SHIP-LAUNCH. _See_ LAUNCH. SHIP-LOAD. The estimated lading or cargo of a vessel. SHIP-LOG. _See_ LOG-BOOK. SHIP-LORD. A once recognized term for the owner of a ship. SHIPMAN [Anglo-Saxon _scyp-mann_]. The master of a barge, who in the days of Chaucer had but "litel Latin in his mawe," and who, though "of nice conscience toke he no kepe," was certainly a good fellow. SHIPMAN'S CARD. A chart; thus Shakspeare's first witch in _Macbeth_ had winds-- "And the very ports they blow, All the quarters that they know I' the shipman's card." SHIPMASTER. The captain, commander, or padrone of a vessel. (_See_ MASTER.) SHIPMATE. A term once dearer than brother, but the habit of short cruises is weakening it. SHIPMENT. The act of shipping goods, or any other thing, on board a ship or vessel. SHIP-MONEY. An imposition charged throughout this realm in the time of Charles I., but which was declared illegal. SHIP-OWNER. A person who has a right of property in a ship. The interest of part-owners is quite distinct, so that one cannot dispose of the share of the other, or effect any insurance for him, without special authority. SHIPPER. He who embarks goods; also mentioned in some of our statutes as the master of a ship. (_See_ SKIPPER.) SHIPPING AFFAIRS. All business of a maritime bearing. SHIPPING GOODS. Receiving and stowing them on board. SHIPPING GREEN SEAS. When heavy seas tumble over the gunwale either to windward or leeward; sometimes resulting from bad steerage and seamanship, or over-pressing the vessel. SHIPPING MANIFEST. _See_ MANIFEST. SHIPPING MASTERS. Persons officially appointed and licensed to attend to the entering and discharging of merchant seamen. SHIP-PROPELLER. _See_ SCREW-PROPELLER. SHIP RAISED UPON. One of which the upper works have been heightened by additional timbers. About the year 1816 several creditable corvettes of 600 tons were constructed; after three had been tried, the mistaken order was issued to make them into frigates. Hence the term donkey and jackass frigates, _Athol_ and _Niemen_ to wit. SHIP'S BOOKS. The roll of the crew, containing every particular in relation to entry, former ships, &c. SHIP-SHAPE. In colloquial phrase implies, in a seamanlike manner; as, "That mast is not rigged ship-shape;" "Put her about ship-shape," &c. (_See_ BRISTOL FASHION.) SHIP'S HUSBAND. The agent or broker who manages her accounts with regard to work performed, repairs, &c., under refit or loading. SHIP-SLOOP. Commanders were appointed to 24-gun sloops, but when the same sloops were commanded by captains, they were rated ships. SHIP'S LUNGS. Dr. Hall's name for the bellows with which he forced the foul air out of ships. SHIP'S PAPERS. Documents descriptive of a vessel, her owners, cargo, destination, and other particulars necessary for the instance court. Also, those documents required for a neutral ship to prove her such. SHIP'S REGISTRY AND CERTIFICATE. An official record of a ship's size, the bills of lading, ownership, &c. SHIP'S STEWARD. The person who manages the victualling or mess departments. In the navy, paymaster's steward. SHIP-STAR. The Anglo-Saxon _scyp-steora_, an early name for the pole-star, once of the utmost importance in navigation. SHIP-TIMBER. Contraband in time of war. SHIPWRECK. The destruction of a vessel by her beating against rocks, the shore, &c.--too often including loss of life. In early times the seizure of goods, and even the murder of the mariners, was apt to be the consequence. SHIPWRIGHT. A builder of ships. The art of bending planks by fire is attributed to Pyrrhon, the Lydian, who made boats of several configurations. SHIPYARD. Synonymous with _dockyard_. SHIVER. Synonymous with _sheave_. SHIVERING. To trim a ship's yards so that the wind strikes on the edges or leaches of the sails, making them flutter in the wind. The same effect may be intentionally produced by means of the helm. SHOAL. A danger formed by sunken rocks, on which the sea does not break; but generally applied to every place where the water is shallow, whatever be the ground. (_See_ FLAT SHOAL, SHOLE, or SCHOLE.) Also, denotes a great quantity of fishes swimming in company--_squamosae cohortes_. Also, a vessel is said to shoalen, or shoal her water, when she comes from a greater into a less depth. SHOALED-HARBOUR. That which is secured from the violence of the sea, by banks, bars, or shoals to sea-ward. SHOD, OR SHODE. An anchor is said to be shod when, in breaking it from its bed, a quantity of clayey or oozy soil adheres to the fluke and shank. SHOE. The iron arming to a handspike, polar-pile, &c. SHOE OF THE ANCHOR. A flat block of hard wood, convex on the back, and having a hole sufficiently large to contain the bill of the anchor-fluke on the fore-side; used to prevent the anchor from tearing the planks on the ship's bow when fishing it, for which purpose the shoe slides up and down along the bow. Where vessels ease the anchor down to "a cock-bill," it is also sometimes used.--_To shoe or clamp an anchor._ To cover the palms with broad triangular pieces of thick plank, secured by iron hoops and nails. Its use is to give the anchor a greater resisting surface when the mud is very soft. Also, for transporting on shore. SHOE OF THE FORE-FOOT. _See_ FORE-FOOT, GRIPE, HORSE. SHOE-PIECE. A board placed under the heel of a spar, or other weighty mass, to save the deck. In some cases intended to slip with it. SHOLES. _See_ SOLE. SHOOT, TO. To move suddenly; as "the ballast shoots on one side." Also, a ship shoots ahead in stays. Also, to push off in a boat from the shore into a current; to descend a rapid. The term is well used thus amongst the powerful rivers of N. America, of which perhaps the finest example is given by the St. Lawrence at La Chine, there reported to rush in spring-time at the rate of 40 miles an hour. Thus the shooting Old London Bridge was the cause of many deaths, and gave occasion to the admirable description in the _Loves of the Triangles_ (anti-Jacobin), when all were agreed: "'Shoot we the bridge,' the vent'rous boatmen cry; 'Shoot we the bridge,' th' exulting fare reply." SHOOT-FINGER. This was a term in use with the Anglo-Saxons from its necessity in archery, and is now called the trigger-finger from its equal importance in modern fire-arms. The mutilation of this member was always a most punishable offence; for which the laws of King Alfred inflicted a penalty of fifteen shillings, which at that time probably was a sum beyond the bowman's means. SHOOTING-GLOVES. These were furnished to the navy when cross-bows, long-bows, and slur-bows were used. SHOOTING OF NETS. The running out of nets in the water, as seins, drift-nets, herring-nets, &c.; but it does not apply to trawls. SHOOTS, OR SHUTS. A large pipe or channel to lead away water, dirt, ballast, shot, &c., is called a shoot. The overfalls of a river, where the stream is narrowed by its banks, whether naturally or artificially, especially the arches of a bridge, constitute a shoot. SHOOT THE COMPASS, TO. To shoot wide of the mark. SHOOT THE SUN, TO. To take its meridional altitude; literally aiming at the reflected sun through the telescope of the instrument. "Have you obtained a shot?" applied to altitudes of the meridian, as for time, lunar distances, &c. SHORE. A prop fixed under a ship's sides or bottom, to support her when laid aground or on the stocks. Shores are also termed _legs_ when used by a cutter or yacht, to keep the vessel upright when the water leaves her. (_See_ LEGS.) Also, the general name for the littoral of any country against which the waves impinge, while the word _coast_ is applied to that part of the land which only lies contiguous to the sea.--_Bold shore._ A coast which is steep-to, permitting the near approach of shipping without danger; it is used in contradistinction to a _shelving-shore_. SHORE-ANCHOR. That which lies between the shore and the ship when moored. SHORE-BOATS. Small boats or wherries plying for hire at sea-ports. SHORE-CLEATS. Heavy cleats bolted on to the sides of vessels to support the shore-head, and sustain the ship upright. SHORE-FAST. A hawser carried out to secure a vessel to a quay, mole, or anchor buried on shore. SHORE REEF. The same as fringing reef. SHORT, SHORT STAY, SHORT APEEK. "Heave short," means to heave in the cable till it is nearly up and down, and would hold the vessel securely until she had set all common sail, and would not drag or upset the anchor. If, however, the wind be free, and the making sail unimportant, _short_ would probably be _short apeek_, or up and down, the last move of weighing awaiting perhaps signal or permission to part. SHORT ALLOWANCE. When the provisions will not last the period expected, they may be reduced in part, as two-thirds, half-allowance, &c., and thus _short-allowance money_ becomes due, which is the nominal value of the provisions stopped, and paid in compensation. SHORT BOARDS. Frequent tacking, where there is not room for long boards, or from some other cause, as weather or tide, it is required to work to windward on short tacks in a narrow space. SHORTEN, TO. Said of a ship's sails when requisite to reduce those that are set. And _shorten in_, when alluding to the anchor, by heaving in cable. SHORT-HANDED. A deficient complement of men, or short-handed by many being on the sick-list. SHORT-LINKED CHAIN. A cable without studs, and therefore with shorter links than those of stud-chains; such are slings and chains generally used in rigging bobstays, anchor-work, &c. Cables only have studs. SHORT-SEA. A confused cross sea where the waves assume a jerking rippling action, and set home to the bows or sides; especially tiresome to boats, hampering the oars, and tumbling in-board. Also, a race. SHORT-SERVICE. Chafing geer put on a hemp cable for a short range. SHORT-SHEETS. Belong to shifting sails, such as studding-sails, &c. SHORT-TACKS. _See_ SHORT BOARDS. SHORT-TIME OR SAND GLASS. One of 14 seconds, used in heaving the log when the ship is going fast. SHOT. All sorts of missiles to be discharged from fire-arms, those for great guns being mainly of iron; for small-arms, of lead. When used without prefix, the term generally means the solid shot only, as fired for a heavy blow, or for penetration. Also, a synonym of _scot_, a reckoning at an inn, and has immemorially been thus understood. Ben Jonson's rules are "As the fund of our pleasure, let each pay his shot." Also, a lot or quantity. Also, the particular spot where fishermen take a draught with their nets, and also the draught of fishes made by a net. Also, the sternmost division of a fishing-boat. Also, arrows, darts, or anything that was shot. Also, a kind of trout. Also, a foot-soldier who carried a fire-lock.--_To be shot of_, signifies to get rid of, turned out.--_To shot the guns._ In active service the guns were generally loaded, but not shotted, as, from corrosion, it was found difficult to draw the shot; and the working and concussion not unfrequently started it, and consequently, if the gun was fired before re-driving it "home," it was in danger of bursting. SHOT-LOCKER. A compartment built up in the hold to contain the shot. SHOT-NET. A mackerel-net. SHOT-PLUGS. Tapered cones to stop any sized shot-hole. SHOT-RACKS. Wooden frames fixed at convenient distances to contain shot. There are also, of recent introduction, iron rods so fitted as to confine the shot. SHOTTEN-HERRING. A gutted herring dried for keeping. Metaphorically, a term of contempt for a lean lazy fellow. SHOULDER OF A BASTION. The part of it adjacent to the junction of a face with a flank. The _angle of the shoulder_ is that formed by these two lines. SHOULDER ARMS! The military word of command to carry the musket vertically at the side of the body, and resting against the hollow of the shoulder; on the left side with the long rifle, on the right with the short. SHOULDER-OF-MUTTON SAIL. A kind of triangular sail of peculiar form, used mostly in boats. It is very handy and safe, particularly as a mizen. It is the Bermuda or 'Mugian rig. SHOULDER THE ANCHOR. When a seaman forgets his craft, and gives his ship too little cable to ride by, she may be thrown across tide, lift or shoulder her anchor, and drift off. SHOUT. A light and nearly flat-bottomed boat used in our eastern fens for shooting wild-duck. (_See_ GUNNING-BOAT.) SHOUTE-MEN. The old name for the lightermen of the Thames. SHOVEL. A copper implement for removing a cartridge from a gun without injuring it. Formerly used, and as late as 1816 by the Turks, to convey the powder into the chamber without using cartridges: also used to withdraw shot where windage was large. (_See_ LADLE.) SHOVELL, OR SHOVELLER. _Spatula clypeata_, a species of duck with a broad bill. Formerly written _schevelard_. Also applied to a hoverer or smuggler. SHOVE OFF! The order to the bowman to put the boat's head off with his boat-hook. SHOW A LEG! An exclamation from the boatswain's mate, or master-at-arms, for people to show that they are awake on being called. Often "Show a leg, and turn out." SHRAB. A vile drugged drink prepared for seamen who frequent the filthy purlieus of Calcutta. (_See_ DOASTA.) SHRAPNEL SHELL. Invented by General Shrapnel to produce, at a long range, the effect of common case; whence they have been also called _spherical case_. They have a thickness of only one-tenth of their diameter; so that, on the action of the fuse, they are opened by a very small bursting charge, and allow the bullets with which they are filled to proceed with much the same direction and velocity that the shell had at the moment of explosion. They require, however, extremely nice management. SHRIMP. The small crustacean _Crangon vulgaris_, well known as an article of food. SHROUD-KNOT. _See_ KNOT. SHROUD-LAID. The combination in the larger cordage, also known as hawser-laid. SHROUD-ROPE. A finer quality of hawser-laid rope than is commonly used for other purposes. It is also termed purchase-rope; but four-stranded rope is frequently used for standing rigging. All the strands are finer, of better hemp, and pass the gauge. Thus the patent shroud-laid rope, made from clean Petersburgh hemp, was found to break at a strain between 6-3/4 and 7-1/4 cwt. per inch of girth in inches squared. Thus a patent rope of 5 inches would require 175 cwt. Common rope, 25 threads in each strand, broke with 5 cwt. per inch, and fell off at 130 threads to 4 cwt. per inch. Thus, cwt. qrs. lbs. A common 10-inch cable weighed per 100 fathoms, 19 0 21 A superior " " 21 0 3 SHROUDS. The lower and upper standing-rigging. They are always divided into pairs or couples; that is to say, one piece of rope is doubled, and the parts fastened together at a small distance from the middle, so as to leave a sort of noose or collar to fix upon the mast-head; the ends have each a dead-eye turned in, by which they are set up by laniards to the channel. (_See_ CHAINS and DEAD-EYE.)--_Bentinck-shrouds._ Strong ropes fixed on the futtock-staves of the lower rigging, and extending to the opposite channels, where they are set-up by means of dead-eyes and laniards, or gun-tackle runner purchases, in the same manner as the other shrouds. Their use is to support the masts when the ship rolls.--_Bowsprit shrouds_ are now generally made of chain. They support the bowsprit in the same way that other shrouds support the masts.--_Bumkin or boomkin shrouds._ Strong chains fixed as stays to the bumkin ends, to support the strain exerted by the fore-tacks upon them.--_Futtock or foot-hook shrouds._ Portions of rigging (now sometimes chain) communicating with the futtock-plates above the top, and the cat-harpings below, and forming ladders, whereby the sailors climb over the top-brim. _Top-gallant shrouds_ extend to the cross-trees, where, passing through holes in the ends, they continue over the futtock-staves of the top-mast rigging, and descending almost to the top, are set up by laniards passing through thimbles instead of dead-eyes.--_Topmast-shrouds_ extend from the top-mast head to the edges of the tops, and are set up to the futtock dead-eyes. SHROUD-STOPPER. A stout rope-stopper made fast above and below a part of the shroud which has been damaged by an enemy's shot, or otherwise. SHROUD-TRUCKS. Small pieces of wood with holes in them, but no sheaves; they are seized on the standing-rigging as fair leaders for the running-rigging. (_See_ BULL'S-EYE.) SHUNT. A term recently introduced among engineers and gunners; but traceable back to the year 931, a "zunte-stone" being placed on a spot where the road deviated. SHURGEE. A prevailing S.E. wind in the Gulf of Persia; it is usually preceded by a heavy dew, which is quite the reverse with the _shimal_. SHUT IN, TO. Said of landmarks or points of land, when one is brought to transit and overlap the other, or intercept the view of it. SHUTTING ON. Joining the arms of an anchor to its shank. Also, welding one piece of iron to another to lengthen it. SICK-BAY. A portion of the fore-part of the main-deck, reserved for the accommodation of the sick and wounded; any other place set apart for invalids is called the _sick-berth_. SICK-BERTH ATTENDANT. _See_ LOBLOLLY-BOY. SICK-BOOK. An account of such officers and men as are on the sick list on board, or are sent to an hospital, hospital-ship, or sick-quarters. SICK-FLAG. The yellow quarantine flag, hoisted to prevent communication; whence the term of the yellow flag, and yellow admirals. There are two others--one with a black ball, the other with a square in the centre--denoting plague, or actual diseases. SICK-MESS. A table for those on the doctor's list. When seamen are thus placed, their provisions are turned over to the surgeon, who accounts for their re-purchase by government, if not consumed, and the proceeds are applied to purchase comforts beyond those allowed by the service. SICK-TICKET. A document given to an officer, seaman, or marine, when sent to an hospital, certified by the signing officer and the surgeon, stating the entry, rank, rating, &c., together with other particulars. SIDE. All that part of a ship which extends from stem to stern in length, and from the upper edge of the gunwale above, to the lower edge of the main-wale, below which the _bottom_ commences. SIDE-BOYS, OR SIDE-MEN. Those appointed to attend the gangways when boats come alongside, and offer the man-ropes to the officer ascending. SIDE COUNTER-TIMBER. The stern timber which partakes of the shape of the top-side, and heels upon the end of the wing-transom. SIDE-KEELSONS. A name for sister-keelsons. First used in mortar-vessels to support the bomb-beds; later they have crept in to support the engines in steamers, and furnish a free flow beneath their flooring for the water, as well as for ventilation. SIDE-LADDER, OR ACCOMMODATION-LADDER. A complete staircase structure used in harbour by most large ships. SIDE-LEVER. A lever on each side of the cylinder of a marine steam-engine, resembling the beam of the ordinary land-engine. (_See_ LEVER.) SIDE OUT FOR A BEND, TO. The old well-known term to draw the bight of a hempen cable towards the opposite side, in order to make room for the bight being twined to coil it in the tier. The most expert and powerful seamen were selected for this duty, now rare. SIDE-PIECES. Parts of a made mast. SIDEREAL ASTRONOMY. That branch of the science which relates to the fixed stars. SIDEREAL DAY. The interval between the departure and return of a star to the meridian; in other words, its two successive transits. SIDEREAL PERIOD. _See_ REVOLUTION. SIDEREAL TIME. The time shown by a clock regulated by the fixed stars, and compensated to accelerate upon mean time by the daily amount of 3 minutes 56.56 seconds. SIDE-RODS. Rods hanging from each of the cross-heads, one on each side of the cylinder of a steam-engine, and connected to the pins of the side-levers below; their duty is to cause a simultaneous movement. SIDE-SCALE. A simple graduation, adopted by Sir Philip Broke in the _Shannon_, for the quick elevation or depression of the guns. SIDE-STEPS. Pieces of wood bolted to the side of a ship for the convenience of ascending; in smaller vessels they have a ladder made of rope with wooden thwarts, which hooks to the gangway. SIDING OR SIDED. The dimensions or size of timber, the contrary way to which the mould side is placed; one side sided smooth, to work from or to fit. SIDING DIMENSION. The breadth of any piece of timber. SIEGE. A continued endeavour, by systematic military means, such as batteries, trenches, mines, &c., to overpower the defences of a place and take possession of it. SIEGE-ARTILLERY. The ordnance (guns, mortars, howitzers, &c.) used for overpowering the fire and destroying the defences of a fortified place; their weight and power, limited mainly by the kind of transport at hand, seldom exceed those of the light 100-pounder rifled gun, and are mostly above those of _guns of position_, such as the old 18-pounder, or the 40-pounder rifle. SIEGE-TRAIN. Properly, the whole of the material, with its transport, required for carrying on a siege; but more frequently used for the necessary _siege artillery_, together with its ammunition, carriages, machines, and appliances of all kinds. SIESTA. The hour of the afternoon in hot climates, when Spaniards, Italians, &c., retire to repose during the heat of the day. SIGHTING THE LAND. Running in to catch a view. SIGHTS. The fixed marks on fire-arms, by which their direction is regulated in aiming: generally, two small fittings of brass or iron, that near the breech having a notched head, and that towards the muzzle a pointed one. (_See_ DISPART.)--_Astronomical sights._ Observations taken to determine the time or latitude, as well as for chronometer rates. SIGHT THE ANCHOR, TO. To heave it up in sight, in order to prove that it is clear, when, from the ship having gone over it, there is suspicion that it may be fouled by the slack cable. SIGHT-VANES. _See_ VANES. SIGNALIZE, TO. To distinguish one's self; a word also degraded to the meaning of communicating intelligence by means of signals or telegraph. SIGNAL-MAN. The yeoman of the signals; a first-class petty officer in the navy. SIGNAL OF DISTRESS. When a ship is in imminent danger, she hoists her national flag upside down, and, if she is armed, fires minute guns; also lets fly top-gallant sheets, &c.; indeed does anything to attract observation. SIGNAL-OFFICER. In a repeating frigate, a signal-midshipman; in a flag-ship, a flag-lieutenant. SIGNALS. Codes of signals have been used for centuries and changed frequently. Their use is too well known to need explanation. They are conveyed by flags, semaphores, balls, guns, lights, rockets, bells, horns, whistles, &c., and half a century since were carried on with incredible ability. It may be also observed that signal officers of those days became subsequently the elite of the navy; _signal-officer_ being then a proud term of distinction.--_Fog-signals_, certain operations which emit sound.--_Night-signals_, either lanterns disposed in certain figures, flashes, or false fires, &c. SIGNIFER. The zodiac. SIGNING OFFICERS. The captain, senior lieutenant, master, and purser (now paymaster); but where the document relates to the stores in charge of any stated officer, that officer is to sign it instead of the purser. SIGNS OF THE ZODIAC. The emblems of the twelve divisions, into which the ancients divided the zodiac. SILL. A northern term for the young of a herring. SILLOCK. The podling, or young of the coal-fish, affording food and oil on the Scottish coasts; they are grayish, and are taken when somewhat less than a herring. SILL OF A DOCK. The timber at the base against which the gates shut; and the depth of water which will float a vessel in or out of it, is measured from it to the surface. SILLON. An old word for envelope. In fortification, formerly, a counterguard. SILLS. The upper and lower parts of the framing of the ports. The bottom pieces of any ports, docks, scuttles, or hatches. SILT. Sediment; ooze in a harbour, or at a lock-gate. SILT-GROUNDS. Deep-water banks off Jamaica, where _silt-snappers_ are fished for. SILT-UP, TO. To be choked with mud or sand, so as to obstruct vessels. SILVER-CAEDUA. A statute term for wood under twenty years' growth. SILVER-OAR. One of the badges of the civil court afloat, conferring the power to arrest for debt if not less than L20. SILVER-THAW. The term for ice falling in large flakes from the sails and rigging, consequent on a frost followed suddenly by a thaw. SIMOOM. The Arabian name for the _sirocco_ (which see). The simoom, sirocco, samiel, and kamsin seem to be modifications of the same wind from the desert. SIMULATION. The vice of counterfeiting illness or defect, for the purpose of being invalided. SINE. A right sine in geometry, is a right line drawn from one end of an arc perpendicularly upon the radius from the centre to the other end of the arc; or it is half the chord of twice the arc. SINET. An old Chaucerian term for zenith. SINGING. The chaunt by which the leadsman in the chains proclaims his soundings at each cast:-- "To heave the lead the seaman sprung, And to the pilot cheerly sung, By the deep--nine." SINGLE, TO. To unreeve the running part of top-sail sheets, &c., to let them run freely, or for harbour duty. SINGLE-ACTION ENGINE. _See_ ATMOSPHERIC STEAM-ENGINE. SINGLE ANCHOR. A ship unmoored, having hove up one bower, rides by the other. SING SMALL. To make a bullying boaster _sing small_, by lowering his arrogance. SINICAL QUADRANT. _See_ QUADRANT. SINNET. _See_ SENNIT. SIR. Once a scholastic title applied to priests and curates; now to knights. "Aye, aye, sir," is the well-known answer from seamen, denoting 'cuteness, combined with good humour and obedience. SIRIUS. The principal star, {a}, of the constellation Canis Major, and the brightest in the heavens; the dog-star. SIROCCO. An oppressively hot parching wind from the deserts of Africa, which in the southern part of Italy and Sicily comes from the south-east; it sometimes commences faintly about the summer solstice. SISERARA, OR SURSERARA. A tremendous blow; or a violent rebuke. SISSOO. An Indian timber much used in the construction of country ships. SISTER OR CISTERN BLOCK. A turned cylindrical block having two sheave-holes, one above the other. It fits in between the first pair of top-mast shrouds on each side, and is secured by seizings below the cat-harpings. The topsail-lift reeves through the lower, and the reef-tackle pendant through the upper. SISTER-KEELSONS. Square timbers extending along the floors, by the main keelson, leaving sufficient space on each side for the limbers. (_See_ SIDE-KEELSONS.) SISTROID ANGLE. One like a sistrum, the Egyptian musical instrument. SITCH. A little current of water, generally dry in summer. SIX-UPON-FOUR. Reduced allowance; four rations allotted to six men. SIX-WATER GROG. Given as a punishment for neglect or drunkenness, instead of the usual _four-water_, which is one part rum, and four parts water, lime-juice, and sugar. SIZE, TO. To range soldiers, marines, and small-arm men, so that the tallest may be on the flanks of a party. SIZE-FISH. A whale, of which the whalebone blades are six feet or upwards in length; the harpooner gets a bonus for striking a "size-fish." SIZES. A corruption for _six-upon-four_ (which see). SKARKALLA. An old machine for catching fish. SKART. A name of the cormorant in the Hebrides. SKATE. A well-known cartilaginous fish of the ray family, _Raia batis_. SKATE-LURKER. A cant word for a begging impostor dressed as a sailor. SKEDADDLE, TO. To stray wilfully from a watering or a working party. An archaism retained by the Americans. SKEDDAN. The Manx or Erse term for herrings. SKEEL. A cylindrical wooden bucket. A large water-kid. SKEER, OR SCAR. A place where cockles are gathered. (_See_ SCAR.) SKEET. A long scoop used to wet the sides of the ship, to prevent their splitting by the heat of the sun. It is also employed in small vessels for wetting the sails, to render them more efficacious in light breezes; this in large ships is done by the fire engine. SKEE-TACK. A northern name for the cuttle-fish. SKEGG. A small and slender part of the keel of a ship, cut slanting, and left a little without the stern-post; not much used now, owing to its catching hawsers, and occasioning dead water. The after-part of the keel itself is also called the skegg. SKEGG-SHORES. Stout pieces of plank put up endways under the skegg of the ship, to steady the after-part when in the act of being launched. SKELDRYKE. An old term for a small passage-boat in the north. SKELETON OF A REGIMENT. Its principal officers and staff. SKELLY. The _Leuciscus cephalus_, or chub. In the northern lakes it is often called the fresh-water herring. SKELP, TO. To slap with the open hand: an old word, said to have been imported from Iceland:-- "I canno' tell a'; Some gat a skelp, and some gat a claw." SKENE, OR SKAIN. A crooked sword formerly used by the Irish. SKENY. A northern term to express an insulated rock. SKER, OR SKERRY. A flat insulated rock, but not subject to the overflowing of the sea: thus we have "the Skerries" in Wales, the Channel Islands, &c. SKEW. Awry, oblique; as a skew bridge, skew angle, &c. Also, in Cornwall, drizzling rain. Also, a rude-fashioned boat. SKEWER-PIECES. When the salt meat is cut up on board ship by the petty officers, the captain and lieutenants are permitted to select _whole_ pieces of 8 or 16 lbs., for which they are charged 2 or 4 lbs. extra. The meat being then divided into messes, the remnants are cut into small pieces termed skewer-pieces, and being free from bone, are charged _ad lib._ to those who take them. SKID-BEAMS. Raised stanchions in men-of-war over the main-deck, parallel to the quarter-deck and forecastle beams, for stowing the boats and booms upon. SKIDDY-COCK. A west-country term for the water-rail. SKIDER. A northern term for the skate. SKIDS. Massive fenders; they consist of long compassing pieces of timber, formed to answer the vertical curve of a ship's side, in order to preserve it when weighty bodies are hoisted in or lowered against it. They are mostly used in whalers. Boats are fitted with permanent fenders, to prevent chafing and fretting. Also, beams resting on blocks, on which small craft are built. Also, pieces of plank put under a vessel's bottom, for launching her off when she has been hauled up or driven ashore. SKIFF. A familiar term for any small boat; but in particular, one resembling a yawl, which is usually employed for passing rivers. Also, a sailing vessel, with fore-and-aft main-sail, jib fore-sail, and jib: differing from a sloop in setting the jib on a stay, which is eased in by travellers. They have no top-mast, and the main-sail hauls out to the taffrail, and traverses on a traveller iron horse like a cutter's fore-sail. SKILLET. A small pitch-pot or boiler with feet. SKILLY. Poor broth, served to prisoners in hulks. Oatmeal and water in which meat has been boiled. Hence, _skillygalee_, or burgoo, the drink made with oatmeal and sugar, and served to seamen in lieu of cocoa as late as 1814. SKIN. This term is frequently used for the inside planking of a vessel, the outside being the _case_. SKIN OF A SAIL. The outside part when a sail is furled. To furl in a clean skin, is the habit of a good seaman.--_To skin up a sail in the bunt._ To make that part of the canvas which covers the sail, next the mast when furled, smooth and neat, by turning the sail well up on the yard. SKIP-JACK. A dandified trifling officer; an upstart. Also, the merry-thought of a fowl. Also, a small fish of the bonito kind, which frequently jumps out of the water. A name applied also to small porpoises. SKIPPAGE. An archaism for tackle or ship furniture. SKIPPER. The master of a merchant vessel. Also, a man-of-war's man's constant appellation for his own captain. Also, the gandanock, or saury-pike, _Esox saurus_. SKIRLING. A fish taken on the Welsh coasts, and supposed to be the fry of salmon. SKIRMISH. An engagement of a light and irregular character, generally for the purpose of gaining information or time, or of clearing the way for more serious operations. SKIRTS. The extreme edges of a plain, forest, shoal, &c. SKIS-THURSDAY. "The Lady-day in Lent" of the Society of Shipwrights at Newcastle, instituted in 1630. SKIT. An aspersive inuendo or for fun. SKIVER. A dirk to stab with. SKOODRA. A Shetland name for the ling. SKOOL. The cry along the coast when the herrings appear first for the season: a corruption of _school_. SKOORIE. A northern term for a full-grown coal-fish. SKOTTEFER [Anglo-Sax. _scot_, an arrow or dart]. Formerly, an archer. SKOUTHER. A northern name for the stinging jelly-fish. SKOUTS. Guillemots or auks, so called in our northern islands from their wary habits. SKOW. A flat-bottomed boat of the northern German rivers. SKRAE-FISH. Fish dried in the sun without being salted. SKUA. A kind of sea-gull. SKUNK-HEAD. An American coast-name for the pied duck. SKURRIE. The shag, _Phalacrocorax graculus_. Applied to frightened seals, &c. SKY-GAZER. The ugly hare-lipped _Uranoscopus_, whose eyes are on the crown of its head; the Italians call him _pesce-prete_, or priest-fish. Also, a sail of very light duck, over which un-nameable sails have been set, which defy classification. SKY-LARKING. In olden times meant mounting to the mast-heads, and sliding down the royal-stays or backstays for amusement; but of late the term has denoted frolicsome mischief, which is not confined to boys, unless three score and ten includes them.--_Skying_ is an old word for shying or throwing. SKYLIGHT. A framework in the deck to admit light vertically into the cabin and gun-room. SKYSAIL. A small light sail above the royal. SKYSAIL-MAST. The pole or upper portion of a royal mast, when long enough to serve for setting a skysail; otherwise a skysail-mast is a separate spar, as _sliding gunter_ (which see). SKY-SCRAPER. A triangular sail set above the skysail; if square it would be a moonsail, and if set above that, a star-gazer, &c. SLAB. The outer cut of a tree when sawn up into planks. (Alburnum.) SLAB-LINES. Small ropes passing up abaft a ship's main-sail or fore-sail, led through blocks attached to the trestle-trees, and thence transmitted, each in two branches, to the foot of the sail, where they are fastened. They are used to truss up the slack sail, after it has been "disarmed" by the leech and buntlines. SLACK. The part of a rope or sail that hangs loose.--_To slack_, is to decrease in tension or velocity; as, "Slack the laniard of our main-stay;" or "The tide slackens." SLACK HELM. If the ship is too much by the stern, she will carry her helm too much _a-lee_. SLACK IN STAYS. Slow in going about. Also applied to a lazy man. SLACK OFF, OR SLACKEN! The order to ease away the rope or tackle by which anything is held fast; as, "Slack up the hawser." SLACK WATER. The interval between the flux and reflux of the tide, as between the last of the ebb and first of the flood, or _vice versa_, during which the water remains apparently quiescent. SLADE [the Anglo-Saxon _slaed_]. A valley or open tract of country. SLAKE. An accumulation of mud or ooze in the bed of a river. SLANT OF WIND. An air of which advantage may be taken. SLANT TACK. That which is most favourable to the course when working to windward. SLAVER. A vessel employed in the odious slave-trade. SLED. The rough kind of sleigh in North America, used for carrying produce, too heavy for amusement. SLEE. A sort of cradle placed under a ship's bottom in Holland, for drawing her up for repairs. SLEECH. A word on our southern coasts for mud or sea-sand used in agriculture. SLEEP. A sail sleeps when, steadily filled with wind, it bellies to the breeze. SLEEPERS. Timbers lying fore and aft in the bottom of the ship, now generally applied to the knees which connect the transoms to the after timbers on the ship's quarter. They are particularly used in Greenland ships, to strengthen the bows and stern-frame, to enable them to resist the shocks of the ice. Also, any wooden beams used as supports. Also, ground tier casks. SLEEVE. The word formerly used to denote the narrows of a channel, and particularly applied to the Strait of Dover, still called _La Manche_ by the French. When Napoleon was threatening to invade England, he was represented trying to get into a coat, but one of the sleeves utterly baffled him, whence the point: "_Il ne peut pas passer La Manche._" SLEEVE-FISH. A name for the calamary, _Loligo vulgaris_, an animal allied to the cuttle-fish. SLICE. A bar of iron with a flat, sharp, spear-shaped end, used in stripping off sheathing, ceiling, and the like. The _whaler's slice_ is a slender chisel about four inches wide, used to cut into, and flinch the fish. SLICES. Tapering wedges of plank used to drive under the false keel, and between the bilge-ways, preparatory to launching a vessel. SLICK. Smooth. This is usually called an Americanism, but is a very old sea-term. In the _Book for Boys and Girls_, 1686, it is aptly illustrated: "The mole's a creature very smooth and slick, She digs i' th' dirt, but 'twill not on her stick." SLIDE-VALVE CASING. A casing on one side of the cylinder of an engine, which covers the nozzles or steam-ports, and confines the slide-valves. SLIDE-VALVE ROD. A rod connecting the slide-valves of an engine, to both of which it is joined; it passes through the casing cover, the opening of which is kept steam-tight. SLIDE-VALVES. The adaptations used in a marine-engine to change the admission of the steam into, and its eduction from, the cylinder, by the upper and lower steam-ports alternately. SLIDING BAULKS, OR SLIDING-PLANKS. Those timbers fitted under the bottom of a ship, to descend with her upon the bilge-ways when launched. SLIDING BILGE-BLOCKS. Those logs made to slide under the bilge of a ship in order to support her. SLIDING GUNTERS. Masts fitted for getting up and down with facility abaft the mast; generally used for _kites_, as royals, skysails, and the like. SLIDING-KEEL. A contrivance to prevent vessels from being driven to leeward by a side-wind; it is composed of planks of various breadths, erected vertically, so as to slide up and down, through the keel. SLING, TO. To pass the top-chains round the yards when going into action. Also, to set any large article, in ropes, so as to put a tackle on, and hoist or lower it. When the clues are attached to a cot or hammock, it is said to be slung; also water-kegs, buoys, &c., are slung. SLING-DOGS. In timber lifting, a dog is an iron implement with a fang at one end, and an eye at the other, in which a rope may be made fast for hauling anything along. Two of these fastened together by a shackle through the eyes are called sling-dogs. (_See_ DOG.) Also, an ancient piece of ordnance. (_See_ SLYNG.) SLING-HOOP. That which suspends the yard from the mast, by which it is hoisted and lowered. SLINGS. A rope fitted to encircle any large article, and suspend it while hoisting and lowering. Also, leather straps made fast to both ends of a musket, serving for the men to hang them by on their shoulders, that both hands may be free.--_Boat-slings._ Strong ropes, furnished with hooks and iron thimbles, whereby to hook the tackles to keel, stem, and stern bolts, in order to hoist the boats in or out of the ship.--_Buoy-slings_ are special fittings adopted in order that a buoy may securely ride on the wave, and mark the position of the anchor, the buoy-rope being attached to an eye in the slings.--_Butt-slings_ are those used in slinging casks; they may be described as a running eye over one end, and a similar one made with two half hitches over the standing part on the other; all of which jam close home when the strain is brought on the bight.--_Yard-slings._ The rope or chain used to support a yard which does not travel up and down a mast. The slings of a yard also imply that part on which the slings are placed.--_Slings_ is also a term on the American coast for drams, or a drink of spirits and water; the custom of _slinging_ prevails there extensively, even where intoxication is despised. SLIP. An inclined plane by the water side, on which a ship may be built. There are also slips up which vessels may be drawn for receiving repairs. Also, a short memorandum of the proposed insurance of a ship, which is sometimes offered to the underwriters for subscription, previous to the effecting of a policy. Also, in steam navigation, the difference between the pitch of the propelling screw, and the space through which the screw actually progresses in the water, during one revolution.--_To slip_, is to let go the cable with a buoy on the end, and quit the position, from any sudden requirement, instead of weighing the anchor.--_To slip by the board._ To slip down by the ship's side. SLIP-BEND. When a man makes a false step, and slips down a hatchway, or overboard. SLIP-KNOT, OR SLIPPERY-HITCH. One which will not bear any strain, but will either become untied, or will traverse along the other part of the rope. SLIP-ROPE. A rope passed through anything in such a manner that it will render or may be slipped instantaneously, as in canting to make sail, &c. SLIP-SHACKLE. A shackle with a lever-bolt, for letting go suddenly; yet, when ringed, is sufficient to secure the ship. SLIVE, OR SLIVER. An old term for a sluice. Also, any thin piece of split wood used as a filling. Also, a short slop wrapper, formerly called a _sliving_. SLOOP. In general parlance is a vessel similar to a cutter; the bowsprit, however, is not running, and the jib is set on a standing stay with hanks. In North America the sloop proper sets only a main-sail and fore-sail, the latter jib-shaped, on a short standing bowsprit, and has no top-mast. The rig is greatly used for yachts there, and is most effective in moderate weather. Sloop in the royal navy is a term depending on the rank of the officer in command. Thus, the donkey frigate _Blossom_ was one cruise rated a _ship_, when commanded by a captain--the next, a _sloop_, because only commanded by a commander. SLOP-BOOK. A register of the slop clothing, soap, and tobacco, issued to the men; also of the religious books supplied. SLOPE OF WIND. A breeze favouring a long tack near to the required course, and which may be expected to veer to fair. SLOP-ROOM. The place appointed to keep the slops in, for the ship's company; generally well aft and dry. SLOPS. A name given to ready-made clothes, and other furnishings, for seamen, by Maydman, in 1691. In Chaucer's time, _sloppe_ meant a sort of breeches. In a MS. account of the wardrobe of Queen Elizabeth, is an order to John Fortescue for the delivery of some Naples fustian for "Sloppe for Jack Greene, our Foole." SLOP-SHOP. A place where ready-made clothing for seamen is sold, not at all advantageously to Jack. SLOT. An archaic term for a castle or fort. Also, a groove or hole where a pin traverses. SLOT-HOOP. The same as _truss-hoops_. SLOW HER! In steam navigation, the same as "Ease her!" SLOW MATCH. _See_ MATCH. SLOW TIME. In marching, means 75 paces to a minute. SLUDGE. A wet deposit formed by streams. Also, a stratum of young ice in rough seas. Also, in polar parlance, comminuted fragments of brash ice. SLUDGE-HOLES. Adaptations at the ends of the water-passages between the flues of a steamer's boilers, by which the deposits can be raked out. SLUE, TO. To turn anything round or over _in situ_: especially expressing the movement of a gun, cask, or ship; or when a mast, boom, or spar is turned about in its cap or boom iron. SLUED. When a man staggers under drink; unable to walk steadily. SLUE-ROPE. A rope peculiarly applied for turning a spar or other object in a required direction. SLUR-BOW. A species of cross-bow formerly used for discharging fire arrows. SLUSH. The fat of the boiled meat in the coppers, formerly the perquisite of the ship's cook. Also applied to anything like plashy ground, but most commonly to snow in a thaw. Any wet dirt. SLUSH-BUCKET. A bucket kept in the tops, to grease the masts, sheets, &c., to make all run smoothly. SLUSH-ICE. The first layer which forms when the surface is freezing. SLY-GOOSE. A northern term for the sheldrake, _Tadorna vulpanser_. SLYNG. An ancient piece of sea-ordnance: there were also _di-slyngs_. SMACK. A vessel, sometimes like a cutter, used for mercantile purposes, or for carrying passengers; the largest of which, the Leith smacks, attained the size of 200 tons. SMACK-SMOOTH. Level with the surface; said of a mast which has gone by the board. SMALL. The narrow part of the tail of a whale, in front of the flukes. Also, that part of the anchor-shank which is immediately under the stock. SMALL-ARM MEN. Those of the crew selected and trained to the use of small-arms. When they have effected their boarding, they seldom retain more than their pistol and cutlass. SMALL-ARMS. The muskets, pistols, cutlasses, tomahawks, and boarding-pikes, in charge of the gunner, on board ship. SMALL-HELM. One of the principal results of sound seamanship is the proper trim of the vessel and the sail carried; by which means the action of the rudder is reduced to a minimum, not requiring the tiller to be moved either hard up or hard down. Also used to denote that a turbulent jaw-me-down bully has been brought to his senses by a more vigorous mind. SMALL SAILS. Top-gallant-studding-sails and the _kites_. SMALL STUFF. The term for spun-yarn, marline, and the smallest kinds of rope, even for yarns. SMART. Ready, active, and intelligent. SMART-MONEY. A pension given to a wounded man, according to the extent of the injury and his rank. Thus a lieutenant gets L91, 5_s._ for the loss of a leg, and a captain L300. SMART-TICKET. The certificate from a captain and surgeon, by which only the smart-money is obtainable. SMASHERS. Anything large or powerful. Also, pieces of ordnance of large calibre, in form between the gun and the carronade. Also, a very general epithet for north-country seamen. SMELT [Anglo-Saxon, _smylt_]. The fry of salmon, samlet, or _Salmo eperlanus_. SMEW. The white-headed goosander, _Mergus albellus_. SMITER. An archaism for a scimitar. In the legend of Captain Jones, 1659, we are told: "His fatal _smiter_ thrice aloft he shakes, And frowns; the sea, and ship, and canvas quakes." SMITING-LINE. A line by which a yarn-stoppered sail is loosed, without sending men aloft. If well executed, marks the seaman. SMOKE-BALLS. A pyrotechnical preparation, thrown to short distances from mortars, to choke men out of mines, to conceal movements, &c. They continue to smoke densely from 25 to 30 minutes. SMOKE-BOX. A part which crosses the whole front of a marine boiler, over the furnace doors; or that part between the end of tubes furthest from the fire-place and bottom of the funnel. SMOKES. Dense exhalations, mixed with the finer particles of sand, on the Calabar shores and borders of the Great Zahara desert, which prevail in autumn. Also, the indications of inhabitants when coasting new lands. For its meaning in Arctic voyages, _see_ VAPOUR. SMOKE-SAIL. A small sail hoisted against the fore-mast when a ship rides head to wind, to give the smoke of the galley an opportunity of rising, and to prevent its being blown aft on to the quarter-deck. SMOOTH. A Cornish term applied when the surf abates its fury for a short space. Also, the lee of a ship or of a rock. SMUG-BOATS. Contraband traders on the coast of China; opium boats. SMUGGLING. Defrauding the public revenue by importing or exporting goods without paying the customs dues chargeable upon them. SMURLIN. A bivalve mollusc, _Mya truncata_, used as food in the Shetland Islands. SNAGGLE, TO. To angle for geese with a hook and line properly baited. SNAGS. The old word for lopped branches and sharp protuberances, but now chiefly applied to sunken obstructions in the American rivers. SNAIL-CREEPING. Gouging out the surfaces of timbers in crooked channels, to promote a circulation of air. SNAKE-PIECES. _See_ POINTERS. SNAKING. The passing of small stuff across a seizing, with marline hitches at the outer turns; or the winding small ropes spirally round a large one, the former lying in the intervals between the strands of the latter. (_See_ WORM.) The stays and backstays, when the _Shannon_ engaged the _Chesapeake_, were snaked with half-inch rope from fathom to fathom, to prevent their falling if shot away. Also, the finishing touch to neat seizings, to prevent the parts from separating when becoming slack by drying. SNAPE, TO. In ship-carpentry, is to hance or bevel the end of anything, so as to fay upon an inclined plane: it is also designated _flinch_. SNAP-HAUNCE. An old word for a fire-lock or musket; a spring-lock for fire-arms. SNAPING-POLE. An old term for a fishing-rod. SNAPPER. A well-known fish of the Mesoprion tribe, highly valued as food in the West Indies and tropics generally. SNAPPING-TURTLE. A well-known fresh-water tortoise of the rivers in the United States; _Chelydra serpentina_. SNARES. The cords which pass across the diameter of one hoop at the end of a drum. SNARLEY-YOW. A discontented, litigious grumbler. An old guard-ship authority who knows when to play the courtier. SNARL-KNOT. A northern expression for a knot that cannot be drawn loose. SNATCH. Any open lead for a rope: if not furnished with a sheave, it is termed a _dumb snatch_, as on the bows and quarters for hawsers. SNATCH-BLOCK. A single iron-bound block, with an opening in one side above the sheave, in which the bight of a rope may be laid, instead of reeving the end through, which in some circumstances would be very inconvenient, as when warps are led to the capstan, &c. The same as _notch-block_. SNEER. To "make all sneer again" is to carry canvas to such an extent as to strain the ropes and spars to the utmost. SNEEZER. A stiff gale of wind. SNIFTING-VALVE. In the marine engine (_see_ TAIL-VALVE). SNIGGLING. A peculiar mode of catching eels in small streams and ponds, described by Izaak Walton. SNIKKER-SNEE. A combat with knives; also, a large clasp-knife. SNOGO. A cockpit game at cards, called also _blind hookey_, apparently affording equal chances, but easily managed to his own advantage by a knavish adept. SNOOD [Anglo-Saxon, _snod_]. A short hair-line or wire to which hooks are fastened below the lead in angling. Or the link of hair uniting the hook and fishing-line. SNOOK. A fish of the family _Scombridae_, _Thyrsites atun_, abundant in Table Bay, whence it is exported, when salted, to the Mauritius. SNOTTER. The lower support of the _sprit_ (which see). SNOW. A vessel formerly much in use. It differs slightly from a brig. It has two masts similar to the main and fore masts of a ship, and close abaft the main-mast a trysail-mast. Snows differ only from brigs in that the boom-mainsail is hooped to the main-mast in the brig, and traverses on the trysail-mast in the snow. SNUBBING HER. Bringing a ship up suddenly with an anchor, and short range of cable, yet without jerking. [Said to be from the Icelandic _snubba_.] SNUG. Under proper sail to meet a gale. SNY. A gentle bend in timber, curving upwards: when it curves downwards, it is said to _hang_. SO! An order to desist temporarily from hauling upon a rope, when it has come to its right position. SOAK AND SEND! The order to pass wet swabs along. SOAM. The dried air-bladder of herrings. SOCKETS. The holes in which swivel-pintles, or the capstan or windlass spindles move. SOD-BANK. A peculiar effect of refraction sometimes seen in calm weather, showing all objects on the water multiplied or magnified. A poor name for a fine phenomenon. SOFT-LAES. A term on our northern coast for the small coves and bays formed by the waves on the more friable parts of cliffs. SOFT-PLANK. Picking a soft plank in the deck, is choosing an easy berth. (_See_ PLANK IT.) SOFT TOMMY, OR SOFT TACK. Loaves of bread served out instead of biscuit. SOLAN-GOOSE. The gannet, _Sula bassana_, a well-known sea fowl, frequenting the coasts of many countries in the northern hemisphere in the summer to lay its eggs, and then migrating. SOLANO. An oppressive wind, blowing from Africa into the Mediterranean; synonymous with _sirocco_. SOLAR DAY. Is the interval which elapses between two successive meridian transits of the sun, and is the unit of time in common use. SOLAR SPECTRUM. The coloured image of the sun produced by refraction through a prism. SOLAR SPOTS. _See_ MACULAE. SOLAR SYSTEM. The sun, planets, and comets, which are assumed to form a system, independent of the surrounding fixed stars. SOLDIER. One that has enlisted to serve his government in peace or war; receiving pay, and subject to the Mutiny Act and Articles of War. SOLDIER-CRAB. A name for the _hermit-crab_ (which see). SOLDIER'S WIND. One which serves either way; allowing a passage to be made without much nautical ability. SOLE. A common flat-fish, _Solea vulgaris_. Also, the decks of the cabin and forecastle in some ships, respectively called the _cabin_ and _forecastle soles_. Also, the lining of the bilge-ways, rudder, and the like. SOLENT SEA. The old name of the narrow strait between Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. SOLE OF A GUN-PORT. The lower part of it, more properly called _port-sill_. SOLE OF THE RUDDER. A piece of timber attached to its lower part to render it nearly level with the false keel. SOLLERETS. Pieces of steel which formed part of the armour for the feet. SOLSTICES. The epochs when the sun passes through the solstitial points. SOLSTITIAL COLURE. A great circle passing through the poles and solstitial points. SOLSTITIAL POINTS. The two points where the tropics meet the ecliptic, in longitude 90 deg. and 270 deg. SOMA. A Japan junk of burden. SONG. The call of soundings by the leadsman in the channels. Songs are also used to aid the men in keeping time when pulling on a rope, where a fife is not available. They are very common in merchant ships. The whalers have an improvised song when cutting docks in the ice in Arctic seas. SON OF A GUN. An epithet conveying contempt in a slight degree, and originally applied to boys born afloat, when women were permitted to accompany their husbands to sea; one admiral declared he literally was thus cradled, under the breast of a gun-carriage. SOPS. A northern term for small detached clouds, hanging about the sides of a mountain. SORT. "That's your sort," means approval of a deed. SORTIE. _See_ SALLY. SOUGH. An old northern term for the distant surging of the sea; a hollow murmur or howling, or the moaning of the wind before a gale. SOUND [Anglo-Saxon, _sund_]. An arm of the sea over the whole extent of which soundings may be obtained, as on the coasts of Norway and America. Also, any deep bay formed and connected by reefs and sand-banks. On the shores of Scotland it means a narrow channel or strait. Also, the air-bladder of the cod, and generally the swimming-bladder or "soundes of any fysshes." Also, a cuttle-fish. SOUND, VELOCITY OF. May be freely assumed at nearly 1142 feet in a second of time, when not affected by the temperature or wind; subject to corrections when great accuracy is required. SOUND DUES. A toll formerly levied by the Danes on all merchant vessels passing the sound or strait between the North Sea and the Baltic. SOUNDING. The operation of ascertaining the depth of the sea, and the quality of the ground, by means of a lead and line, sunk from a ship to the bottom, where some of the ooze or sand adheres to the tallow in the hollow base of the lead. Also, the vertical diving of a whale when struck. It is supposed to strike the bottom, and will take 3 or 4 coils of whale-line, equal to 2000 feet. SOUNDING-LEAD. _See_ LEAD. SOUNDING-LINE. This line, with a plummet, is mentioned by Lucilius; and was the _sund-gyrd_ of the Anglo-Saxons. SOUNDING-ROD. A slight rod of iron marked with feet and inches, which being let down by a line in a groove of the side of the pump, indicates what water there is in the well, and consequently whether the ship requires pumping out or not. SOUNDINGS. To be in soundings implies being so near the land that a deep-sea lead will reach the bottom, which is seldom practicable in the ocean. As soundings may, however, be obtained at enormous depths, and at great distances from the land, the term is limited in common parlance to parts not far from the shore, and where the depth is about 80 or 100 fathoms. Also, a name given to the specimen of the ground brought up adhering to the tallow stuck upon the base of the deep-sea lead, and distinguishing the nature of the bottom, as sand, shells, ooze, &c. SOUNDLESS. Places assumed formerly to be bottomless, but thousands of fathoms are now measured. Our elders little thought of a submarine telegraph across the Atlantic Ocean! SOURCE. The spring or origin of a stream or river, or at least one of the tributaries of supply. SOURS. An old word for a rise, or rapid ascent. SOUSE. A method of pickling fish by immersing them in vinegar after being boiled. (_See_ MARL.) SOUSED GURNET. Best expressed by Falstaff's--"If I be not ashamed of my soldiers, I am a soused gurnet." SOUTHERN CROSS. The popular name of a group of stars near the South Pole, which are somewhat in the figure of a cross. SOUTHERN-LIGHTS. _See_ AURORA AUSTRALIS. SOUTHING. In navigation, implies the distance made good towards the south: the opposite of _northing_. SOUTHING OF THE MOON. The time at which the moon passes the meridian of any particular place. Popularly the term is used to denote the meridian transit of any heavenly body south of the observer. SOUTH SEA. _See_ PACIFIC OCEAN. SOUTH-WESTER. A useful water-proof hat for bad weather. SOUTH-WIND. A mild wind in the British seas with frequent fogs; it generally brings rain or damp weather. SOW. The receptacle into which the molten iron is poured in a gun-foundry. The liquid iron poured from it is termed _pig_, whence the term pig-ballast. SPADE. In open speaking, to call a spade a spade is to give a man his real character. The phrase is old and still in use. SPADO, OR SPADROON. A cut-and-thrust sword [from the Spanish]. SPAKE-NET. A peculiar net for catching crabs. SPALDING-KNIFE. A knife used for splitting fish in Newfoundland. SPALDINGS. A north-country name for whitings and other small fish, split and dried. SPALES. In naval architecture, internal strengthening by cross artificial beams. (_See_ CROSS-SPALES.) SPAN. A rope with both ends made fast, so that a purchase may be hooked to its bight. Also, a small line or cord, the middle of which is usually attached to a stay, whence the two ends branch outwards to the right and left, having either a block or thimble attached to their extremities. It is used to confine some ropes which pass through the corresponding blocks or thimbles as a fair leader. SPAN-BLOCKS. Blocks seized into each bight of a strap, long enough to go across a cap, and allow the blocks to hang clear on each side, as main-lifts, top-mast studding-sail, halliards, blocks, &c. SPAN IN THE RIGGING, TO. To draw the upper parts of the shrouds together by tackles, in order to seize on the cat-harping legs. The rigging is also "spanned in" when it has been found to stretch considerably on first putting to sea, but cannot be set up until it moderates. SPANISH-BURN. A specious method of hiding defects in timber, by chopping it in pieces. SPANISH-BURTON. The _single_ is rove with three single blocks, or two single blocks and a hook in the bight of one of the running parts. The _double_ Spanish-burton is furnished with one double and two single blocks. SPANISH DISTURBANCE. An epithet given to the sudden armament on the Nootka Sound affair, in 1797, an epoch from which many of our seamen dated their service in the late wars. SPANISH MACKEREL. An old Cornish name for the tunny, or a scomber, larger than the horse-mackerel. SPANISH REEF. The yards lowered on the cap. Also, a knot tied in the head of the jib. SPANISH WINDLASS. A wooden roller, or heaver, having a rope wound about it, through the bight of which an iron bolt is inserted as a lever for heaving it round. This is a handy tool for turning in rigging, heaving in seizings, &c. SPANKER. A fore-and-aft sail, setting with a boom and gaff, frequently called the _driver_ (which see). It is the aftermost sail of a ship or bark. SPANKER-EEL. A northern term for the lamprey. SPANKING. Going along with a fresh breeze when the spanker tells, as the aft well-boomed out-sail. The word is also used to denote strength, spruceness, and size, as a _spanking breeze_, a _spanking frigate_, &c. SPANNER. An instrument by which the wheel-lock guns and pistols were wound up; also used to screw up the nuts of the plummer boxes. Also, an important balance in forming the radius of parallel motion in a steam-engine, since it reconciles the curved sweep which the side-levers describe with the perpendicular movement of the piston-rod, by means of which they are driven. SPANNING A HARPOON. Fixing the line which connects the harpoon and its staff. The harpoon iron is a socketed tool, tapering 3 feet to the barb-heads; on that iron socket a becket is worked; the staff fits in loosely. The harpoon line reeves upwards from the socket through this becket, and through another on the staff, so that on striking the whale the staff leaps out of the socket and does not interfere with the iron, which otherwise might be wrenched out. SPAN OF RIGGING. The length of shrouds from the dead-eyes on one side, over the mast-head, to the dead-eyes on the other side of the ship. SPAN-SHACKLE. A large bolt running through the forecastle and spar-deck beams, and forelocked before each beam, with a large triangular shackle at the head, formerly used for the purpose of receiving the end of the davit. Also, a bolt similarly driven through the deck-beam, for securing the booms, boats, anchors, &c. SPAR. The general term for any mast, yard, boom, gaff, &c. In ship-building, the name is applied to small firs used in making staging. SPAR-DECK. This term is loosely applied, though properly it signifies a temporary deck laid in any part of a vessel, and the beams whereon it rests obtain the name of skid-beams in the navy. It also means the quarter-deck, gangways, and forecastle of a deep-waisted vessel; and, rather strangely, is applied to the upper entire deck of a double-banked vessel, without an open waist. SPARE. An epithet applied to any part of a ship's equipage that lies in reserve, to supply the place of such as may be lost or rendered incapable of service; hence we say, spare tiller, spare top-masts, &c. SPARE ANCHOR. An additional anchor the size of a bower. SPARE SAILS. An obvious term. They should be pointed before stowing them away in the sail-room. SPARLING. A name on the Lancashire coasts for the smelt (_Osmerus eperlanus_). SPARTHE. An Anglo-Saxon term for a halbert or battle-axe. SPAT. The spawn or ova of the oyster. SPEAK A VESSEL, TO. To pass within hail of her for that purpose. SPECIFIC GRAVITY. The comparative weights of equal bulks of different bodies, water being generally represented as unity. SPECK-BLOCKS. _See_ FLENSE. SPECK-FALLS, OR PURCHASE. Ropes rove through two large purchase-blocks at the mast-head of a whaler, and made fast to the _blubber-guy_, for hoisting the blubber from a whale. SPECKTIONEER. The chief harpooner in a Greenland ship. He also directs the cutting operations in clearing the whale of its blubber and bones. SPECTRUM. The variously coloured image into which a ray of light is divided on being passed through a prism. SPEED-INDICATOR. A modification of Massey's log. SPELL. The period wherein one or more sailors are employed in particular duties demanding continuous exertion. Such are the spells to the hand-lead in sounding, to working the pumps, to look out on the mast-head, &c., and to steer the ship, which last is generally called the "trick at the wheel." _Spel-ian_, Anglo-Saxon, "to supply another's room." Thus, _Spell ho!_ is the call for relief. SPENCER. The fore-and-main trysails; fore-and-aft sails set with gaffs, introduced instead of main-topmast and mizen staysails. SPENT. From _expend_: said of a mast broken by accident, in contradistinction to one shot away. SPENT SHOT. A shot that has lost its penetrative velocity, yet capable of inflicting grave injury as long as it travels. SPERM WHALE. Otherwise known as the cachalot, _Physeter macrocephalus_. A large cetacean, belonging to the division of delphinoid or toothed whales. It is found in nearly all tropical and temperate seas, and is much hunted for the valuable sperm-oil and spermaceti which it yields. When full grown, it may attain the length of 60 feet, of which the head occupies nearly one-third. SPERONARA. A Mediterranean boat of stouter build than the _scampavia_, yet rowed with speed: in use in the south of Italy and Malta. SPHERA NAUTICA. An old navigation instrument. In 1576 Martin Frobisher was supplied with a brass one, at the cost of L4, 6_s._ 8_d._ SPHERE. The figure formed by the rotation of a circle. A term singularly, but very often, misapplied in parlance for orbit. SPHERICAL CASE-SHOT. _See_ SHRAPNEL SHELL. SPHERICAL TRIANGLE. That contained under three arcs of great circles of a sphere. SPHEROID. The figure formed by the rotation of an ellipse, differing little from a circle. SPICA, OR {a} VIRGINIS. The lucida of Virgo, a standard nautical star. SPIDER. An iron out-rigger to keep a block clear of the ship's side. SPIDER-HOOP. The hoop round a mast to secure the shackles to which the futtock-shrouds are attached. Also, an iron encircling hoop, fitted with belaying pins round the mast. SPIDER-LINES. A most ingenious substitution of a spider's long threads for wires in micrometer scales, intended for delicate astronomical observations. SPIKE-NAILS. _See_ DECK-NAILS. SPIKE-PLANK. (_Speak-plank?_) In Polar voyages, a platform projecting across the vessel before the mizen-mast, to enable the ice-master to cross over, and see ahead, and so pilot her clear of the ice. It corresponds with the bridge in steamers. SPIKE-TACKLE AND CANT-FALLS. The ropes and blocks used in whalers to sling their prey to the side of the ship. SPIKE-TUB. A vessel in which the fat of bears, seals, and minor quarry is set aside till a "making off" gives an opportunity for adding it to the blubber in the hold. SPIKING A GUN. Driving a large nail or iron spike into the vent, which will render the cannon unserviceable until removed. (_See_ CLOY.) SPILE. A stake or piece of wood formed like the frustum of a cone. A vent-peg in a cask of liquor. Small wooden pins which are driven into nail-holes to prevent leaking. SPILINGS. In carpentry and ship-building, the dimensions taken from a straight line, a mould's edge, or rule-staff, to any given sny or curve of a plank's edge. SPILL, TO. Whether for safety or facility, it is advisable to shiver the wind out of a sail before furling or reefing it. This is done either by collecting the sail together, or by bracing it bye, so that the wind may strike its leech and shiver it. A very effeminate captain was accustomed to order, "Sheevar the meezen taus'le, and let the fore-topmast staysail lie dormant in the brails!" SPILLING LINES. Ropes contrived to keep the sails from blowing away when they are clued up, being rove before the sails like the buntlines so as to disarm the gale, in contradistinction to clue-lines, &c., which cause the sails to belly full. SPIN A TWIST OR A YARN, TO. To tell a long story; much prized in a dreary watch, if not tedious. SPINDLE. The vertical iron pin upon which the capstan moves. (_See_ CAPSTAN.) Also, a piece of timber forming the diameter of a made mast. Also, the long-pin on which anything revolves. A windlass turns on horizontal spindles at each extremity. SPINGARD. A kind of small cannon. SPIRE-VAPOUR. A name suggested to Captain Parry for certain little vertical streams of vapour rising from the sea or open water in the Arctic regions, resembling the _barber_ in North America (which see). SPIRIT-ROOM. A place or compartment abaft the after-hold, to contain the ship's company's spirits. SPIRKITTING. That strake of planks which is wrought, anchor-stock-fashion, between the water-way and the lower sill of the gun-ports withinside of a ship of war.--_Spirkitting_ is also used to denote the strake of ceiling between the upper-deck and the plank-sheer of a merchantman; otherwise known as _quick-work_. SPIT. A bank, or small sandy projection, with shallow water on it, generally running out from a point of land. Also, meteorologically, very slight rain. SPITFIRE-JIB. In cutters, a small storm-jib of very heavy canvas. SPITHEAD NIGHTINGALES. Boatswains and boatswains' mates, when winding their calls, especially when piping to dinner. SPLA-BOARDS. Planks fixed at an obtuse angle, to reflect light into a magazine. SPLICE. The joining of two ropes together. Familiarly, two persons joined in wedlock.--_To splice._ To join the two untwisted ends of a rope together. There are several methods of making a splice, according to the services for which it is intended; as:--_The long rolling splice_ is chiefly used in lead-lines, log-lines, and fishing-lines, where the short splice would be liable to separation, as being frequently loosened by the water.--_The long splice_ occupies a great extent of rope, but by the three joinings being fixed at a distance from each other, the increase of bulk is divided; hence it resembles a continuous lay, and is adapted to run through the sheave-hole of a block, &c., for which use it is generally intended.--_The short splice_ is used upon cables, slings, block-strops, and, in general, all ropes which are not intended to run through blocks.--_Spliced eye_ forms a sort of eye or circle at the end of a rope, and is used for splicing in thimbles, bull's-eyes, &c., and generally on the end of lashing block-strops. (_See_ EYE-SPLICE.) SPLICE THE MAIN BRACE. In nautical parlance, to serve out an extra allowance of grog in bad weather or after severe exertion. SPLICING FID. A tapered wooden pin for opening the strands when splicing large ropes; it is sometimes driven by a large wooden mallet called a _commander_. SPLINTER-NETTING. A cross-barred net formed of half-inch rope lashed at every rectangular crossing, and spread from rigging to rigging between the main and mizen masts, to prevent wreck from aloft, in action, from wounding the men at the upper-deck guns. They are frequently used at the open hatchways to prevent accidents. SPLITTER. A man engaged in the Newfoundland fisheries to receive the fish from the _header_, and, with a sharp knife, dexterously to lay it open. SPLITTING OUT. To remove the blocks on which a vessel rests in a dock, or at launching, when the pressure is too great for them to be driven, but by splitting. SPLITTING THE BOOKS. The making of a new complete-book after payment, in which the dead, run, or discharged men are omitted; but the numbers which stood against the men's names in the first list must be continued. SPOKES. The handles of the wheel, not the radii.--_To put a spoke in a man's wheel_, is to say something of him to his advantage, or otherwise. SPOKE-SHAVE. That useful instrument similar to the carpenter's drawing-knife, for smoothing rounds or hollows. SPOLIATION OF A SHIP'S PAPERS. An act which, by the maritime law of every court in Europe, not only excludes further proof, but does, _per se_, infer condemnation. Our own code has so far relaxed that this circumstance shall not be damnatory. The suppression of ships' papers, however, is regarded in the admiralty courts with great suspicion. SPONSON. The curve of the timbers and planking towards the outer part of the _wing_, before and abaft each of the paddle-boxes of a steamer. SPONSON-RIM. The same as _wing-wale_ (which see). SPONTOON. A light halbert. SPOOM, TO. An old word frequently found in Dryden, who thus uses it, "When virtue _spooms_ before a prosp'rous gale, My heaving wishes help to fill the sail." SPOON-DRIFT. A showery sprinkling of the water swept from the tops of the waves in a brisk gale. Driving snow is also sometimes termed spoon-drift. SPOONING, OR SPOOMING. Driving under a heavy gale, such as forces a ship to run before it without any canvas set. SPOON-WAYS. In slave-ships, stowing the poor wretches so closely locked together, that it is difficult to move without treading upon them. SPOTS ON THE SUN. _See_ MACULAE. SPOUT. A term applied to the blowing or breathing of whales and other cetaceans. The expired air, highly charged with moisture from the lungs, has frequently been mistaken for a stream of water. (_See also_ WATER-SPOUT.) SPOUTER. A whaling term for a South Sea whale. SPRAT WEATHER. The dark days of November and December, so called from that being the most favourable season for catching sprats. SPREAD A FLEET, TO. To keep more open order. SPREAD EAGLE. A person seized in the rigging; generally a passenger thus made to pay his entrance forfeit. SPREE. Uproarious jollity, sport, and merriment. SPRING. A crack running obliquely through any part of a mast or yard, which renders it unsafe to carry the usual sail thereon, and the spar is then said to be sprung. Also, a hawser laid out to some fixed object to slue a vessel proceeding to sea. (_See_ WARP.)--_To spring._ To split or break.--_To spring a butt._ To start the end of a plank on the outside of a ship's bottom. (_See_ BUTT.)--_To spring a leak_, is when a vessel is suddenly discovered to leak.--_To spring the luff_, easing the helm down to receive a breeze; to bring a vessel's head closer to the wind in sailing. Thus a vessel coming up sharply to the wind under full way shoots, and may run much to windward of her course, until met by a contrary helm.--_To spring a mine._ To fire its charge. SPRING-BEAM. In a steamer, a fore-and-aft beam for connecting the two paddle-beams, and supporting the outer end of the paddle-shaft. SPRING-FORELOCK. One jagged or split at the point, thereby forming springs to prevent its drawing. SPRING-SEARCHER. A steel-pronged tool to search for defects in the bore of a gun. SPRING-STAYS. Are rather smaller than the stays, and are placed above them, being intended as substitutes should the main one be shot away. SPRING-TIDE. The periodical excess of the elevation and depression of the tide, which occurs when both the sun and moon act in the same direction. SPRIT [Anglo-Saxon, _spreotas_]. A small boom which crosses the sail of a boat diagonally from the mast to the upper aftmost corner: the lower end of the sprit rests in a sort of becket called the snotter, which encircles the mast at that place. These sails are accordingly called sprit-sails. Also, in a sheer-hulk, a spur or spar for keeping the sheers out to the required distance, so that their head should plumb with the centre of the ship when taking out or putting in masts. SPRIT-SAIL. A sail formerly attached to a yard which hung under the bowsprit, and of importance in naval actions of old. SPRIT-SAIL SHEET KNOT. May be crowned and walled, or double-walled, and is often used as a stopper-knot. SPRIT-SAIL TOP-SAIL. A sail extended above the sprit-sail by a yard, which hung under the jib-boom.--_Top-gallant sprit-sail_ was set upon the flying jib-boom in the same manner that the sprit-sail was set upon the inner jib-boom. The sprit-sail course, top-sail, and topgallant-sail were similar in effect to those on the fore-mast, and in former times, when the bowsprit stood more erect, it was indeed the bowsprit or mast. SPRIT-SAIL YARD. A yard slung across the bowsprit, lashed to the knight-heads, and used to spread the guys of the jib and flying jib-boom. To this yard the sprit-sail was formerly bent. SPRIT-SAIL YARDING. A cruelty in which some fishermen wreak vengeance on sharks, dog-fish, &c., that encroach on their baits, and foul their nets. They thrust a piece of wood through the gills of the unconscious offender, and in that condition turn it adrift upon the ocean. SPROKET-WHEEL. That at the upper extremities of the chain-pump-tubes, worked by crank-handles. SPRUNG. Damaged in various ways. Also, the ship slued round by means of guys. In ship-building, it indicates that a plank is strained so as to crack or fly open. SPUEING THE OAKUM. When the ship's labouring forces the caulking out of her seams. SPUN. The being turned back or rejected, on being examined touching qualifications. SPUNGE. A cylindrical block of wood covered with sheepskin, used to clean the interior of a gun after firing, and to extinguish any sparks that may remain behind. The _rope-sponge_, fixed on a strong rope instead of a staff, has a rammer-head on its opposite end: it is used for service with lower-deck guns in bad weather when the ports cannot be opened except at moments for firing. SPUNK. A fungus (_Polyporus fomentarius_ and others) growing on the trunks of trees, from which tinder is made. SPUN-YARN. A small line, formed of two, three, or more old rope-yarns not laid, but twisted together by hand or winch. Spun-yarn is used for various purposes, as seizing and serving ropes, weaving mats, &c. SPUR. A projecting portion of a cliff. In fortification, spurs are walls that cross a part of the rampart and join to the town-wall. Also, in a sheer-hulk, the same as _sprit_ (which see). SPURKETS, OR SPIRKETS. The spaces between the timbers along a ship's side betwixt the upper and lower futtocks, or betwixt the rungs fore and aft. SPURLING-LINE. The line which formed the communication between the wheel and the tell-tale: it went round a small barrel, abaft the barrel of the wheel, and made the pointer show the position of the tiller. Also, a line with thimbles as fair-leaders for running rigging. Now out of use. SPURN-WATER. A channel left above the ends of a deck, to prevent water from coming any further. The water-ways. SPURS, OR SPUR-SHORES. Large pieces of timber in launching, the lower ends of which are fixed to the bilge-ways, and the upper ends fayed and bolted to the ship's bottom for additional security. SPURS OF THE BEAMS. Curved pieces of timber, serving as half-beams, to support the decks, where a whole one cannot be placed, on account of the hatchways. SPURS OF THE BITTS. The same as _standards_ (which see). SQUAD. A diminutive of _squadron_. Also, a small party of soldiers assembled for drill or inspection. SQUADRON. A division of a fleet, as van, centre, and rear squadrons. A flying squadron may be commanded by a rear-admiral, and consist of any class of vessels. Also, a body of cavalry consisting of two troops, or from 80 to 150 men. Squadron is the ordinary unit in reckoning the cavalry force of an army. SQUALL. A sudden gust of wind, frequently occasioned by the interruption and reverberation of the wind from high mountains. These are very frequent in the Mediterranean, particularly in the Levant.--_A black squall._ One attended with a dark cloud and generally heavy rain.--_A white squall._ This furious and dangerous gust occurs in clear weather, without any other warning than the white foam it occasions on the surface of the sea, and a very thin haze. When this squall reaches a ship, copious rain attends it. It is very destructive to the flying-kite school, and many lives have been sacrificed by it. SQUARE. An instrument formed by a stock and a tongue fixed at right angles. Also, in the army, a formation of infantry devised to resist cavalry. (_See_ HOLLOW SQUARE and RALLYING SQUARE.) Also, a term peculiarly appropriated to the yards and their sails. Thus, when the yards hang at right angles with the mast they are said to be "square by the lifts;" when perpendicular to the ship's length, they are "square by the braces;" but when they lie in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the keel, they are "square by the lifts and braces." The yards are said to be very square when they are of extraordinary length, and the same epithet is applied to their sails with respect to their breadth. Also, a figure composed of four equal sides and four right angles, is the square of geometry. SQUARE-BUTTED. The yard-arms of small shipping so made that a sheave-hole can be cut through without weakening the yard. SQUARE-FRAMES. In marine architecture, implies those frames which are square with the line of the keel, having no bevelling upon them. SQUARE IN THE HEAD. Very bluff and broad in the fore-body. SQUARE-KNOT. The same as _reef-knot_. SQUARE MAIN-SAIL. _See_ MAIN-SAIL. SQUARE OR SQUARING MARKS. Marks placed upon the lifts and braces. SQUARE RIBBONS. A synonym of _horizontal lines_, or _horizontal ribbons_. SQUARE-RIGGED. Ships having chiefly square sails; a term used in contradistinction to all vessels which do not use them. It is also applied to vessels with unusually long yards. The term is also familiarly used to denote a person's being full-dressed. SQUARE-SAIL. The flying sail, set on the fore-yard of a schooner, or the spread-yard of a cutter or sloop. SQUARE-SAIL BOOM. A boom hooked on to an eye-bolt in the fore-part of the fore-mast of a fore-and-aft vessel, to boom out the square-sail. SQUARE-SAILS. Colloquially applied to the courses; but the term may be used for any four-cornered sail extended to a yard suspended by the middle. SQUARE-STERNED. Implies a stern where the wing-transom is at right angles with the stern-post. (_See_ PINK and ROUND STERN.) SQUARE-STERNED AND BRITISH BUILT. A phrase to express the peculiar excellence of our first-class merchantmen. SQUARE TIMBERS. Those timbers which stand square with, or perpendicular to, the keel. SQUARE-TOPSAIL SLOOP. Sloops which carry standing yards. SQUARE TUCK. The after-part of a ship's bottom, when terminated in the same direction up and down as the wing-transom. SQUARE YARDS! The order to attend to the lifts and braces, for going before the wind.--_To square a yard._ In working ship, means to bring it in square by the marks on the braces. Figuratively, to settle accounts. SQUARING THE DEAD-EYES. Bringing them to a line parallel to the sheer of the ship. SQUARING THE RATLINES. Seeing that all are horizontal and ship-shape. SQUATTER. The flutter of sea-birds along the water. Also, one who settles, without a title. The hybrid but expressive Americanism _absquatulate_, means to clear off; the reverse of to _squat_. SQUAW. A woman of the North American Indians. SQUEEGEE. An effective swabbing implement, having a plate of gutta-percha fitted at the end of a broom handle. SQUETEE. The Yankee name of a labrus, very common in the waters of Long Island Sound and adjacent bays, but never found in rivers. SQUID. An animal allied to the cuttle-fish, belonging to the class _Cephalopoda_; the calamary or _Loligo_ of naturalists. SQUILGEE, OR SQUILLAGEE. A small swab made of untwisted yarns. Figuratively, a lazy mean fellow. SQUIRM. A wriggling motion like that of an eel. Also, a twist in a rope. STABBER. A pegging awl; the same as _pricker_. STABILITY. A quality implying a ship's capacity to bear every motion of the sea. STACK. A precipitous rock rising out of the sea, in northern hydrography. STACKEN CLOUD. The same as _cumulus_ (which see). STADE. The Anglo-Saxon _staede_, still in use. A station for ships. From stade is derived _staith_ (which see). STAFF. A light pole erected in different parts of a ship, whereon to hoist and display the colours; as, _the ensign-staff_, reared immediately over the stern; _the jack-staff_, fixed on the bowsprit-cap. In military affairs, the staff includes all officials not having direct and specific military command, as the adjutant-general, quartermaster-general, majors of brigade, aides-de-camp, &c. This term has been unaccountably pilfered by the admiralty lately from the army, as a prefix to a naval title. STAFF-CAPTAIN. A designation conferred in 1863 upon masters of the fleet. STAFF-COMMANDERS. A designation conferred in 1863 on masters of fifteen years' seniority. STAFF-OFFICER. On the general staff of the army, or of a combined force. _See_ STAFF. STAG. A name given to a rock that should be watched for, as off the Lizard, Castlehaven, &c. STAGE. Planks let over the ship's sides by ropes, whereon the people may stand when repairing, &c.--_A floating stage_ is one which does not need the support of ropes.--_Stage-gangway_ (_see_ BROW). STAGER. A resident or practised person. _See_ OLD-STAGER. STAGGERING UNDER IT. A ship's labouring under as much canvas as she can bear. STAGNES. A statute term for pools of standing water. STAITH [Anglo-Saxon _staede_]. An embankment on the river bank whence to load vessels. Also, a large wooden wharf, with a timber frame of either shoots or drops, according to circumstances. STAKES. A _weir_ (which see) for taking fish, as black-stakes, &c. STAL-BOAT. A peculiar fishing-boat, mentioned in statute 27 Eliz. c. 21. STALKERS. Certain fishing-nets mentioned in old statutes. STAMMAREEN. The after or helmsman's seat in a Shetland fishing-boat. STAMP AND GO! The order to step out at the capstan, or with hawsers, topsail-halliards, &c., generally to the fife or fiddle. STANCH. _See_ STAUNCH. STANCHIONS. Any fixed upright support. Also, those posts of wood or iron which, being placed pillar-wise, support the waist-trees and guns. STANCHIONS OF THE NETTINGS. Slender bars of iron or wood, the lower ends of which are fixed in iron sockets at proper distances. STAND, TO. The movement by which a ship advances towards a certain object, or departs from it; as, "The enemy stands in shore;" "We saw three sail standing to the southward." "That ship has not a mast standing," implies that she has lost all her masts. STANDARD. Formerly, in ship-building, was an inverted knee, placed upon the deck instead of beneath it, and having its vertical branch pointed upwards from that which lay horizontally.--_Royal standard._ A flag in which the imperial ensigns of England, Scotland, and Ireland are quartered. It is never hoisted on board a ship unless when visited by the royal family, and then it is displayed at the mast-head allotted to the rank; at the main only for the sovereign. STANDARD-DEALS. Those planks of the pine or fir above 7 inches wide and 6 feet long: under that length they are known as _deal-ends_. STANDARD-KNEES. _See_ DECK STANDARD-KNEES. STAND BY! The order to be prepared; to look out to fire when directed.--To _stand by_ a rope, is to take hold of it; _the anchor_, prepare to let go. STAND CLEAR OF THE CABLE! A precautionary order when about to let go the anchor, that nothing may obstruct it in running out of the hawse-holes. Also, a warning when idlers obstruct quarter-deck duty. STANDEL. In our statutes, is a young store oak-tree. STAND FROM UNDER! A notice given to those below to keep out of the way of anything being lowered down, or let fall from above. STANDING BACKSTAYS. The rigging proper. (_See_ BACKSTAYS.) STANDING BEVELLING. The alteration made obtuse or outside a square, in hewing timber, as opposed to acute, or _under-bevelling_, which is within a square. STANDING BOWSPRIT. One that is fixed permanently in its place, not the _running-in bowsprit_ of a cutter. STANDING-JIB. The jib, as distinguished from the other jibs. STANDING-LIFTS. Ropes from the mast-heads to the ends of the upper yards, to keep them square and steady when the sail is not set. STANDING ORDERS. Special regulations remaining constant for some particular branch of service. STANDING PART OF A HOOK. That part which is attached to a block, chain, or anything which is to heave the hook up, with a weight hanging to it; the part opposite to the point. STANDING PART OF A SHEET. That part which is secured to a ring at the ship's bow, quarter, side, &c. STANDING PART OF A TACKLE OR ROPE. The part which is made fast to the mast, deck, or block, in contradistinction to that which is pulled upon, and is called the fall, or running part. STANDING PULL. One with the face towards the tackle, being about 2 feet each pull. STANDING RIGGING. That part which is made fast, and not hauled upon; being the shrouds, backstays, and stays for the support of the masts. STANDING UP. A ship in good trim, and well attended to, is said _to stand well up to her canvas_. STANDING WARRANTS. Those officers who remain with a ship in ordinary, or on the stocks, as the gunner, carpenter, boatswain, and cook, and till 1814 the purser. STANDING WATER. Water where there is no current or tide. STAND IN SHORE, TO. To sail directly for the land. STAND OF ARMS. A complete set for one man; now-a-days, simply a musket and bayonet. Also, an arm-stand holding the muskets and cutlasses on the quarter-deck--ornamental, and ready for salute or service. STAND RIGHT UNDER! Jocularly, "Get out of the way." STAND SQUARE, TO. To stand or be at right angles relatively to some object. STANGS. Poles put across a river. Also, eel-spears. STANK. An old statute term for _staunch_ (which see). STAPLE. _Merchants of the staple_ formerly meant those who exported the staple wares of the country. STAPLE-KNEES, OR STAPLE-LODGING KNEES. The same as _deck standard-knees_ (which see). STAR, DOUBLE. _See_ DOUBLE-STAR. STAR, TEMPORARY. _See_ TEMPORARY STARS. STAR, VARIABLE. _See_ VARIABLE STARS. STARBOARD. The opposite of _larboard_ or _port_; the distinguishing term for the right side of a ship when looking forward [from the Anglo-Saxon _steora-bord_]. STARBOARD THE HELM! So place the helm that the rudder is brought on the port side of the stern-post. (_See_ HARD-A-STARBOARD.) STARBOLINS. The old familiar term for the men of the starboard watch, as larbolin was for the larboard or port watch. STAR-FISHES. _See_ SEA-STAR. STAR-FORTS. Those traced in the form of a star, with alternate salient and re-entering angles. They are not in much favour, being expensive in construction, of small interior space, and having much dead space in their ditches. STAR-GLINT. A meteorite. STAR-PAGODA. A gold coin of the East Indies. In Madras its value is 7_s._ 6_d._ STARS, FIXED. Those innumerable bodies bespangling the heavens from pole to pole, distinguishable from the planets by their apparent fixity; it is, however, certain that many of them move through space at a rate vastly greater than that of the earth in her orbit, though, from their enormous distance, we can with difficulty perceive it. START. A long handle or tail; whence, by analogy, "start point." But sometimes applied by navigators to any point from which a departure is taken. Also, the expected place of a struck whale's rising, after having plunged or sounded.--_To start_, applied to liquids, is to empty; but if to any weight, as the anchor, &c., implies to move.--_To start bread._ To turn it out of bags or casks, and stow it in bulk.--_To start a butt-end._ When a plank has loosened or sprung at the butt-end, by the ship's labouring, or other cause.--_To start a tack or sheet._ To slack it off, as in tacking or man[oe]uvring, "raise tacks and sheets." STARTING. An irregular and arbitrary mode of punishment with canes or ropes' ends, long since illegal in the British navy. STARTING-BOLT, OR DRIFT-BOLT. A bolt used to drive out another; it is usually a trifle smaller. STASH IT THERE! An old order to cease or be quiet. STATE-ROOM. A sleeping cabin, or small berth, detached from the main cabin of merchantmen or saloon of passenger vessels. STATION. The allotted places of the duties of each person on board. In most merchantmen the cry of "Every man to his station, and the cook to the fore-sheet," is calling the hands and the idlers. STATIONARIAE. Those vessels of a Roman fleet ordered to remain at anchor. STATIONARY POINTS. Those points in a planet's orbit in which, as viewed from the earth, it appears to have no motion amongst the stars. STATION-BILL. A list containing the appointed posts of the crew when performing any evolution but action. STATIONER. One who has had experience, or who has been some time on a particular station. STATIONING A SHIP'S COMPANY. Arranging the crew for the ready execution of the evolutionary duties of a ship. STATION-POINTER. A circular instrument furnished with one standard radius, and two movable. By laying off two observed angles right and left from a central object, and laying the instrument over the objects on a chart, the position of the observer is instantly fixed. STATIONS FOR STAYS! Repair to your posts to tack ship. STAUNCH. A flood-gate crossing a river to keep up a head of water, and, by producing a rush in dry weather, floating the lighters over the adjacent shallows. STAVE, TO. To break a hole in any vessel. Also, to drive in the head of a cask, as of spirits, to prevent the crew from misusing it in case of wreck.--_To stave off._ To boom off; to push anything off with a pole. STAVES. Wood prepared for the component parts of a cask. In 1781, staves were ruled not to be a naval store, unless it were shown that the French at Brest were in some peculiar want of casks. Also, the wood of lances, formerly an object of great care, insomuch that Shakspeare makes Richard III. say:-- "Look that my staves be sound, and not too heavy." STAY. A large strong rope extending from the upper end of each mast towards the stem of the ship, as the shrouds are extended on each side. The object of both is to prevent the masts from springing, when the ship is pitching deep. Thus stays are fore and aft; those which are led down to the vessel's side are _backstays_.--_The fore-stay_ is that which reaches from the foremast-head towards the bowsprit end.--_The main-stay_ is that which extends to the ship's stem.--_The mizen-stay_ is that which is stretched to a collar on the main-mast, immediately above the quarter-deck.--_The fore-topmast stay_ is that which comes to the end of the bowsprit, a little beyond the fore-stay, on which the fore-topmast staysail runs on hanks.--_The main-topmast stay_ is attached to the hounds of the fore-mast, or comes on deck.--_The mizen-topmast stay_ is that which comes to the hounds of the main-mast. The top-gallant, royal, or any other masts, have each a stay, named after their respective masts.--_Spring-stay_ is a kind of substitute nearly parallel to the principal stay, and intended to help the principal stay to support its mast.--_Stay of a steamer._ An iron bar between the two knees which secure the paddle-beams. (_See_ FUNNEL-STAYS.)--_To stay._ To tack, to bring the ship's head up to the wind for going about; hence to _miss stays_, is to fail in the attempt to go about.--_In stays_, or _hove in stays_, is the situation of a vessel when she is staying, or in the act of going about; a vessel in bad trim, or lubberly handled, is sure to be _slack in stays_, and _refuses stays_, when she has to wear. STAY APEEK. When the cable and fore-stay form a line. (_See_ APEEK.) STAY-BARS, OR STAY-RODS. Strong malleable iron bars for supporting the framings of the marine steam-engine. STAYED FORWARD. This term is applied to masts when they incline forward out of the vertical line; the opposite of _rake_ (which see.) STAYSAIL. A triangular sail hoisted upon a stay. STAYSAIL-NETTING. _See_ BOWSPRIT-NETTING. STAYSAIL-STAY. The stay on which a staysail is set. STAY-TACKLES, FORE AND MAIN. Special movable purchases for hoisting in and out boats, anchors, &c. They plumb the fore and main hatchways, working in conjunction with fore and main yard tackles. STEADY! The order given to the steersman, in a fair wind, to steer the ship on her course without deviating; to which he answers, _Steady it is, sir_. STEADY-FAST. A hawser carried out to some fixed object to keep a vessel steady in a tide-way, or in preparation for making sail from a fast. STEADY GALE. A fresh breeze pretty uniform in force and direction. STEALING. The gaining of a rat-line or two in height while waiting on the lower part of the rigging for the order to go aloft. Also, a vessel is said _to steal ahead_ when she moves with the lightest breath of air. STEAM-CHEST. The reservoir for steam above the water of the boiler; sometimes termed _steam-chamber_. STEAM-CRANE. A crane worked by means of a steam-engine. STEAM-CYLINDER. _See_ CYLINDER. STEAM-FRIGATE. A large armed steamer commanded by a captain in the navy. STEAM-HOIST. A machine in dockyards for driving piles, working pumps, &c. STEAM NAVIGATION. The management of vessels propelled by steam-power. STEAM-PACKET. A steamer employed in trading regularly between two places with goods and passengers. STEAM-PIPE. _See_ WASTE STEAM-PIPE. STEAM-PORTS. Oblong passages leading from the nozzle-faces to the inside of the cylinder; by them the steam enters and returns, above and below the piston. STEAM-RAM. A new order of war-vessel, fitted for running prow on against an enemy's ship, to stave her in by crushing. STEAM SLOOP-OF-WAR. One commanded by a commander. STEAM-TUG. A vessel fitted with a marine steam-engine, and expressly employed for towing ships. STEAM-WINCH. A machine for hoisting out cargo or working a ship's pumps. STEATAE. Broad low vessels used by the ancient pirates. STEELER, OR STEALER. The foremost and aftermost plank in a strake, which drops short of the stem or stern-post. STEEP-TO. [Anglo-Saxon _steap_.] Said of a bold shore, admitting of the largest vessels coming very close to the cliffs without touching the bottom. (_See_ BOLD-SHORE.) STEEP-TUB. A large tub in which salt provisions are soaked previous to being cooked. STEERAGE. The act of steering. (_See_ NICE STEERAGE.) Also, that part of the ship next below the quarter-deck, immediately before the bulk-head of the great cabin in most ships of war. The portion of the 'tween-decks just before the gun-room bulk-head. In some ships the second-class passengers are called _steerage passengers_. The admiral's cabin on the middle deck of three-deckers has been called the _steerage_. STEERAGE-WAY. When a vessel has sufficient motion in the water to admit of the helm being effective. STEER HER COURSE, TO. Going with the wind fair enough to lay her course. STEERING [Anglo-Saxon _steoran_]. The perfection of steering consists in a vigilant attention to the motion of the ship's head, so as to check every deviation from the line of her course in the first instant of its commencement, and in applying as little of the power of the helm as possible, for the action of the rudder checks a ship's speed. STEERING-SAIL. An incorrect name for a studding-sail. STEER LARGE, TO. To go free, off the wind. Also, to steer loosely. STEER SMALL, TO. To steer well and within small compass, not dragging the tiller over from side to side. STEERSMAN. The helmsman or timoneer; the latter from the French _timon_, helm. STEEVING. Implies the bowsprit's angle from the horizon: formerly it stood at an angle of 70 to 80 degrees, and was indeed almost a bow mast or sprit. Also, the stowing of cotton, wool, or other cargo, in a merchantman's hold with a jack-screw. STEM. The foremost piece uniting the bows of a ship; its lower end scarphs into the keel, and the bowsprit rests upon its upper end. The outside of the stem is usually marked with a scale of feet and inches, answering to a perpendicular from the keel, in order to ascertain the ship's draught of water forward.--_False stem._ When a ship's stem is too flat, so that she cannot keep a wind well, a false stem, or gripe, is fayed on before the right one, which enables her to hold a better wind.--_From stem to stern_, from one end of the ship to the other.--_To stem_, to make way against any obstacle. "She does not stem the tide," that is, she cannot make head against it for want of wind. STEM-KNEE. In ship-building, the compass-timber which connects the keel with the stem. (_See_ DEAD-WOOD KNEES.) STEMSON. An arching piece of compass-timber, worked within the apron to reinforce the scarph thereof, in the same manner as the apron supports that of the stem. The upper end is carried as high as the upper deck, the lower being scarphed on to the kelson. STEP. A large clamp of timber fixed on the kelson, and fitted to receive the tenoned heel of a mast. The steps of the main and fore masts of every ship rest upon the kelson; that of the mizen-mast sometimes rests upon the lower-deck beams.--_To step a boat's mast._ To erect and secure it in its step in readiness for setting sail. STEP OF THE CAPSTAN. A solid block of wood fixed between two of the ship's beams to receive the iron spindle and heel of the capstan. STEP OUT, TO. To move along simultaneously and cheerfully with a tackle-fall, &c. STEPPES. The specific application is to the vast level plains of South-east and Asiatic Russia, resembling the Landes of France. (_See_ LANDES.) STEPPING. The sinking a rabbet in the dead-wood, wherein the heels of the timbers rest. (_See_ BEARDING-LINE.) STEPS OF THE SIDE. Pieces of quartering nailed to the sides amidships, from the wale upwards; for the people ascending or descending the ship. STERE'S-MAN. A pilot or steerer, from the Anglo-Saxon _steora_. STERE-TRE. An archaic word for rudder. STERN. The after-part of a ship, ending in the taffarel above and the counters below.--_By the stern._ The condition of a vessel which draws more water abaft than forward. STERNAGE. The after-part of a ship, and therefore Shakspeare's term is simple enough for any but commentators. Henry V.'s fleet is sailing away:-- "O, do but think, You stand upon the rivage, and behold A city on the inconstant billows dancing; For so appears this fleet majestical, Holding due course to Harfleur. Follow, follow! Grapple your minds to sternage of this navy." STERN-ALL. A term amongst whalers, meaning to pull the boat stern foremost, to back off after having entered an iron (_harpoon_). STERN-BOARD. This term is familiarly known to seamen as tacking by misadventure in stays; or purposely, as a seamanlike measure, to effect the object. Thus a ship in a narrow channel is allowed to fly up head to wind until her stem nearly touches a weather danger; the head-yards are then quickly braced abox, and the helm shifted. Thus she makes stern-way until all the sails are full, when she is again skilfully brought to the wind before touching the danger under her lee. Generally speaking, however, it refers to bad seamanship. STERN-CHASERS. The guns which fire directly aft. STERN-DAVITS. Pieces of iron or timber projecting from the stern, with sheaves or blocks at their outer ends, for hoisting boats up to. STERN-FAST. A rope used to confine the stern of a vessel to a wharf, &c. STERN-FRAME. That strong and ornamental union based on the stern-post, transom, and fashion-pieces. STERN-KNEE. Synonymous with _stern-son_ (which see). STERN-LADDER. Made of ropes with wooden steps, for getting in and out of the boats astern. STERNMOST. Implies anything in the rear, or farthest astern, as opposed to headmost. STERN-PORTS. The ports made between the stern-timbers. STERN-POST. The opposite to the _stem_; scarphed into the keel, and suspending the rudder. In steam-ships, where a screw is fitted, it works between this and an after stern-post which carries the rudder. STERN-SHEETS. That part of a boat between the stern and the aftmost thwart, furnished with seats for passengers. STERN-SON. A knee-piece of oak-timber, worked on the after dead-wood; the fore-end is scarphed into the kelson, and the after-side fayed into the throats of the transoms. STERN-WALK. The old galleries formerly used to line-of-battle ships. STERN-WAY. The movement by which a ship goes stern foremost. The opposite of _head-way_. STEVEDORE, OR STIVADORE. A stower; one employed in the hold in loading and unloading merchant vessels. STEWARD. There are several persons under this appellation in most ships, according to their size, appointed to the charge of the sea-stores of the various grades. The paymaster's steward has most to do, having to serve the crew, and therefore has assistants, distinguished by the sobriquet of Jack-o'-the-dust, &c. In large passenger ships which do not carry a purser, part of his duties devolves upon the captain's steward. In smaller merchant ships the special duties of the steward are not heavy, so that he assists in the working of the ship, and in tacking; his station is, _ex officio_, the main-sheet. STICHLING. A grown perch, thus described by old Palsgrave: "Styckelyng, a maner of fysshe." STICKLEBACK. A very small fish, armed with sharp spines on its back. STICKS. A familiar phrase for masts. STIFF. Stable or steady; the opposite to _crank_; a quality by which a ship stands up to her canvas, and carries enough sail without heeling over too much. STIFF BOTTOM. A clayey bottom. STIFF BREEZE. One in which a ship may carry a press of sail, when a little more would endanger the spars. STIFFENING ORDER. A custom-house warrant for making a provision in the shipping of goods, before the whole inward cargo is discharged, to prevent the vessel getting too light. STILL WATER. Another name for _slack-tide_; it is also used for water under the lee of headlands, or where there is neither tide nor current. STING-RAY. A fish, _Trygon pastinaca_, which wounds with a serrate bone, lying in a sheath on the upper side of its tail; the wound is painful, as all fish-wounds are, but not truly poisonous, and the smart is limited by superstition to the next tide. STINK-BALLS. A pyrotechnical preparation of pitch, rosin, nitre, gunpowder, colophony, assaf[oe]tida, and other offensive and suffocating ingredients, formerly used for throwing on to an enemy's decks at close quarters, and still in use with Eastern pirates, in earthen jars or stink-pots. STIPULATION. A process in the instance-court of the admiralty, which is conventional when it regards a vessel or cargo, but praetorian and judicial in proceedings against a person. STIREMANNUS. The term in _Domesday Book_ for the pilot of a ship or steersman. STIRRUP. An iron or copper plate that turns upwards on each side of a ship's keel and dead-wood at the fore-foot, or at her skegg, and bolts through all: it is a strengthener, but not always necessary. STIRRUPS. Ropes with eyes at their ends, through which the foot-ropes are rove, and by which they are supported; the ends are nailed to the yards, and steady the men when reefing or furling sails. STIVER. A very small Dutch coin. "Not worth a stiver" is a colloquialism to express a person's poverty. STOACH-WAY. The streamlet or channel which runs through the silt or sand at low-water in tidal ports; a term principally used on our southern shores. STOAKED. The limber-holes impeded or choked, so that the water cannot come to the pump-well. STOCADO. A neat thrust in fencing. STOCCADE. A defensive work, constructed of stout timber or trunks of trees securely planted together. Originally written _stockade_. STOCKADE. Now spelled _stoccade_. STOCK AND FLUKE. The whole of anything. STOCK-FISH. Ling and haddock when sun-dried, without salt, were called stock-fish, and used in the navy, but are now discontinued, from being thought to promote the scurvy. STOCK OF AN ANCHOR. A cross-beam of wood, or bar of iron, secured to the upper end of the shank at right angles with the flukes; by its means the anchor is canted with one fluke down, and made to hook the ground.--_Stock of a gun, musket, or pistol_, is the wooden part to which the barrel is fitted, for the convenience of handling and firing it. _Stock_ is also applied to stores laid in for a voyage, as sea-stock, live-stock, &c.--_To stock to_, in stowing an anchor, is, by means of a tackle upon the upper end of the stock, to bowse it into a perpendicular direction, which tackle is hence denominated the stock-tackle. STOCKS. A frame of blocks and shores whereon to build shipping. It has a gradual declivity towards the water. STOER-MACKEREL. A name for the young tunny-fish. STOITING. An east-country term for the jumping of fishes above the surface of the water. STOKE, TO. To frequent the galley in a man-of-war, or to trim fires. STOKE-HOLE. A scuttle in the deck of a steamer to admit fuel for the engine. Also, the space for the men to stand in, to feed and trim the fires. STOKER, OR FIREMAN. The man who attends to feed and trim the fires for the boilers in a steam-vessel. STOMACH-PIECE. _See_ APRON. STONACRE. A sloop-rigged boat employed to carry stone on the Severn. STONE. The old term for a gun-flint. STONE-BOW. A cross-bow for shooting stones. STOOL. A minor channel abaft the main channels, for the dead-eyes of the backstays. (_See_ BACKSTAY-STOOLS.) STOOLS. Chocks introduced under the lowest transoms of a ship's stern-frame, to which the lower ends of the fashion-pieces are fastened; they form the securities of the quarter-galleries. Also, the thick pieces of plank, fayed together edgeways, and bolted to the sides of the ship for backstays. Also, the ornamental block for the poop-lantern to stand upon. STOP. A small projection on the outside of the cheeks of a lower mast, at the upper parts of the hounds. Also, the word given by him who holds the glass in heaving the log, to check the line and determine how fast she is going.--_To stop._ To tie up with small stuff; as a sail is _stopped_ when sending it aloft to prevent the wind from blowing it away; a flag is _stopped_ to make a wheft, &c. STOP HER! An order to check the cable in being payed out. Also, a self-explanatory phrase to direct the engineer of a steamer to stop the action of the engines. STOPPAGE IN TRANSITU. A valuable privilege under which an unpaid consigner or broker may stop or countermand his goods upon their passage to the consignee on the insolvency of the vendee. STOPPER OF THE ANCHOR. A strong rope attached to the cat-head, which, passing through the anchor-ring, is afterwards fastened to a timber-head, thereby securing the anchor on the bow. STOPPER OF THE CABLE. Commonly called a deck-stopper. A piece of rope having a large knot at one end, and hooked or lashed to a ring-bolt in the deck by the other; it is attached to the cable by a laniard, which is passed securely round both, by several turns passed behind the knot, or round the neck of the stopper, by which means the cable is restrained from running out of the ship when she rides, and is an additional security to the bitted cable.--_Dog-stopper._ A strong rope clenched round the main-mast, and used on particular occasions to relieve and assist the preceding when the ship rides in a heavy sea, or otherwise veering with a strain on the cable.--_Wing-stoppers._ Similar pieces of rope clenched round one of the beams near the ship's side, and serving the same purpose as the preceding.--_Rigging-stoppers_ have a knot and a laniard at each end; they are used when the shrouds, stays, or backstays are stranded in action, or in a gale; they are then lashed above and below, in the same manner as those of the cables, to the wounded parts of the shroud, &c., which are thereby strengthened, so as to be fit for service. Other rigging-stoppers have dead-eyes and tails, so that by securing one dead-eye above and the other below the injury, they can be set up by their laniard, and brought to an even strain with the other shrouds. Stoppers are also pieces of rope used to prevent the running-rigging from coming up whilst being belayed. Sometimes they have a knot at one end, and a hook at the other, for various purposes about the decks. STOPPERING. The act of checking or holding fast any rope or cable by means of a stopper. STOPPER-KNOT. Single and double wall, without crowning, and the ends stopped together. STOP THE VENT, TO. To close it hermetically by pressing the thumb to it. STOP-WATER. Anything tending to impede the sailing of a ship, by towing overboard. Also, a name for particular tree-nails. STORE-KEEPER. An officer in the royal dockyards, invested with the general charge of naval stores, as the sails, anchors, cordage, &c. STORES. A general term for the arms, clothing, ropes, sails, provisions, and other outfit, with which a ship is supplied. STORE-SHIP. A government vessel appropriated for carrying munitions and stores. STORM, TO. To take by vigorous assault, in spite of the resistance of the defenders. STORM-BREEDERS. Heavy cumulo-stratus clouds. STORM-DRUM. A canvas cylinder 3 feet in length, expanded at each end by a strong wooden hoop 3 feet in diameter. Fitzroy's is painted black, and presents, when suspended, the appearance of a black square of 3 feet, from all points of view. STORM-FINCH. The petrel, or Mother Cary's chicken. STORM-JIB. In cutters, the fifth or sixth size: the inner jib of square-rigged ships. STORM-KITE. A contrivance for sending a hawser from a stranded vessel to the shore. STORMS [from the Anglo-Saxon _steorm_]. Tempests, or _gales of wind_ in nautic language, are of various kinds, and will be found under their respective designations. But that is a storm which reduces a ship to her storm staysails, or to her bare poles. STORM-SAIL. A sail made of stout No. 1 canvas, of reduced dimensions, for use in a gale. STORM-SIGNAL. The hoisting of a danger-flag. Also, Fitzroy's drum and cone, which show the direction of the expected gale. STORM-TRYSAIL. A fore-and-aft sail, hoisted by a gaff, but having no boom at its foot, and only used in foul weather. STORM-WARNING. _See_ FORECAST. STORM-WAVE. A wave which tumbles home without being accompanied by wind. Sometimes the result of a gale elsewhere. STORMY PETREL. A small dark coloured sea-bird, _Procellaria pelagica_. STOVE. Broken in; thus, when violent damage is done to the upper part of a ship's hull, she is said to be _stove_; when on any portion of her bottom, she is _bilged_.--_A stove_, is a kind of kiln for warping timber in.--_Hanging stoves_ are also used on board ship for airing the 'tween decks. STOWAGE. An important art more practised than understood, for the stower seldom consults the specialities of the vessel's construction; it is the general disposition of the ballast, cargo, &c., contained in a ship's hold, with regard to their shape, size, or solidity, agreeably to the form of the vessel, and its probable centre of gravity. A badly stowed vessel cannot be properly handled, and is indeed dangerous to the lives of all on board. Owners and masters are legally liable to the losses by bad stowage or deficient dunnage. (_See_ WET.) STOWAGE GOODS. Those which usually pay freight according to bulk. STOWED IN BULK. _See_ BULK. STOWING HAMMOCKS. Placing them in a neat and symmetrical order in the hammock-netting. STOWING-STRAKE. _See_ STEELER. STRAGGLING-MONEY. If a man be absent from his duty without leave, but not absent long enough to be logged as _run_, and is brought on board, a deduction is to be made from his wages at the discretion of the captain; not, however, to exceed the sum of L1. STRAIGHT OF BREADTH. The space before and abaft the dead-flat, in which the ship is of the same uniform breadth as at the dead-flat. STRAIN-BANDS. Bands of canvas sustaining the strain on the belly of the sails, and reinforced by the linings, &c. STRAIT, OR STRAIGHT. A passage connecting one part of a sea with another; as, the Straits of Gibraltar, of Sunda, of Dover, &c. This word is often written in the plural, but without competent reason. STRAIT GULF. An arm of the sea running into the land through a narrow entrance channel, as the Gulf of Venice. The Mediterranean itself is but a vast strait gulf. STRAKE. One breadth of plank in a ship, either within or without board, wrought from the stem to the stern-post.--_Garboard-strake._ The lowest range of planks, faying into the keel-rabbets.--_Wash-strake_ guards spray. STRAND. A number of rope-yarns twisted together; one of the twists or divisions of which a rope is composed. The part which passes through to form the eye of a splice. Also, a sea-margin; the portion alternately left and covered by tides. Synonymous with _beach_. It is not altered from the original Anglo-Saxon. STRANDED. A rope is stranded when one of its strands is broken by chafing, or by a strain. A vessel is stranded when driven on shore, in which case the justices of the peace may call in assistance. The term "stranded on the beach," is not so incorrect as has been asserted; and comes under the usual exception in charter-parties and bills of lading, of "all and every dangers of the seas, rivers, and navigation of whatsoever nature or kind;" and in all policies of insurance it falls under the general words of "all other perils, losses, or misfortunes," against the risk of which the insurance is made. STRANGE SAIL. A vessel heaving in sight, of which the particulars are unknown. STRAPS OF THE RUDDER. _See_ PINTLES. STRATAGEM. A plan devised to throw dust into the eyes of an enemy, in order to deceive him. STRATEGY. The science of the naval and military combinations which compel movements and battles, or the contrary, but not including the operations of actual battle, which belong to _tactics_. STRATUS. A low cloud which forms a horizontal line. The higher cloud of the same shape is called _cirro-stratus_. STRAW! A word of command, now obsolete, formerly given to dismiss soldiers who were to remain in readiness to fall in again at a moment's notice. STRAY LINE OF THE LOG. About 10 or 12 fathoms of line left unmarked next the log-ship, in order that it may get out of the eddy of the ship's wake before the measuring begins, or the glass is turned. STRAY-MARK. The mark at the junction of the stray and log lines. STREAM. Anglo-Saxon for _flowing water_, meaning especially the middle or most rapid part of a tide or current. STREAM-ANCHOR. A smaller one by two-thirds than the bowers, and larger than the kedges, used to ride steady, or moor with occasionally. In certain cases it is used for warping. STREAM-CABLE. A hawser smaller than the lower cables, and used with the stream-anchor to moor the ship in a sheltered river or haven; it is now more generally a small chain. STREAMER. Formerly described thus:--"A streamer shall stand in the toppe of a shippe, or in the forecastle, and therein be putt no armes, but a man's conceit or device, and may be of the length of 20, 30, 40, or 60 yardes." STREAM-ICE. A collection of pieces of drift or bay ice, joining each other in a ridge following in the line of current. (_See_ SEA-STREAM.) STREAM-LAKE. One which communicates with, the sea by means of a river. STREAM THE BUOY, TO. To let the buoy fall from the after-part of the ship's side into the water, preparatory to letting go the anchor, that it may not foul the buoy-rope as it sinks to the bottom. STREMES. An old English word for "the rays of the sun." STRENGTH. In naval architecture, means giving the various pieces of a ship their proper figures, so that by their combination and disposition they may be united into a firm and compact frame. In regimental affairs it implies merely the number of men actually serving. STRENGTH OF THE TIDE. Where it runs strongest, which in serpentine courses will be found in the hollow curves. STRESS. Hard pressure by weather or other causes. Stress of weather often compels a ship to put back to the port whence she sailed. STRETCH. A word frequently used instead of tack; as, "We shall make a good stretch."--_To stretch._ To sail by the wind under a crowd of canvas. STRETCH ALONG A BRACE, TO. To lay it along the decks in readiness for the men to lay hold of; called _manning it_. STRETCHER. _See_ SHEER-POLE. STRETCHERS. Narrow pieces of wood placed athwart the bottom of a boat, for the rowers to place their feet against, that they may communicate greater effort to their oars. Also, cross-pieces placed between a boat's sides to keep them apart when hoisted up and griped. Colloquially, a _stretcher_ means a lie exaggerated to absurdity. STRETCH OUT! In rowing, is the order to pull strong; to bend forward to the utmost. STRICTLAND. An archaic term for an isthmus. STRIKE, TO. A ship strikes when she in any way touches the bottom. Also, to lower anything, as the ensign or top-sail in saluting, or as the yards, topgallant-masts, and top-masts in a gale. It is also particularly used to express the lowering of the colours in token of surrender to a victorious enemy. STRIKE DOWN! The order to lower casks, &c., into the hold. STRIKERS. Men furnished with harpoons or grains to attack fish; hence the term _dolphin-striker_ (which see), where these men place themselves. STRIKE SOUNDINGS, TO. To gain bottom, or the first soundings, by the deep-sea lead, on coming in from sea. STRING [Anglo-Saxon _straeng_]. In ship-building, a strake within side, constituting the highest range of planks in a ship's ceiling, and it answers to the sheer-strake outside, to the scarphs of which it gives strength. STRINGERS. A name sometimes applied to _shelf-pieces_ (which see). Also, heavy timber similarly carried round a ship to fortify her for special heavy service, as whaling, &c. STRIPPED TO THE GIRT-LINE. All the standing-rigging and furniture having been cleared off the masts in the course of dismantling. STRIPPING. An inconvenient fault of many lead-coated projectiles--the throwing off portions of their coating on discharge from the gun. STRIP THE MASTS, TO. To clear the masts of their rigging. STROKE. A pull or single sweep of the oars in rowing; hence the order, "Row a long stroke," which is intended to move the boat forward more steadily. STROKE-OAR. The aftermost oar in a boat, from which the others take their time. STROKE OF THE SEA. The shock occasioned to a vessel by a heavy sea striking her. STROKE-SIDE OF A BOAT. That in which the after starboard rowlock is placed, or where the after oar is rowed if single-banked. STROKESMAN. The man who rows the aftmost oar in a boat. STROM. An archaism of storm or tempest. STROMBOLO. Bits of ampelite or cannel-coal found on our southern coasts, charged with bitumen, sulphur, and salt. The name is referred to the Island of Stromboli, but the Brighton people insist that it is from the Flemish _strom-bollen_, meaning stream or tide balls. STRONG-BACK. The same with _Samson's post_ (which see). Also, an adaptation of a strong piece of wood over the windlass, to lift the turns of a chain-cable clear of it. STRONG BREEZE. That which reduces a ship to double-reefed top-sails, jib, and spanker. STRONG GALE. That strength of wind under which close-reefed top-sails and storm-staysails are usually carried when close-hauled. STROP, OR STRAP. A piece of rope, spliced generally into a circular wreath, and used to surround the body of a block, so that the latter may be hung to any particular situation about the masts, yards, or rigging. Strops are also used occasionally to fasten upon any large rope for the purpose of hooking a tackle to the eye or double part of the strop, in order to extend or pull with redoubled effort upon the same rope; as in setting up the rigging, where one hook of the tackle is fixed in a strop applied to the particular shroud, and the other to its laniard. STROP-BOUND BLOCK. A single block used in the clue of square-sails for the clue-lines to lead through; it has a shoulder left on each side to prevent the strop from chafing.--_Iron-strop_, a hoop of iron, in lieu of rope, round the shell of a block. STRUCK BY A SEA. Said of a ship when a high rolling wave breaks on board of her. STRUT. A stanchion or sustaining prop to the lower beams. STUBB, OR DOGG. The lower part of a rainbow visible towards the horizon, and betokening squally weather: it is fainter than the wind-gall. On the banks of Newfoundland they are considered precursors of clearer weather, and termed fog-dogs. STUD, OR BAR. A small piece of cast-iron introduced across the middle of each link of the larger chain-cables, where, acting as a strengthener, it prevents collapse, and keeps the links endways to each other. STUDDING-SAIL BOOM. A spar rigged out for the purpose of setting a studding-sail, and taking its name from the sail it belongs to. STUDDING-SAILS. Fine-weather sails set outside the square-sails; the term "scudding-sails" was formerly used.--_Top-mast and top-gallant studding-sails._ Those which are set outside the top-sails and topgallant-sails. They have yards at the head, and are spread at the foot by booms, which slide out on the extremities of the lower and top-sail yards, and their heads or yards are hoisted up to the top-sail and top-gallant yard-arms. STUDDING-SAIL YARD. The spar to which the head of the studding-sail is extended. STUFF. A _coat of stuff_, a term used for any composition laid on to ships' spars, bottom, &c. Also, square timber of different thicknesses. STUFFING-BOX. A contrivance on the top of a steam cylinder-cover, packed with hemp, and kept well soaked with tallow, to prevent steam from passing through while the piston-rod is working. STUMP. A derogatory but well-known name in navigating our eastern coasts for the beautiful tower of Boston church. (_See_ SNAGS.) STUMP TOPGALLANT-MASTS. Those without a royal pole. STUN-SAILS. A corruption of _studding-sails_ (which see). STURGEON. _Acipenser sturio_, a large fish; it has a cartilaginous skeleton, with a small circular and tubular mouth. It is found in the European seas and larger rivers. The roes are made into _caviare_, and the sounds and muscular parts into isinglass. It is a royal fish in England. STURRE-MANNE. An old name for a sea-captain. SUBALTERNS. All commissioned army officers ranking below captains. SUB-LIEUTENANT. A rank lately reproduced, to which a midshipman is entitled on passing for lieutenant; formerly styled mate. SUBMARINE BANK. An extensive sandy plateau with deep water over it. SUBMARINE TELEGRAPH. Consists of a steel wire-rope, containing a heart of gutta-percha and other soft materials, in which are inclosed the copper wires through which the communication by electricity is conveyed. Rapid progress has been made in the art of making and handling this rope, as is proved by the existence of two cables between Ireland and America, one of which was recovered from the deep sea by creeping. SUBMARINE THERMOMETER. An instrument for trying the temperature of the sea at different depths. It consists of a hollow weighted cylinder in which a Six's thermometer is placed; the cylinder being provided with a valve at each end, opening upwards, so that as it sinks the valves open, allowing a free course of water through the cylinder: when it reaches the required depth the line is checked and the valves close; it is then hauled gently in, and the thermometer reaches the surface surrounded by water of the required depth, indicating its temperature. SUBSIDY. A stipulated sum of money paid by one ruler to another, in pursuance of a treaty of alliance for offensive and defensive war. Also, a sum allowed for the conveyance of mails. SUBSISTENCE. The amount to be issued to troops as daily pay, after making the regulated deductions for rations, necessaries, &c. SUCCADES. Sweetmeats entered at the custom-house; formerly a large part of the cargo of Spanish West Indiamen. SUCCOUR. An enterprise undertaken to relieve a place besieged or blockaded, by either forcing the enemy from before it, or throwing in supplies. SUCKING. The action of the pump when the well is nearly dry, or at least so low at the pump-foot as to admit air. SUCK-STONE. An archaic name for the remora. SUCK THE MONKEY, TO. To rob the grog-can. (_See_ MONKEY.) SUCTION. The rising of a fluid by the pressure of the atmosphere into a space where a vacuum has been created. SUFFERANCE. A permission on the custom-house _transire_ (which see.) SUFFERANCE WHARF. _See_ WHARF. SUFFOLK BANG. A very poor and hard kind of cheese, which was indignantly refused in our North Sea fleet. It was, as farmer's boy Bloomfield admitted, "too hard to bite." SUGAR-LOAF. A term applied to conical hills along a sea-coast. SUGAR-LOAF SEA. High turbulent waves with little wind. SUGG, TO. To move or rock heavily on a bank or reef. SUIT OF SAILS. The whole of the sails required to be bent for a vessel. SULLAGE. The deposition of mud and silt by water. SULLIT. A broad Dutch fishing-boat. SULPHUR. A mineral which forms a principal ingredient in the manufacture of gunpowder, and greatly increases the rapidity of its combustion. SUMMER-BLINK. A transient gleam of sunshine in bad weather. SUMMER COUTS. A northern name for the _aurora borealis_. SUMMER SOLSTICE. _See_ CANCER. SUMP. A bog or swamp. Also, a patent fuse used in mining. SUMPIT. An arrow blown from the sumpitan, in Borneo. The sumpitan is about 7 feet long; the arrow has been driven with some force at 130 yards. Some suppose it to be poisoned. SUN. The central body of our planetary system, and the source of light and heat; it is 850,000 miles in diameter.--_With the sun_, _i.e._ from left to right.--_Against the sun_, from right to left. SUN AND MOON IN DISTANCE. When the angle between those bodies admits of measurement for lunars (about 130 deg.). SUNDAY. Ought to be a day of rest at sea as well as on shore, when religious services might generally be performed. Though called the negro's holiday, it often brings but little cessation from work in some merchantmen; they sail on a Sunday, not because of exigency, but because it is otherwise a leisure day, and thereby gained to the owners. SUN-FISH. The _Orthagoriscus mola_, a whimsical-looking creature, like the head of a large fish severed from its body. Also, a name in the south for the basking shark, from its habit of lying in the sunshine. SUNKEN ROCK. That which lies beneath the surface of the sea, and is dangerous to navigation. SUNK LAND. Shallows and swamps. SUN-STAR. The _Solaster papposus_, one of the largest and handsomest of our radiated star-fishes. SUPERANNUATED. Applied to such as have permission to retire from the service on a stated pension, on account of age or infirmity. SUPER-CARGO. A person charged with the accounts and disposal of the cargo, and all other commercial affairs in the merchant-ship in which he sails. SUPER-HEATED. Said of steam, the heat of which has been raised after being generated. SUPER-HEATER. A contrivance for increasing the temperature of the steam to the extent that it would lose on its way from the boiler, until exhausted from the cylinder. SUPERIOR CONJUNCTION. When an inferior planet is situated in the same longitude as the sun, and has that luminary between it and the earth, it is said to be in superior conjunction. SUPERIOR PLANETS. Those which revolve about the sun as a centre, outside the earth's orbit; the opposite of _inferior_. SUPERIOR SLOPE. The inclined upper surface of a parapet. SUPERNATANT PART OF A SHIP. That part which, when afloat, is above the water. This was formerly expressed by the name _dead-work_. SUPERNUMERARIES. Men over and above the established complement of a ship, who are entered on a separate list in the ship's books for victuals and wages. SUPPLEMENT OF LONGITUDE. The term usually applied to its complement, or what it wants of 180 deg. SUPPORT A FRIEND, TO. To make every exertion to assist a vessel in distress, from whatever cause. Neglect of this incurs punishment. SUPPORTERS. Circular knee-timbers placed under the cat-heads for their support and security. SURA. The drink otherwise called _toddy_ (which see). SURDINY. An old name for the fish _sardine_. SURE, OR SHORE. _See_ SHORE. SURES. Peculiar southerly winds which blow on the coasts of Chili, Peru, and Mexico, accompanied by a fog or vapour, called _sures pardos_. SURF. The swell and foam of the sea, which breaks upon the shore, or any rock lying near the surface. The most violent surfs are those which break upon a flat shore, as on the Coromandel and African coasts. SURFACE CURRENT. A current which does not extend more than 8 or 10 feet below the surface. Also, fresh water running over salt at the mouths of great rivers. SURF-BOAT. A peculiar kind of flat-bottomed boat, varying according to local exigencies, for landing men, or goods, in surf. (_See_ MASULAH BOATS.) SURGE. A large swelling wave. Also, the tapered part of the whelps between the chocks of the capstan, upon which the messenger is readily surged.--_To surge_, is to slacken up suddenly a portion of a rope where it renders round a pin, windlass, or capstan; as, "Surge the messenger." A ship is said _to surge_ on a reef when she rises and falls with the heave of the sea, so as to strike heavily. SURGE HO! The notice given when a rope or cable is to be surged. SURGEON. A competent medical officer, appointed to attend the sick and wounded on board a ship of war, for which purpose he has, according to the rate of the ship, from one to two assistants, once called surgeon's mates, but latterly _assistant-surgeons_ (which see). SURGE THE CAPSTAN, TO. To slacken the rope heaved round upon its barrel, to prevent its parts from riding or getting foul. SURINGER. An archaism for surgeon. SURMARKS. In ship-building, the points on the moulds where the bevellings are to be applied to the timbers. SURROGATES. Those substituted or appointed in the room of others; as naval captains formerly acting for judges in Newfoundland. SURVEY. An inspection or examination made by several practical officers into the condition of any stores belonging to a ship. Also, those important astronomical observations, soundings, and other data, collected by officers who are employed in constructing charts and plans of seas, shoals, rocks, harbours, &c. SURVEYING VESSELS. Those equipped for examining coasts, dangers, &c.; their utility is unquestionable. Some of the smaller vessels of war on every station might be profitably employed in thus examining all reported dangers. SURVEYORS AT LLOYD'S. _See_ LLOYD'S SURVEYORS. SURVEYORS OF THE NAVY. Two officers who formerly sat at the navy board, being invested with the charge of building and repairing the royal ships at the different dockyards of the kingdom; for which they were trained to the theory and practice of ship-building. SUSPENSION OF ARMS. A short truce agreed upon by contending forces, for a special object of importance. SUTILES. Ancient cobles made of strong staves sewed together, and covered with leather or skins. SUTLER. A victualler who follows the camp to sell provisions to the troops. In garrisons and garrison-towns there are also sutlers who provide victuals of every kind; but Drayton's sutlers must have been very petty traders, as, when at Agincourt, Isambert's "rascals" were noted-- "For setting on those with the luggage left, A few poor sutlers with the campe that went, They basely fell to pillage and to theft." SWAB. A sort of long mop, formed of rope-yarns of old junk, used for cleaning and drying the decks and cabins of a ship. Also, a sobriquet for a sot. Also, for an epaulette.--_Hand-swab._ A small swab for wiping dry the stern-sheets of a boat, washing plates and dishes, &c. SWABBER. Formerly a petty officer on board ships of war, whose employment was to see that the decks were kept clean. Also, a man formerly appointed to use the swabs in drying up the decks. He was sometimes called ship's sweeper; more commonly captain of swabbers. SWAB-ROPE. A line bent to the eye of a swab for dipping it overboard in washing it. SWAB-WASHER. The principal swab-washer, or captain of the head, in large ships. SWAB-WRINGERS. People appointed to wash the swabs and wring them out, ready for use. SWAD, OR SWADKIN. A newly raised soldier. Also, a fish-basket. SWADDIE. A discharged soldier. SWAGG, TO. To sink down by its own weight; to move heavily or bend. Synonymous with _sagg_. Also, the bellying of a heavy rope. SWAKE. A provincial term for a pump-handle. SWALLOW. The score of a block. SWALLOW'S TAIL. In fortification, an old form of outwork, having its front broken into a re-entering angle, and its two long flanks converging towards the rear. SWALLOW-TAILS. The points of a burgee. Also, the tails of a coat. SWAMP. A tract of land or bog on which, from its impermeable bottom, the collected fresh water remains stagnant. SWAPE. A wooden support for a small light. Also, a pump-handle; a lever. Also, a long oar used in working a coal-keel in the north. SWART-BACK. The _Larus marinus_, or great black and white gull. SWARTS. A name formerly applied by voyagers to Indians and negroes. SWASH. A sudden surge of the sea. Also, a shoal in a tide-way or mouth of a river, over which the water flows, and the tide ripples in ebbing or flowing. SWASHWAY. A channel across a bank, or among shoals, as the noted instance between the Goodwin Sands. SWATHE. The entire length of a sea-wave. SWAY, TO, OR SWAY AWAY. To hoist simultaneously; particularly applied to the lower yards and top-masts, and topgallant-masts and yards.--_To sway away on all top-ropes._ To go great lengths (colloquially). SWAY UP, TO. To apply a strain on a mast-rope in order to lift the spar upwards, so that the fid may be taken out, previous to lowering the mast. Or sway yards aloft ready for crossing. SWEARING. A vulgar and most irrational vice, which happily is fast going out. Habitual swearing was usually typical of a bad officer. It may have originated in the custom too often demanded by law, of solemn asseverations on frivolous subjects. SWEATING THE PURSER. Wasting his stores. Burning his candles, &c. SWEEP. The trending or inclination of a coast to a crescent. Also, that part of the mould of a ship, where she begins to compass in the rung-heads. Also, a large kind of oar.--_To sweep a coast._ To sail along at a reasonable distance with a vigilant inspection. SWEEPING. The act of dragging the bight or loose part of a small rope along the ground, in a harbour or roadstead, in order to recover a sunk anchor or wreck. The two ends of the rope are fastened to two boats, a weight being suspended to the middle, to sink it to the ground, so that, as the boats row ahead, it may drag along the bottom. Also, a term used for rapidly scrutinizing a certain portion of the heavens in quest of planets, comets, &c. SWEEP OF THE TILLER. A semicircular frame on which the tiller traverses in large ships; it is fixed under the beams near the fore-end of the tiller, which it supports. SWEEP-PIECE. A block at the bottom of the port-sill for receiving the chock of the gun-carriage, and to aid in training the gun. SWEEPS. Large oars used on board ships of war in a calm, either to assist the rudder in turning them round, or to propel them ahead when chasing in light winds. Brigs of 386 tons have been swept at 3 knots or more. SWEETENING COCK. A wholesome contrivance for preventing fetid effluvia in ships' holds, by inserting a pipe through the ship's side, with a cock at its inner end, for admitting water to neutralize the accumulated bilge-water, as also to supply the wash-deck pump. SWELCHIE. A rapid current formed by the tide of the Pentland Firth against the Isle of Stroma. Also, a seal in those parts. SWELL. A rolling wave which seldom breaks unless it meets resistance, generally denoting a continuous heaving, which remains for some time after the wind which caused it has subsided. Also, the gradual thickening of the muzzle of a gun, hounds of a mast, &c. SWIFT. When the lower rigging becomes slack at sea, single blocks are placed on each shroud about 8 feet above the deck, a hawser rove through them, and the rigging swifted in, to bring a fair strain. The bars of the capstan are swifted, by passing a rope-swifter over all their ends, and bowsing it well taut. The rigging is also swifted down preparatory to replacing the ratlines truly horizontal after setting up. SWIFTER. A strong rope, sometimes encircling a boat, about 9 inches below her gunwale, both to strengthen her and protect her in cases of collision. (_See_ FENDERS.) SWIFTERS. A pair of shrouds, fixed on the starboard and port sides of the lower mast, above the pendants, and before all the other shrouds: they are never confined to the cat-harpings. SWIFTING A SHIP. Either bringing her aground or upon a careen; also passing cables round her bottom and upper-works, to help to keep her from straining--the "undergirding" mentioned by St. Paul in his shipwreck. SWIG OFF, TO. To pull at the bight of a rope by jerks, having its lower end fast; or to gain on a rope by jumping a man's weight down, instead of hauling regularly. SWILKER, TO. A provincialism for splashing about. SWILL. A wicker fish-basket. The air-bladder of a fish.--_To swill._ To drink greedily. SWIM, TO [from the Anglo-Saxon _swymm_]. To move along the surface of the water by means of the simultaneous movement of the hands and feet. With the Romans this useful art was an essential part of education. SWIMS. The flat extremities of east-country barges. SWINE-FISH. A northern name of the wolf-fish, _Anarhichas lupus_. SWINE'S FEATHER. The spike or tuck on the top of a musket-rest [corrupted from _sweyn_, a boar's bristle]. SWING, TO. A ship is said to swing to the wind or tide, when they change their direction while she is lying at anchor.--_To swing ship for local attraction and adjustment of compasses._ This is done by taking the bearings of a very distant object at each point of the compass to which her head is brought; also, by using a theodolite on shore, and taking its bearing from the ship, and the observer's head from the theodolite. SWINGING-BOOM. The spar which stretches the foot of a lower studding-sail; in large ships they have goose-necks in one end which hook to the foremost part of the fore-chains to iron strops fitted for the purpose. In port they are hooked to bolts at the bends, which, by bringing them lower down, enables the boats to ride easier by them as guest-warp booms. SWIPES. The weak beer supplied to ships on the home station. A swipe is an implement for drawing water for a brewery, the name of which has thus been transferred to the beer. SWIRL. An eddying blast of wind; a whirling wavy motion. Also, a knot in timber. SWISH. An old term for the light driving spray of the sea. SWIVEL. A pivot working freely round in a socket. They are fitted in boats' bows, ships' tops and bulwarks, &c., for bearing small cannon of 1/2 lb. or 1 lb. calibre, which are worked by hand, and called swivels. Also, a strong link of iron used in mooring chains, &c., which permits the bridles to be turned repeatedly round, as occasion requires. Also, a swivel-link in chain-cables, made so as to turn upon an axis, and keep the turns out of the chain. SWONA WELLS. Whirlpools much dreaded by the sailors of the Pentland Firth. They seem to be caused by the rapidity of the tide and the position of Swona, which exactly crosses the stream. SWORD-FISH. A large fish of the family _Scombridae_, remarkable for the prolongation of the nose into a straight, pointed, sword-like weapon. The European species, common in the Mediterranean, is the _Xiphias gladius_ of naturalists. SWORD-MAT. A mat made with shoulders to protect the laniards of the lower rigging, boats' gripes, &c., and worked by a piece of wood somewhat resembling a sword in shape, to drive home the roving threads. SYKE [from the Anglo-Saxon _sych_]. A streamlet of water that flows in winter and dries up in summer. SYMPIESOMETER, OR OIL-BAROMETER. A convenient portable instrument for measuring the weight of the atmosphere by the compression of a gaseous column; capital for small cabins. SYNODICAL MONTH. The period in which the moon goes through every variety of phase, as from one conjunction to another. SYNODICAL PERIOD OR REVOLUTION. If the interval of periodic time of a planet, or comet, be taken in reference to its passages through either of the nodes, its circuit is called synodical. SYPHERED. One edge of a plank overlapping that of another, so that both planks shall make a plane surface with their bevelled edges, though not a flat or square joint. SYSTEM. The method of disposing the correlative parts of a fortification, proposed variously by many eminent engineers. SYSTEM OF THE UNIVERSE. _See_ COPERNICAN SYSTEM. SYZIGEE. Either conjunction or opposition, in reference to the orbit of the moon. T. TAB. The arming of an archer's gauntlet or glove. TABERIN. A species of shark greatly dreaded by the pearl-fishers of Ceylon. TABERNACLE. A strong trunk on the deck of river barges, forming a kind of hinge to enable them to lower the mast when going under bridges. Also, used to elongate the mast of any boat by stepping it in a tabernacle. TABLE-CLOTH. A fleecy-looking cloud which sometimes covers the "table" or flat top of Table Mountain, at the Cape of Good Hope; it is the forerunner of a south-easter, being the condensation of moisture in the sea-air as it ascends the mountain side. TABLE-LAND. Land which is flat-topped, however it may be raised more or less above the ordinary level of the vicinity. TABLE-MONEY. An allowance to admirals and senior officers, in addition to their pay, to meet the expenses of their official guests. TABLES. _See_ ASTRONOMICAL TABLES, and NAUTICAL TABLES. TABLE-SHORE. A low level shore. TABLET. _See_ TRAPEZOID. Also, a flat coping stone placed at the top of the revetement of the escarp, to protect the masonry from the weather. TABLING. A broad hem on the edges of a ship's sails, to strengthen them in that part which is sewed to the bolt-rope. Also, letting one piece of timber into another, similar to the _hooking_ of planks, so that they cannot be pulled asunder. TACES. _See_ TAISHES. TACK. A rope to confine the weather lower corners of the courses and staysails when the wind crosses the ship's course obliquely. Also, the rope employed to haul out the lower outer clue of a studding-sail to the boom-end. With jibs and fore-and-aft sails, the tack confines them amidships. A ship is said to be _on the tack_ of the side from which the wind comes: even if it be on the quarter.--_To tack._ To go about, to change the course from one board to another from the starboard to the port tack, or _vice versa_. It is done by turning the ship's head suddenly to the wind, whereby her head-sails are thrown aback, and cause her to fall off from the wind to the other tack. The opposite to _wearing_. TACK AND HALF-TACK. Working to windward, or along shore, by long and short boards, or legs, alternately. TACKLE. A purchase formed by the connection of a fall, or rope, with two or more blocks. When a power sustains a weight by a rope over a fixed sheave, the weight and power will be equal; but if one end of the rope be fixed, and the sheave be movable with the weight, then the power will be but half the weight; but in a combination of sheaves, or pulleys, the power will be to the weight as 1 to the numbers of parts of the fall.--_Ground-tackle._ Anchors, cables, &c.--_Tack-tackle._ A small tackle used to pull down the tacks of the principal sails to their respective stations, and particularly attached to the main-sails of brigs, sloops, cutters, and schooners. TACKLE-FALL. The part hauled upon in any tackle, simple or compound. TACK OR SHEET. A man's saying that he will not start tack or sheet implies resolution. TACK-PINS. The belaying pins of the fife-rail; called also Jack-pins. TACTICS. The art of disposing and applying naval or military forces in action with the enemy, in whose presence strategy gives place to tactics. TAFFIA. A bad spirit, made and sold at Mauritius. TAFFRAIL, OR TAFFAREL. The upper part of a ship's stern, a curved railing, the ends of which unite to the quarter-pieces. TAIL. A rope spliced into the strop or round of any block, leaving a long end for making fast to rigging, spars, &c.--_To tail on to a bank._ To be aground abaft only.--_To tail up_ or _down a stream_. When at anchor in a river, is as a ship's stern swings. TAIL-BLOCK. A rope-stropped block, having an end of rope attached to it as a tail, by which it may be fastened to any object at pleasure. TAIL OF A GALE. The latter part of a gale, when its violence is dying out. TAIL ON, OR TALLY ON. The order to clap on to a rope. TAIL-RACE. The water which leaves the paddles of a steam-boat. Also, the water-course of a mill beyond the water-wheel. TAIL-TACKLE. A luff-tackle purchase, with a hook in the end of the single block, and a tail to the upper end of the double block. Synonymous with _watch-tackle_. TAIL UP. When a whale dives perpendicularly. In this case whalers expect the fish to rise near the same spot. Also termed _fluking_. TAIL-VALVE. A valve in the air-pump at the opposite side from the condenser, and connected with the latter by a pipe under the air-pump: it opens when pressed by steam entering the condenser by the blow-through valve, but the weight of the atmosphere is sufficient to keep it shut so long as there is a vacuum in the condenser. TAINT. By admiralty law, the taint of contraband extends to all property on board belonging to the owners of detected contraband articles. TAISHES. Armour for the thighs. TAISTE. A northern name for the black guillemot. TAJASO. The jerked beef supplied to ships on some parts of the coast of America. TAKE. The draught of fishes in a single drag of the net. Also, _to take_, in a military sense, to take or adopt any particular formation, as to take open order, or to take ground to the right or the left.--To _take_ an astronomical observation, so to ascertain the position of a celestial body as to learn from it the place of the ship. TAKEL [Anglo-Saxon]. The arrows which used to be supplied to the fleet; the _takill_ of Chaucer. TAKEN AFT. Complained of on the quarter-deck. TAKE-UP. The part between the smoke-box and the bottom of the funnel in a marine boiler. Also, a seaman _takes up slops_ when he applies to the purser for articles of ready-made clothes, to be charged against his wages. Also, an officer _takes up the gauntlet_ when he accepts a challenge, though no longer in the form of a glove. TAKE WATER ON BOARD, TO. To ship a sea. TAKING A DEPARTURE. Determining the place of a ship by means of the bearing and distance of a known object, and assuming it as the point to be calculated from. TAKING IN. The act of brailing up and furling sails at sea; generally used in opposition to setting. (_See_ FURL and SHORTEN.) Also said of a ship when loading. TAKING OFF. Said of tides, when decreasing from the spring-tides. TALARO. A silver coin of Ragusa, value 3_s._ sterling: also of Venice, value 4_s._ 2_d._ TALE [from Anglo-Saxon _tael_, number]. Taylor thus expressed it in 1630-- "Goods in and out, which daily ships doe fraight By guesse, by tale, by measure, and by weight." TALLANT. The upper hance, or break of the rudder abaft. TALL SHIP. A phrase among the early voyagers for square-rigged vessels having top-masts. TALLY, TO. To haul the sheets aft; as used by Falconer-- "And while the lee clue-garnet's lower'd away, Taut aft the sheet they tally, and belay." TALUS. The old word in fortification for slope. TAMBOUR. A projecting kind of stockade, attached to ill-flanked walls, &c. TAN AND TANNED SAILS. Those steeped in oak-bark. TANG, OR TANGLE. _Fucus digitatus_, and other sea-weed, which are used as manure. TANGENT. A right line raised perpendicularly on the extremity of a radius, touching the circle without cutting it. TANGENT-SCALE. Fitted to the breech of a gun for admeasuring its elevation; it is a sliding pillar marked with degrees and their subdivisions (according to the distance between the sights on the gun), and bears a notch or other sight on its head. With rifled guns a vernier, reading the minutes, is generally added. TANGENT-SCREW. A screw acting tangentially to a circle, by means of which a slow motion may be given to the vernier of any instrument. TANG-FISH. A northern name for the seal. TANK. A piece of deep water, natural as well as artificial. Also, an iron cistern for containing fresh water--a great improvement on wooden casks for keeping water sweet. TANKA. A covered Chinese shore-boat for conveying passengers to ships; worked by women only. TANTARA. An old word for the noise of a drum. TAPERED. A term applied to ropes which decrease in size towards one end, as tacks and sheets. Also termed _rat-tailed_. TAPERED CLEAT. A piece of wood bolted under the beams, to support them when pillars are not used. TAPPING A BUOY. Clearing it of the water which has entered it by leakage, and would otherwise prevent its watching. TAP THE ADMIRAL. Opprobriously applied to those who would "drink anything;" from the tale of the drunkard who stole spirits from the cask in which a dead admiral was being conveyed to England. TAR [Anglo-Saxon _tare_]. A kind of turpentine which is drained from pines and fir-trees, and is used to preserve standing rigging, canvas, &c., from the effects of weather, by rendering them water-proof. Also, a perfect sailor; one who knows his duty thoroughly. (_See_ JACK TAR.)--_Coal_ or _gas tar_. A fluid extracted from coal during the operation of making gas, &c.; chiefly used on wood and iron, in the place of paint. TARBET, OR TARBERT. Applied to low necks of land in Scotland that divide the lakes from the sea. It literally means boat-carrying, and is analogous to the Canadian "portage." TAR-BRUSH, TOUCH OF THE. A nautical term applied to those who are slightly darkened by mixed blood. TARGET [Anglo-Saxon _targe_]. A leathern shield. A mark to aim at. TARGIA. An archaic term for a vessel, since called a _tartan_. TARI. A coin of Italy, value 8_d._ sterling. TARIFF. List of duties payable upon exported and imported goods. TARITA. An ancient term for a ship of burden. TARN. A small mountain lake [probably from the Icelandic _tiaurn_]. TARPAULIN. Canvas well covered with tar or paint to render it water-proof. Also, the foul-weather hats and jackets of seamen; often applied to the men themselves. Properly _paulin_ when paint is used. TARRED WITH THE SAME BRUSH. Equivalent to "birds of a feather." TARRING AND FEATHERING. A punishment now obsolete,--inflicted by stripping the delinquent, then smearing him with tar, covering him with flocks and feathers, and towing him ashore. It was ordered in the naval enactments of Richard I. for theft. TARROCK. The kittiwake, _Larus tridactylus_, a small species of gull. TARRY-BREEKS. A north-country name for a sailor. TARTAN. A small coasting vessel of the Mediterranean, with one mast and a bowsprit, lateen-rigged. TARTAR. A domineering commanding officer.--_To catch a Tartar._ Said of a vessel which mistakes her enemy's force, and is obliged to yield. TASKING. Examining a vessel to see whether her timbers are sound. TASTING TIMBER. Chipping it with an adze, and boring it with an augur, to ascertain its quality. TATOOING. The Burmese, South Sea Islanders, and others, puncture the skin until it bleeds, and then rub in fine soot and other colouring matter. The practice has become common amongst sailors. TATTIES. Mats hung before doors and windows in India, on which water is thrown, to cool the air inside by evaporation. TATTOO. The evening sound of drum or trumpet, after which the roll is called, and all soldiers not on leave of absence should be in their quarters. TAUNT. High or tall, commonly applied to very long masts.--_All a taunto_ is a ship having all her light and long spars aloft. TAURUS. The second sign of the zodiac, which the sun enters about the 20th of April. TAUT [from the Anglo-Saxon _tought_]. Tight. TAUT BOWLINE. A ship sailing close-hauled is "on a taut bowline." TAUT HAND. A strict disciplinarian. TAUT HELM, OR TAUT WEATHER-HELM. A ship with a side wind is said to carry a taut weather-helm, when the water presses heavily on the lee side of the rudder; often the result of her being too much by the head. TAUT LEECH. A sail well set on a wind, and well filled. TEACH, TO. In marine architecture, is applied to the direction which any line or curve seems to point out. TEAGLE. A northern word for a crane for lifting goods. TEAK. _Tectona grandis_, a stately tree, the pride of Indian and Burmese forests, used extensively in ship-building; having the valuable property of not shrinking, and, by means of its essential oil, preserving the iron bolts driven into it from rusting. TEAL. A small species of wild duck, _Querquedula crecca_. TEAM. Ships blockading a port, being generally formed in a line, are said to be "in the team." TEAM-BOAT. A ferry-boat worked with horses by paddle-wheel propulsion. TEA-WAGGON. A name given to the old East India Company's ships on account of their cargo. TEAZED OAKUM. Oakum worked out for caulking. (Tow). TE DEUM. A hymn sung in thanksgiving for victory obtained. In many cases the causes of war are such that chanting the Te Deum is rank blasphemy. TEE-IRON. An instrument for drawing the lower box in the barrel of a pump. T-shaped clamp, knee, or other piece of iron-work. TEETH. A name for the guns in a ship. TEE-TOTALLER. A very old and general amplification of _totally_, recently borrowed from sea diction to mark a class who wholly abstain from alcoholic drinks. TELEGRAPH, TO. To convey intelligence to a distance, through the medium of signals. TELESCOPIC OBJECTS. All those which are not visible to the unassisted eye. TELL OFF, TO. To divide a body of men into divisions and subdivisions, preparatory to a special service. TELL-TALE. A compass hanging face downwards from the beams in the cabin, showing the position of the vessel's head. Also, an index in front of the wheel to show the position of the tiller. TELL-TALE SHAKE. The shake of a rope from aloft to denote that it wants letting go. TELL THAT TO THE MARINES! A sailor's exclamation when an improbable story is related to him. TEMOINS. _See_ WITNESSES. TEMPEST. A word not much used by seamen. It is, however, synonymous with _storm_, _gales_, &c. (_See_ STORMS.) TEMPORARY RANK. That owing to an acting commission, or to local circumstances, ceasing with a particular service. TEMPORARY STARS. Those which have suddenly become visible, and after attaining considerable brightness, have as suddenly vanished: that seen by Tycho in 1572 is a notable instance. TENAILLE. In fortification, a long low outwork traced on the inward prolongation of the faces of the bastions. It covers the curtain, and conveniently defends the interior of the ravelin and its redoubt. TENAILLON. In fortification, a low outwork of two faces meeting in a salient angle, sometimes attached to ravelins to afford nearer flanking fire. TENCH. _Tinca vulgaris_, a well-known fresh-water fish. TEND, TO. To watch a vessel at anchor on the turn of a tide, and cast her by the helm, and some sail if necessary, so as to keep the cable clear of the anchor or turns out of her cables when moored. TENDER. A small vessel duly commanded, and employed to attend a larger one, to supply her with stores, to carry intelligence or volunteers and impressed men to receiving ships, &c. An enemy's ship captured by cutters or boats fitted out as tenders by men-of-war, but without any commission or authority from the admiralty, will not insure a prize to the benefit of the ship. The condemnation will be as a droit of admiralty, on the principle that an officer does not retain his commission for the purposes of prize on board another ship; but if captured by one of her boats, and brought to the ship, she is good prize, as with slaves. _Tender_ is also a synonym of _crank_; thus, a spar may be _tender_. TENDING. The movement by which a ship turns or swings round when at single anchor, or moored by the head, at every change of tide or wind. TENON. The square heel of a mast, cut for fitting into the step. Also, the end of any piece of timber which is fashioned to enter into a mortise in another piece; they are then said to be tenoned together; as, for instance, the stern-post is tenoned into the keel. TEN-POUNDER. A name given to a bony mullet-shaped fish of the West Indies. TENSILE STRAIN. The greatest effort to extend, stretch, or draw asunder, as in proving bars of iron, chain-cables, &c. TENT. A canvas shelter pitched upon a pole or poles, and stayed with cords and pegs. Also, a roll of lint, or other material, used in searching a wound. Also, a small piece of iron which kept up the cock of a gun-lock. TEREDO NAVALIS. A worm which, furnished with a peculiar augur adaptation at its head, bores into timber, forming a shell as it progresses. They attain the length of three feet or more, with a diameter of one inch or less. Even if the ship be destroyed by them, the loss is not within the policy of insurance. TERMINAL VELOCITY OF ANY GIVEN BODY. The greatest velocity it can acquire by falling freely through the air; the limit being arrived at when the increase of the atmospheric resistance becomes equal to the increase of the force of gravity. TERMINATOR. The line separating the illuminated from the dark portion of the moon's disc. TERM-PIECES, OR TERMS. Pieces of carved work on each side of the taffrail upon the side stern-timber, and extending down as low as the foot-rail of the balcony. TERN, OR SEA-SWALLOW. A species of sea-bird, allied to the gulls, but of smaller and lighter make, and with longer and more pointed wings and tail; genus _Sterna_. TERNARY SYSTEM. Three stars in close proximity, and found to be in physical connection, as, for instance, {z} Cancri. TERRADA. An Indian boat, otherwise called _tonee_. A large 'longshore boat of the Gulf of Persia. TERRAPIN (contracted by sailors into _turpin_ and _tenopen_). A fresh-water tortoise, plentiful in America, and much esteemed for food. TERREPLEIN. In fortification, the horizontal surface of the rampart in rear of the parapet. TERRESTRIAL REFRACTION. The property of the atmosphere by which objects appear to be higher than they really are, and in certain cases producing the effect called _deceptio visus_, and _fata morgana_. TERRITORY. The protection of neutral territory operates to the restitution of enemy's property captured within its limits. Since the