Darcy Lever: The Young Sea Officers Sheet Anchor.

A Dictionary of Sea Terms

A-back

A Sail is a-back when its forward Surface is acted upon by the Wind.

A-baft

The hinder Part of a Ship - Behind - thus a-baft the Foremast, means any Thing nearer to the Stern than the Foremast.

A-board

In the Ship - as the Cargo is a-board. A Ship is said to fall a-board, when she runs foul of another. To get a-board the Main Tack, is to bring the Clew of the Mainsail down to the Chess-tree.

About

A Ship is said to be going about, when in the Act of Tacking; the Order for which is "ready about there!"

A-breast

Opposite to.

A-drift

Broken loose from the Moorings.

A-float

Swimming - not touching the Bottom.

Afore

That Part of the Ship nearest to the Stem, or Head.

Aft

Behind - as "Stand farther aft" i.e. stand nearer to the Stern.

After

Hinder -- as the after Ports -- those Ports nearest the Stern, - After Sails, after Hatchway, &c.

A-ground

Not having Water enough to float the Ship, which rests on the Ground.

A-head

Before the Ship.

A-lee

The Helm is a-lee when the Tiller is put to the lee Side. Hard a-lee, when it is put as far as it will go.

All in the Wind

i.e. when the WInd blows on the Leeches, or outward Extremities of the Sails, and causes them to shake.

All Hands, hoy!

The Word give by the Boatswain and his Mates, as the Hatchways, to assemble the Ship's Company.

A-loft

Up above. In the Rigging. On the Yards. At the Mast Head, &c.

Alongside

Close to the Ship.

A-midships

In the Middle of the Ship. The Helm is a-midships, when the Tiller is not put over either to one Side or the other.

To Anchor

To let the Anchor fall over-board, that it may hold the Ship.

To foul the Anchor

To let the Cable be twisted round the upper Fluke, &c.

To drag the Anchor

When the Ship pulls it with her, from the violence of the Wind.

Anchorage.

Ground fit to anchor in.

The Anchor is a Cock Bill.

i.e. it is hanging by the Stopper at the Cat-Head.

The Anchor is a-Peak

i.e. near to the Ship: thus at different Distances it is called a long Peak, a stay Peak, a short Peak.

The Anchor is a-weigh, or a-trip.

i.e. loosened from the Ground by heaving in the Cable.

The Anchor is backed

i.e. another Anchor is placed at a certain distance before it, and attached to it by the Cable of the former being fastened to it, which fixes it firmly in the Ground.

The Anchor is catted.

i.e. drawn yp to the Cat-head.

The Anchor is fished

i.e. its inner Arm is drawn up by the Fish Pendent.

To weigh the Anchor

To heave it up by the Capstern or Windlass.

The Sheet Anchor

is of the same Size and Weight as the two Bower Anchors and the Spare Anchor; it is a resource, and dependence, should either of the Bowers part, for which purpose the Cable is always kept ready bent with a long Range, that it may be let go on an Emergency.

Best Bower Anchor

Small Bower Anchor

are the two Anchors which are stowed the farthest forward, or near the Bows.

The Stream Anchor

is used to bring the Ship up with occasionally, or to steady a Ship when she comes to a temporary Mooring.

The Kedge Anchor

The smallest of the Anchors, to which a Hawser or Cablet is generally bent.

An End

Any Spar or Mast placed perpendicularly. The Topmasts are an End, i.e. they are swayed up and fidded, above the lower Mast. All an End, i.e. all the Masts are up in their proper Stations.

A-peak.

See Anchor.

Ashore.

On Land. A-ground.

A-stern.

Behind the Ship.

Athwart.

Across. Athwart-Hawse, across the Stem. Athwart-ships, any thing lying in a direction across the Ship. Athwart the Fore Foot, a shot fired by another Ship across the Bows.

A-trip.

See Anchor. The Topsails are a-trip, i.e. hoisted up.

Avast.

To cease hauling. To stop.

A-weigh.

See Anchor.

A-weather.

The Helm is said to be a-weather, when the Tiller is put over to the windward side of the Ship. Hard a-weather, when it is put over as far as it will go.

Awning.

A Canvas Canopy placed over the Deck, when the Sun is powerful.

To back the Sails.

To expose their forward Surfaces to the Wind, by hauling in the weather Braces.

Back Stays.

Ropes fixed at the Topmast and Top Gallant Mast Heads, and extended to the Chains on the Ship's sides.

To bag-pipe the Mizen.

To bring the Sheet over to the weather Mizen Shrouds, in order to lay it a-back.

To balance the Mizen.

Rolling up a Portion of it at the Peak.

Ballast.

A quantity of Iron, Stone, Gravel, &c. placed in the Hold to give a Ship proper Stability, when she has no Cargo, or but a small quantity of Goods, &c.

Bands.

Pieces of Canvas sewn across the Sail, called Reef-bands; also a piece stuck on the middle of a Sail to strengthen it, when half worn.

Bar.

A Shoal running across the Mouth of a Harbour.

Capstern Bars.

Pieces of Timber put into the Holes in the Drum Head of the Capstern, (where they are secured with iron Pins) to heave up the Anchor.

Bare Poles.

Having no Sail up.

Battens.

Slips of Wood nailed on the Slings of the Yards, which are eight square - also over the Tarpaulings of a Hatchway, to keep out the water in stormy weather.

Bays.

In Men of War, the starboard and larboard sides between Decks, before the Bitts.

Beams.

Strong Pieces of Timber across the Ship, under the Decks, bound to the side by Knees. They support and keep the Ship together.

On the Beam.

When the Wind blows at a right Angle with the Keel.

Before the Beam.

When the Wind or Object bears on some Point less than a right Angle, or ninety Degrees, from the Ship's Head.

Abaft the Beam.

When the Wind or Object bears on a Point which is more than a right Angle, or ninety Degrees, from the Ship's Course.

Bearing.

The Point of the Compass on which any Object appears. It is also applied to an Object which lies opposite to any part of the Ship - thus the Buoy, &c. bears on the Beam, the Bow, the Quarter, &c.

Beating to Windward.

Tacking, and endeavouring to get to windward of some Head Land.

Becalmed.

Having no Wind to fill the Sails. The Ship being deprived of the Power of the Wind by the intervention of high land, a larger Ship, &c.

Beckets.

Short Straps, having an Eye in one end, and a double-walled Knot on the other, for suspending a yard, &c. till wanted: such are the Beckets for the Royal Yards, for the Bights of the Sheets, &c.

To Belay.

To make fast.

Bend.

A kind of Knot - as a Sheet Bend, &c. - or a Seizing - such as the Bends of the Cable.

To Bend.

To make fast - as to bend the Sails, the Cable, &c.

Bends.

The Streaks of thick Stuff, or strongest Planks in the Ship's sides, on the broadest Part. These are also called Wales.

Between Decks.

Any part of the Ship below, between two Decks.

Bight.

Any Part of a Rope between the ends. Also a Collar or Eye formed by a Rope.

Bilge.

The flat part of a Ship's bottom. Bilge Water, that which rests in the Bilge, either from Rain, shipping Water, &c.

Binnacle.

The Frame, or Box which contains the Compass.

Birth.

A place of Anchorage. A Cabin, or Apartment.

Bitts.

Large upright Pins of Timber with a Cross Piece, over which the Bight of the Cable is put; also smaller ones to belay ropes, such as Topsail Sheets, &c.

To Bitt.

To place a Bight of the Cable over the Bitts.

Blocks.

Instruments with Sheaves or Pulleys, used to increase the Power of Ropes.

Block and Block.

When the two Blocks of a Tackle are drawn so close together that there is no more of the fall left to haul upon; it is also termed chock a-block.

To make a Board

To tack.

To make a Stern Board

To drive a Ship Stern foremost, by laying the Sails a-back.

Boarding.

Entering an enemy's Ship by force. These men are called Boarders.

Boarding Netting.

Network triced round the Ship, to prevent the Boarders from entering.

Boats.

Small Vessels - those belonging to Ships are - the Long Boat, the Launch, the Cutter, the Yawl, and the Jolly Boat.

Boatswain.

The Officer who has the charge of the Cordage, Boats, Rigging, &c.

Bobstays.

Ropes reeved through the Cutwater, and set up with dead Eyes under the Bowsprit, to act against the power of the Fore Stays - sometimes one of these is taken to the end of the Bowsprit, to act against the Fore Topmast Stays.

Bolsters.

Pieces of Wood, or Canvas stuffed, placed on the lower Tressle Trees, to keep the Rigging from chafing.

Bolts.

Iron fastenings, by which the Ship is secured in her Hull.

Bolt Ropes.

Ropes sewn round the edges of the Sails.

Booms.

Large Poles used to extend the Studding Sails, Spanker, &c. Also spare Yards, Masts, &c.

Boom Irons.

Iron Caps fixed on the Yard Arms for the Studding-sail Booms to rest in.

Bows.

The round part of the Ship forward.

To Bowse.

To haul upon.

Bower.

See Anchor.

Bowlines.

Ropes made fast to the Leeches or sides of the Sails, to pull them forwards.

Bowsprit.

A Mast projecting over the Stem.

Box-hauling.

A method of waring or turning a Ship from the Wind.

Boxing off.

Turning the Ship's Head from the Wind, by backing the Head Sails.

Braces.

Ropes fastened to the Yard Arms to brace them about. Also a security to the Rudder, fixed to the Stern Post.

Brails.

Ropes applied to the after Leeches of the Mizen, and some of the Staysails, to draw them up.

To break Bulk.

To begin to unload.

To break the Sheer.

To swerve from the proper direction in which a Ship should be when at Anchor.

Breaming.

Burning the stuff which is collected on the Ship's bottom during a long voyage.

Breast Hooks.

Pieces of Timber placed across the Bows of the Ship, to keep them together.

Breast Work.

Railing on the fore part of the Quarter Deck, where Ropes are belayed.

Breeching.

A stout Rope fixed to the Cascabel of a Gun, fastened to the Ship's side, to prevents its running in.

Bridles.

The upper part of the Moorings laid in harbours for Men of War. Also Ropes attached from the Leeches of the square Sails to the Bowlines.

To bring up.

To come to an Anchor.

To bring to.

To make a Ship stationary, stopping her way by bracing some of the Sails a-back, and keeping others full, so that they counterpoise each other.

To bring by the Lee.

When a Ship is sailing with the Wind very large, and flies off from it so as to bring it on the other side, the Sails catching a-back: she is then said to be brought by the Lee - this is a dangerous position in a high Sea.

To broach to.

Flying up in the Wind so as to bring it on the other side, when blowing fresh.

Bulk-heads.

Partitions in the Ship.

Bull's Eye.

A wooden Thimble.

Bumkin or Boomkin.

A short Boom fitted to the Bows of the Ship for the purpose of hauling down the fore Tack to. It is supported on each side by a Shroud.

Bunt.

The middle part of a square Sail. Also the fore Leech of a quadrangular Staysail.

Buntlines.

Ropes attached to the foot of a square Sail, to haul it up.

Burton Pendants.

The first piece of Rigging which goes over the Topmast Head, to which is hooked a Tackle, to set up the Topmast Shrouds.

Bush.

Metal let into the Sheaves of Blocks which have iron Pins.

Butt End.

The end of a Plank in the Ship's side.

Buttock.

That part of the Ship's Hull under the Stern, between the Water Line and Wing Transom.

By the Board.

Over the side. A Mast is said to go by the Board when it is carried or shot away just above the Deck.

By the Head.

When a Ship is deeper in the Water forward than aft.

By the Stern.

The reverse of by the Head.

By the Wind.

When a Ship is as near to the Wind as her Head can lie with the Sails filled.

Cabin.

A Room or Apartment; also a Bed Place.

Cable.

A large Rope by which the Ship is secured to the Anchor. Cables take their names from the Anchors to which they belong, as the Sheet Cable, the best Bower Cable, &c. they are generally 120 Fathoms in length.

To bitt the Cable.

See Bitts.

To heave in the Cable.

To pull it into the Ship by the Capstern or Windlass.

To pay out the Cable.

To stick it out of the Hawse Hole.

To veer away the Cable.

To slacken it so that it may run out, as in paying out.

To serve the Cable.

To wrap it round with Rope, Plait, or Horse Hide, to keep it from chafing

To slip the Cable.

To let it run clear out.

Cable Tier.

That part of the orlop Deck where the Cables are coiled.

To coil the Cable.

To lay it on the Deck in a circular form.

Caboose.

The place where the Victuals are dressed in Merchant-men.

Call.

A Silver Pipe or Whistle used by the Boatswain and his Mates, by the sounding of which they call up the hands, direct them to haul, to veer, to belay, &c.

Canted.

Any thing turned from its square position.

Canvas.

Strong Cloth, of which the Sails are made.

Cap.

A Block of Wood which secures the Topmast to the lower Mast.

Capsize.

To turn over.

Capstern.

A Machine for drawing up the Anchor by the Messenger, which is taken round it, and applied to the Cable by the Nippers.

Careening.

Heaving a Vessel down one side, to clean or repair her Bottom.

Carrick Bend.

A kind of Knot.

To Cast.

To pay a Ship's Head off by backing the Head Sails when heaving up the Anchor, so as to bring the Wind on the side required.

Cat Block.

A large double or three-fold Block used for drawing the Anchor up to the Cat-head.

Cat-head.

A large piece of Timber or Crane projecting over the Bow, for drawing up the Anchor clear from the Ship's side.

Cat-harpins.

Short legs of Rope seized to the upper part of the lower Shrouds, and Futtock Staves, to keep them from bulging out by the strain of the Futtock Shrouds, and to permit the bracing up of the lower Yards.

Cat's Paws.

A light Air perceived by its effect on the Water, but not durable. Also a twist made on the Bight of a Rope.

To Caulk.

To drive Oakham into the seams of the Sides, Decks, &c.

Chains.

Links of Iron bolted to the Ship's side, having dead Eyes in the upper ends, to which the Shrouds are connected by the Laniards.

Channels.

Strong broad Planks bolted to the sides, to keep the dead Eyes in the Chains from the side, to spread the Rigging farther out.

Chapelling.

A Ship is said to build a Chapel, when by neglect in light winds she turns round so as to bring the Wind on the same part which it was before she moved.

Chase.

A Ship pursued by another.

Bow Chase.

A Gun in the fore part of the Ship.

Stern Chase.

A gun pointing a-stern in the after part of the Ship.

To chase.

To pursue, to follow.

To Cheer.

To huzza. What cheer ho! A salutation.

Chock a-block.

See Block and Block.

To clap on.

To make fast, as "clap on the Stoppers," &c.

To claw off.

To beat to windward from a lee-shore.

Cleats.

Pieces of Wood to fasten Ropes to.

Close-hauled.

As near the Wind as the Ship can lie.

Club-hauling.

Tacking by means of an Anchor.

Clues, or Clews.

The lower Corners of the square Sails.

Coamings.

The Borders of the Hatchways which are raised above the Deck.

Coiling.

Laying a Rope down in a circular form.

Companion.

A wooden Covering over the Cabin Hatchway.

Course.

The Point of the Compass on which the Ship sails. The Mainsail, Foresail, and Mizen, are also called Courses.

Crab.

A small Capstern.

To cun the Ship.

To direct the Helm's-man how to steer.

Cut-water.

The Knee of the Head.

Davit.

A Crane of Timber used for fishing the Anchors.

Dead Eye.

A Block with three Holes in, to receive the Laniard of a Shroud or Stay.

Dog-Vane.

A small Vane made of Cork and Feathers, placed on the weather side of the Quarter Deck.

Dolphin.

A wreath of Rope placed round a Mast to support the Pudding.

To douse.

To let fly the Halliards of a Topsail - to lower away briskly.

Down-hauler.

A Rope to pull down the Staysails, Topmast Studding Sails, &c.

Drift.

Driving to leeward - driving with the Tide. Drifts are also parts where the Rails are cut off and end with Scrolls.

Driver.

A large Sail suspended to the Mizen Gaff.

Dunnage.

Wood, &c. laid at the Bottom of a Ship to keep the Cargo dry.

Earings.

Small Ropes to make fast the upper Corners of square Sails, &c.

Ease off.

To slacken.

End for End.

To let a Rope or Cable run quite out.

End on.

When a Ship's Bows and head Sails are only seen.

Fag End.

The end of a Rope which is untwisted.

Fake.

One Circle of a Coil of Rope.

Falling off.

When a Ship moves from the Wind farther than she ought.

Fid.

A tapered pice of Wood or Iron to splice Ropes with. Also a piece of Wood which supports one Mast upon the Tressle-trees of another.

To fill.

To brace the Yards so that the wind may strike the Sails on their after Surfaces

Flukes.

The broad Parts or Palms of the Anchors.

Fore.

That part of the Ship nearest to the Head.

Fore and Aft.

The length-way of the Ship, or in the direction of the Keel.

Fore Castle.

A short Deck in the fore part of the Ship.

Forging a-head.

Forced a-head by the Wind.

Foul Hawse.

When the Cables are twisted.

To founder.

To sink.

Full and by.

See close-hauled.

Furling.

Making fast the Sails to the Yards by the Gaskets.

Gaff.

A Spar or Yard to which the Mizen of a Ship or the Mainsail of a Brig or Cutter is bent.

Gang-way.

A Platform reaching from the Quarter Deck to the Fore-castle on each side. Also the place where persons enter the Ship.

Gasket.

A piece of Plait to fasten the Sails to the Yard.

Girt.

A Ship is girted when her Cables are too tight, which prevents her swinging

Goose Neck.

An iron Hook at the end of a Boom.

Goose Wings.

The outer extremities of a Main or Foresail when loose, the rest of it being furled.

Goring.

Cutting a Sail obliquely.

Gripe.

A piece of Timber which joins the Keel and the Cutwater.

Griping.

When a Ship carries her Helm much to windward.

Gunnel.

The upper part of a Ship's side.

Guy.

A Rope to steady a Boom, &c.

Gybing.

When (by the Wind being large) it is necessary to shift the Boom of a fore and aft Sail.

Halliards.

Tackles or Ropes to hoist up the Sails.

To Hand.

The same as to furl.

Hatch-way.

A square Hole in the Deck, which communicates with the Hold or another Deck.

To Haul.

To Pull.

To Hail.

To call out to another Ship.

A clear Hawse.

When the Cables are not twisted.

A foul Hawse.

When the Cables lie across, or are twisted.

Hawse Holes.

The Holes through which the Cables pass.

Hawser.

A small Cable.

To Heel.

To incline to one side.

The Helm.

A wooden Bar put through the Head of a Rudder - also called the Tiller.

To Hitch.

To make fast.

The Hold.

The lower apartment of a Ship where the provisions and goods are stowed.

To Haul Home.

To pull the Clew of a Sail, &c. as far as it will go.

Horse.

A Rope made fast to the Yard, on which the Men stand.

Hull.

The Body of a Ship.

Jewel Blocks.

Blocks at the Topsail Yard Arms, for the Topmast Studding Sail Halliards.

Jigger.

A Purchase used in Merchant Ships to hold on the Cable.

Junk.

Pieces of old Cable, out of which Mats, Gaskets, &c. are made.

Jury Masts.

Temporary Masts, stepped when the others are carried or shot away.

Keckling.

Old Rope passed round the Cable at short distances.

Kink.

A twist or turn in a Rope.

To Labour.

To pitch and roll heavily.

Land-fall.

Discovering the Land.

Larboard.

The left Side.

Launch ho!

To let go the top Rope when the Topmast is fidded.

Leeward.

That Point towards which the Wind blows.

Lee-lurch.

When the Ship rolls to leeward.

Lee-way.

The lateral Movement of a Ship to leeward.

Lee Tide.

When the Wind and Tide are the same Way.

Lizard.

A small piece of Rope with a Thimble, spliced into a larger one.

Looming.

The appearance of a distant Object, such as a Ship, the Land, &c.

Lubber.

A Sailor who does not know his Duty.

Luff.

A direction to the Steer's-man to put the Helm to leeward.

Luff Tackle.

A large Tackle, consisting of a double and a single Block.

Lying to.

See to bring to.

To Man the Yards.

To send Men upon them.

Messenger.

A Rope attached to the Cable, to heave up the Anchor by.

Mizen.

The aftermost Sail in a Ship.

To Moor.

To secure a Ship by more than one Cable.

Moorings.

The place where a Vessel is moored. Also Anchors with Chains and Bridles laid in Rivers for Men of War to ride by.

Neap Tides.

Those Tides which happen when the Moon is in her Quarters, and are not so high as the Spring Tides.

Neaped.

A Ship is said to be neaped when she is left on Shore by these Tides, and must wait for the next Spring Tides.

To near the Land.

To approach the Shore.

No Near.

A direction to the Helm's-man to put the Helm a little a-weather, to keep the Sails full. To let her come no nearer to the Wind.

Nippers.

Plaiting or Selvagees to bind the Cable to the Messenger.

Off and on.

Coming near the Land on one Tack, and leaving it on the other.

Offing.

Out to Sea - from the Land.

Orlop Deck.

The lowest deck in the Ship, lying on the Beams of the Hold. The place where the Cables are coiled, and where other Stores are kept.

Overboard.

Out of the Ship.

Overhauling.

To haul a fall of Rope through a Block till it is slack. Also examining a Ship, &c.

Painter.

A Rope by which a Boat is made fast.

Palm.

See Fluke.

To Pass.

To hand any thing from one to another; or to place a Rope or Lashing round a Yard, &c.

To pay.

To rub Tar, Pitch, &c. on any thing with a Brush.

To pay off.

To make a Ship's Head recede from the Wind by backing the Head Sails, &c.

To Peak up.

To raise the after end of a Gaff.

Plying.

Turning to windward.

Pooping.

A Ship is said to be pooped, when she is struck by a heavy Sea, on the Stern or Quarter.

Port.

To the left side. This term is used to the Helm's-man to put the Helm to the left, instead of the word "larboard" - to make a distinction from the affinity of sound in the word starboard.

Preventer.

Any thing for temporary security; as, a Preventer Brace, &c.

Quarter.

That part of a Ship's side between the Main Chains and the Stern.

Racking a Fall.

Seizing the parts of a Tackle-fall together by cross turns.

Rake.

The projection of a Ship at the Stem and Stern, beyond the extent of the Keel - also the inclination of a Ship's Masts either forward or aft from a perpendicular Line.

Range of Cable.

A sufficient length hauled up, to permit the Anchor to drop to the bottom.

To rattle down the Shrouds.

To fix the Ratlings on them.

To reef.

To reduce a Sail, by tying it round the Yard with Points.

To reeve.

To put a Rope through a Block, &c.

To ride.

To be held by the Cable. To "ride easy" is when a Ship does not labour much. To "ride hard" is when the Ship pitches with violence.

To rig.

To fit the Rigging to the Masts.

To right.

A Ship is said to right when she rises to her upright position, after being laid down by a violent squall.

To right the Helm.

To put it a-midships, or in its fore and aft position, parallel to the Keel.

To round in.

To haul in a Brace, &c. which is not very tight.

To rouse in.

To haul in the slack part of the Cable.

To run down.

When one Ship sinks another by running over her.

To scud.

To sail before the Wind in a Storm.

To scuttle a Ship.

To make holes in her bottom to sink her.

To serve.

To wind any thing round a Cable or Rope, to prevent its being chafed.

To seize.

To make fast, or bind.

To sheer.

To go in and out, and not in a diret course.

To ship.

To put any thing on board. - To "ship a Sea", when the Sea breaks into the Ship.

To shiver.

To make the Sails shake.

The Slack of a Rope, &c.

That part which hangs loose.

To slip a Cable.

To let it run out to the end.

To slue.

To turn any thing about.

To sound.

To find the bottom by a leaden Plummet.

To take a Spell.

To be in turn on duty at the Lead, the Pump, &c.

To spill.

To take the Wind out of the Sails by the Braces, & c. in order to reef or hand them.

To splice.

To join two Ropes together, by uniting the Strands.

Spoondrift.

A continued flying of the Spray and Waves over the Surface of the Sea.

To spring a Mast.

To crack or split it.

A Spring.

A Rope made fast to the Cable at the Bow, and taken in abaft, in order to expose the Ship's side to any direction.

Spring Tides.

The highest Tides at the Full and Change of the Moon.

To stand on.

To keep in the Course.

To stand by.

To be ready.

Starboard.

The right side.

To steer.

To manage a Ship by the movement of the Helm.

To stopper the Cable.

To keep it from running out, by fastening short Ropes to it, called Stoppers.

Strand.

One of the Divisions of a Rope.

Stranded.

When one of the Divisions is broken. Also when a Ship is run on Shore so that she cannot be got off, she is said to be stranded.

To stretch.

To stand on different Tacks under a press of Sail.

To strike.

To beat against the bottom. Also to lower the Flag in token of submission. Lowering the Topmasts is commonly termed striking them.

To surge the Messenger.

To slacken it suddenly.

To sway.

To hoist up the Yards and Topmasts.

To swing.

To turn a Ship from one side of her Anchor to the other, at the change of the Tide.

To tack.

To turn a Ship by the Sails and Rudder against the Wind.

Taught.

A corruption of Tight.

Taunt.

Long, lofty.

Tending.

The movement of a Vessel in swinging at Anchor.

Tier.

The place where the Cables are coiled.

Traverse.

To sail on different Courses. When a rope runs freely through a Thimble, &c. it is said to traverse.

Trying.

Laying to in a Gale of Wind, under a small Sail.

Turning to windward.

Tacking.

Twice-laid Stuff.

Rope made from the Yarns of a Cable, &c. which has been half worn.

To veer and haul.

To pull a Rope and then slacking it.

To unbend.

To cast loose.

To unmoor.

To reduce a Ship to a single Anchor, after riding by two.

To unreeve.

To pull a Rope out of a Block.

To unrig.

To deprive a Ship of her Rigging.

To unship.

To take any thing from the place in which it was fixed.

Waist of a Ship.

The part between the Main and Fore Drifts - also a term sometimes used for the spare or waste Anchor, from its being stowed near the Fore Drift, or Fore Part of the Waist.

Wake.

The Track left by the Ship on the Water which she has passed over.

Wales.

See Bends.

To Ware.

To turn a Ship round from the Wind.

To warp,

To move a Ship by Hawsers, &c.

Watch.

A division of the Ship's company who keep the Deck for a certain time. One is called the starboard, and the other the larboard Watch.

Water-logged.

The state of a leaky Ship when she is so full of Water as to be heavy and unmanageable.

Way of a Ship.

Her progress through the Water.

To weather a Ship.

To get to windward of her.

Weather-beaten.

Any thing worn or damaged by bad weather.

To weigh.

To heave the Anchor out of the Ground.

To whip.

To bind the end of a Rope with Yarn, to prevent its untwisting - also to hoist any thing by a Rope which is reeved through a single Block.

Wind's Eye.

That point from which the Wind blows in a direct Line.

Between Wind & Water.

That part of the Ship's bottom which is just at the surface of the Water, or what is called the Water Line.

To wind a Boat, &c.

To turn it round from its original Position.

Wind-rode.

When the Ship is kept a-stern, &c. of her Anchors solely by the Wind.

To windward.

Towards that point from whence the Wind blows.

To work to windward.

To make a progress against the Wind by Tacking.

Transcribed by Lars Bruzelius

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Copyright © 1996 Lars Bruzelius.