Moby-Dick (Barnes & Noble Classics Series) (91 page)
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Authors: Herman Melville
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Futtock-timbers.
Those timbers between the floor and naval timbers, and the top-timbers. There are two—the
lower
, which is over the floor, and the
middle
, which is over the naval timber. The naval timber is sometimes called the
ground futtock.
Those timbers between the floor and naval timbers, and the top-timbers. There are two—the
lower
, which is over the floor, and the
middle
, which is over the naval timber. The naval timber is sometimes called the
ground futtock.
Gaff.
A spar, to which the head of a fore-and-aft sail is bent.
A spar, to which the head of a fore-and-aft sail is bent.
Gangway.
That part of a vessel’s side, amidships, where people pass in and out of the vessel.
That part of a vessel’s side, amidships, where people pass in and out of the vessel.
Garboard-streak.
The range of planks next the keel, on each side.
The range of planks next the keel, on each side.
Gaskets.
Ropes or pieces of plaited stuff, used to secure a sail to the yard or boom when it is furled. They are called a
bunt, quarter
, or
yard arm gasket
, according to their position on the yard.
Ropes or pieces of plaited stuff, used to secure a sail to the yard or boom when it is furled. They are called a
bunt, quarter
, or
yard arm gasket
, according to their position on the yard.
Gimblet.
To turn an anchor round by its stock. To turn anything round on its end.
To turn an anchor round by its stock. To turn anything round on its end.
Give way!
An order to men in a boat to pull with more force, or to begin pulling. The same as,
Lay out on your oars!
or,
Lay out!
An order to men in a boat to pull with more force, or to begin pulling. The same as,
Lay out on your oars!
or,
Lay out!
Glut.
A piece of canvass sewed into the centre of a sail near the head. It has an eyelet-hole in the middle for the bunt-jigger or becket to go through.
A piece of canvass sewed into the centre of a sail near the head. It has an eyelet-hole in the middle for the bunt-jigger or becket to go through.
Goose-neck.
An iron ring fitted to the end of a yard or boom, for various purposes.
An iron ring fitted to the end of a yard or boom, for various purposes.
Grapnel.
A small anchor with several claws, used to secure boats.
A small anchor with several claws, used to secure boats.
Grappling irons.
Crooked irons, used to seize and hold fast another vessel.
Crooked irons, used to seize and hold fast another vessel.
Grating.
Open lattice work of wood. Used principally to cover hatches in good weather.
Open lattice work of wood. Used principally to cover hatches in good weather.
Gripe.
The outside timber of the fore-foot, under water, fastened to the lower stem-piece. A vessel
gripes
when she tends to come up into the wind.
The outside timber of the fore-foot, under water, fastened to the lower stem-piece. A vessel
gripes
when she tends to come up into the wind.
Gripes.
Bars of iron, with lanyards, rings and clews, by which a large boat is lashed to the ring-bolts of the deck. Those for a quarter-boat are made of long strips of matting, going round her and set taut by a lanyard.
Bars of iron, with lanyards, rings and clews, by which a large boat is lashed to the ring-bolts of the deck. Those for a quarter-boat are made of long strips of matting, going round her and set taut by a lanyard.
Grommet.
A ring formed of rope, by laying round a single strand.
A ring formed of rope, by laying round a single strand.
Ground tackle.
General term for anchors, cables, warps, springs, &c.; everything used in securing a vessel at anchor.
General term for anchors, cables, warps, springs, &c.; everything used in securing a vessel at anchor.
Ground-tier.
The lowest tier of casks in a vessel’s hold.
The lowest tier of casks in a vessel’s hold.
Gunwale.
(Pronounced
gun-nel
.) The upper rail of a boat or vessel.
(Pronounced
gun-nel
.) The upper rail of a boat or vessel.
Guy.
A rope attaching to anything to steady it, and bear it one way and another in hoisting.
A rope attaching to anything to steady it, and bear it one way and another in hoisting.
Gybe.
(Pronounced
jibe
.) To shift over the boom of a fore-and-aft sail.
(Pronounced
jibe
.) To shift over the boom of a fore-and-aft sail.
Hail.
To speak or call to another vessel, or to men in a different part of a ship.
To speak or call to another vessel, or to men in a different part of a ship.
Halyards.
Ropes or tackles used for hoisting and lowering yards, gaffs, and sails.
Ropes or tackles used for hoisting and lowering yards, gaffs, and sails.
Hammock.
A piece of canvass, hung at each end, in which seamen sleep.
A piece of canvass, hung at each end, in which seamen sleep.
Hand.
To
hand
a sail is to furl it.
To
hand
a sail is to furl it.
Bear-a-hand;
make haste.
make haste.
Lend-a-hand;
assist.
assist.
Hand-over-hand;
hauling rapidly on a rope, by putting one hand before the other alternately.
hauling rapidly on a rope, by putting one hand before the other alternately.
Hand-lead.
A small lead, used for sounding in rivers and harbors.
A small lead, used for sounding in rivers and harbors.
Handsomely.
Slowly, carefully. Used for an order, as, “Lower handsomely!”
Slowly, carefully. Used for an order, as, “Lower handsomely!”
Handspike.
A long wooden bar, used for heaving at the windlass.
A long wooden bar, used for heaving at the windlass.
Hanks.
Rings or hoops of wood, rope, or iron, round a stay, and seized to the luff of a fore-and-aft sail.
Rings or hoops of wood, rope, or iron, round a stay, and seized to the luff of a fore-and-aft sail.
Harpings.
The fore part of the wales, which encompass the bows of a vessel, and are fastened to the stem.
The fore part of the wales, which encompass the bows of a vessel, and are fastened to the stem.
Harpoon.
A spear used for striking whales and other fish.
A spear used for striking whales and other fish.
Hatch, or Hatchway.
An opening in the deck to afford a passage up and down. The coverings over these openings are also called
hatches
.
An opening in the deck to afford a passage up and down. The coverings over these openings are also called
hatches
.
Hatch-bar
is an iron bar going across the hatches to keep them down.
is an iron bar going across the hatches to keep them down.
Haul.
Haul her wind,
said of a vessel when she comes up close upon the wind.
Haul her wind,
said of a vessel when she comes up close upon the wind.
Hawse.
The situation of the cables before a vessel’s stem, when moored. Also, the distance upon the water a little in advance of the stem; as, a vessel sails
athwart the hawse,
or anchors
in the hawse
of another.
The situation of the cables before a vessel’s stem, when moored. Also, the distance upon the water a little in advance of the stem; as, a vessel sails
athwart the hawse,
or anchors
in the hawse
of another.
Open hawse.
When a vessel rides by two anchors, without any cross in her cables.
When a vessel rides by two anchors, without any cross in her cables.
Hawse-hole.
The hole in the bows through which the cable runs.
The hole in the bows through which the cable runs.
Hawse-pieces.
Timbers through which the hawse-holes are cut.
Timbers through which the hawse-holes are cut.
Hawse-block.
A block of wood fitted into a hawse-hole at sea.
A block of wood fitted into a hawse-hole at sea.
Hawser.
A large rope used for various purposes, as warping, for a spring, &c.
A large rope used for various purposes, as warping, for a spring, &c.
Head.
The work at the prow of a vessel. If it is a carved figure, it is called a
figure-head;
if simple carved work, bending over and out, a
billet-head;
and if bending in, like the head of a violin, a
fiddle-head
. Also, the upper end of a mast, called a
mast-head.
The work at the prow of a vessel. If it is a carved figure, it is called a
figure-head;
if simple carved work, bending over and out, a
billet-head;
and if bending in, like the head of a violin, a
fiddle-head
. Also, the upper end of a mast, called a
mast-head.
Head-sails.
A general name given to all sails that set forward of the fore-mast.
A general name given to all sails that set forward of the fore-mast.
Heave-to.
To put a vessel in the position of lying-to. (See
Lie-to.
)
To put a vessel in the position of lying-to. (See
Lie-to.
)
Heel.
The after part of the keel. Also, the lower end of a mast or boom. Also, the lower end of the stern-post.
The after part of the keel. Also, the lower end of a mast or boom. Also, the lower end of the stern-post.
To heel,
is to lie over on one side.
is to lie over on one side.
Heeling.
The square part of the lower end of a mast, through which the fid-hole is made.
The square part of the lower end of a mast, through which the fid-hole is made.
Helm.
The machinery by which a vessel is steered, including the rudder, tiller, wheel, &c. Applied more particularly, perhaps, to the tiller.
The machinery by which a vessel is steered, including the rudder, tiller, wheel, &c. Applied more particularly, perhaps, to the tiller.
Helm-port.
The hole in the counter through which the rudder-head passes.
The hole in the counter through which the rudder-head passes.
Helm-port-transom.
A piece of timber placed across the lower counter, inside, at the height of the helm-port, and bolted through every timber, for the security of that port.
A piece of timber placed across the lower counter, inside, at the height of the helm-port, and bolted through every timber, for the security of that port.
High and dry.
The situation of a vessel when she is aground, above water mark.
The situation of a vessel when she is aground, above water mark.
Hog.
A flat, rough broom, used for scrubbing the bottom of a vessel.
A flat, rough broom, used for scrubbing the bottom of a vessel.
Hold.
The interior of a vessel, where the cargo is stowed.
The interior of a vessel, where the cargo is stowed.
Holy-stone.
A large stone, used for cleaning a ship’s decks.
A large stone, used for cleaning a ship’s decks.
Home.
The sheets of a sail are said to be
home
, when the clews are hauled chock out to the sheave-holes. An anchor
comes home
when it is loosened from the ground and is hove in toward the vessel.
The sheets of a sail are said to be
home
, when the clews are hauled chock out to the sheave-holes. An anchor
comes home
when it is loosened from the ground and is hove in toward the vessel.
Hounds.
Those projections at the mast-head serving as shoulders for the top or trestle-trees to rest upon.
Those projections at the mast-head serving as shoulders for the top or trestle-trees to rest upon.
House.
To
house
a mast, is to lower it about half its length, and secure it by lashing its heel to the mast below.
To
house
a mast, is to lower it about half its length, and secure it by lashing its heel to the mast below.
Housing, or House-line.
(Pronounced
houze-lin.
) A small cord made of three small yarns, and used for seizings.
(Pronounced
houze-lin.
) A small cord made of three small yarns, and used for seizings.
Hull.
The body of a vessel.
The body of a vessel.
Irons.
A ship is said to be
in irons,
when, in working, she will not cast one way or the other.
A ship is said to be
in irons,
when, in working, she will not cast one way or the other.
Jack-stays.
Ropes stretched taut along a yard to bend the head of the sail to. Also, long strips of wood or iron, used now for the same purpose.
Ropes stretched taut along a yard to bend the head of the sail to. Also, long strips of wood or iron, used now for the same purpose.
Jacob’s ladder.
A ladder made of rope, with wooden steps.
A ladder made of rope, with wooden steps.
Jaws.
The inner ends of booms or gaffs, hollowed in.
The inner ends of booms or gaffs, hollowed in.
Jewel-blocks.
Single blocks at the yard-arms, through which the studdingsail halyards lead.
Single blocks at the yard-arms, through which the studdingsail halyards lead.
Jib.
A triangular sail set on a stay, forward.
Flying-jib
sets outside of the jib; and the
jib-o’-jib
outside of that.
A triangular sail set on a stay, forward.
Flying-jib
sets outside of the jib; and the
jib-o’-jib
outside of that.
Jib-boom.
The boom, rigged out beyond the bowsprit, to which the tack of the jib is lashed.
The boom, rigged out beyond the bowsprit, to which the tack of the jib is lashed.
Jigger.
A small tackle, used about decks or aloft.
A small tackle, used about decks or aloft.
Jolly-boat.
A small boat, usually hoisted at the stern.
A small boat, usually hoisted at the stern.
Jury-mast.
A temporary mast, rigged at sea, in place of one lost.
A temporary mast, rigged at sea, in place of one lost.
Keckling.
Old rope wound round cables, to keep them from chafing.
Old rope wound round cables, to keep them from chafing.
Kedge.
A small anchor, with an iron stock, used for warping.
To kedge
, is to warp a vessel ahead by a kedge and hawser.
A small anchor, with an iron stock, used for warping.
To kedge
, is to warp a vessel ahead by a kedge and hawser.
Keel.
The lowest and principal timber of a vessel, running fore-and-aft its whole length, and supporting the whole frame. It is composed of several pieces, placed lengthwise, and scarfed and bolted together.
The lowest and principal timber of a vessel, running fore-and-aft its whole length, and supporting the whole frame. It is composed of several pieces, placed lengthwise, and scarfed and bolted together.
Keel-haul.
To haul a man under a vessel’s bottom, by ropes at the yard-arms on each side. Formerly practised as a punishment in ships of war.
To haul a man under a vessel’s bottom, by ropes at the yard-arms on each side. Formerly practised as a punishment in ships of war.
Keelson.
A timber placed over the keel on the floor-timbers, and running parallel with it.
A timber placed over the keel on the floor-timbers, and running parallel with it.
Kentledge.
Pig-iron ballast, laid each side of the keelson.
Pig-iron ballast, laid each side of the keelson.
Kevel, or Cavil.
A strong piece of wood, bolted to some timber or stanchion, used for belaying large ropes to.
A strong piece of wood, bolted to some timber or stanchion, used for belaying large ropes to.
Kevel-heads.
Timber-heads, used as kevels.
Timber-heads, used as kevels.
Kink.
A twist in a rope.
A twist in a rope.
Knight-heads, or Bollard-timbers.
The timbers next the stem on each side, and continued high enough to form a support for the bowsprit.
The timbers next the stem on each side, and continued high enough to form a support for the bowsprit.
Knock-off!
An order to leave off work.
An order to leave off work.
Knot.
A division on the log-line, answering to a mile of distance.
A division on the log-line, answering to a mile of distance.
Labor.
A vessel is said to labor when she rolls or pitches heavily.
A vessel is said to labor when she rolls or pitches heavily.
Lacing.
Rope used to lash a sail to a gaff, or a bonnet to a sail. Also, a piece of compass or knee timber, fayed to the back of the figure-head and the knee of the head, and bolted to each.
Rope used to lash a sail to a gaff, or a bonnet to a sail. Also, a piece of compass or knee timber, fayed to the back of the figure-head and the knee of the head, and bolted to each.
Land-fall.
The making land after being at sea.
A good land-fall,
is when a vessel makes the land as intended.
The making land after being at sea.
A good land-fall,
is when a vessel makes the land as intended.
Land ho!
The cry used when land is first seen.
The cry used when land is first seen.
Lanyards.
Ropes rove through dead-eyes for setting up rigging.
Ropes rove through dead-eyes for setting up rigging.
Also, a rope made fast to anything to secure it, or as a handle, is called a
lanyard
.
lanyard
.
Larboard.
The left side of a vessel, looking forward.
The left side of a vessel, looking forward.
Large.
A vessel is said to be going
large,
when she has the wind free.
A vessel is said to be going
large,
when she has the wind free.
Lay.
To come or to go; as,
Lay aloft! Lay forward! Lay aft!
Also, the direction in which the strands of a rope are twisted; as, from left to right, or from right to left.
To come or to go; as,
Lay aloft! Lay forward! Lay aft!
Also, the direction in which the strands of a rope are twisted; as, from left to right, or from right to left.
Leachline.
A rope used for hauling up the leach of a sail.
A rope used for hauling up the leach of a sail.
Lead.
A piece of lead, in the shape of a cone or pyramid, with a small hole at the base, and a line attached to the upper end, used for sounding. (See
Hand-lead, Deep-sea-lead.
)
A piece of lead, in the shape of a cone or pyramid, with a small hole at the base, and a line attached to the upper end, used for sounding. (See
Hand-lead, Deep-sea-lead.
)
Leading-wind.
A fair wind. More particularly applied to a wind abeam or quartering.
A fair wind. More particularly applied to a wind abeam or quartering.
Ledges.
Small pieces of timber placed athwart-ships under the decks of a vessel, between the beams.
Small pieces of timber placed athwart-ships under the decks of a vessel, between the beams.
Lee.
The side opposite to that from which the wind blows; as, if a vessel has the wind on her starboard side, that will be the
weather,
and the larboard will be the
lee
side.
The side opposite to that from which the wind blows; as, if a vessel has the wind on her starboard side, that will be the
weather,
and the larboard will be the
lee
side.
A lee shore
is the shore upon which the wind is blowing.
is the shore upon which the wind is blowing.
Under the lee
of anything, is when you have that between you and the wind.
of anything, is when you have that between you and the wind.
By the lee.
The situation of a vessel, going free, when she has fallen off so much as to bring the wind round her stern, and to take her sails aback on the other side.
The situation of a vessel, going free, when she has fallen off so much as to bring the wind round her stern, and to take her sails aback on the other side.
Lee-board.
A board fitted to the lee side of flat-bottomed boats, to prevent their drifting to leeward.
A board fitted to the lee side of flat-bottomed boats, to prevent their drifting to leeward.
Leeway.
What a vessel loses by drifting to leeward. When sailing close-hauled with all sails set, a vessel should make no leeway. If the topgallant sails are furled, it is customary to allow one point; under close-reefed topsails, two points; when under one close-reefed sail, four or five points.
What a vessel loses by drifting to leeward. When sailing close-hauled with all sails set, a vessel should make no leeway. If the topgallant sails are furled, it is customary to allow one point; under close-reefed topsails, two points; when under one close-reefed sail, four or five points.
Leech, or Leach.
The border or edge of a sail, at the sides.
The border or edge of a sail, at the sides.
Leeward.
(Pronounced
lu-ard
.) The lee side. In a direction opposite to that from which the wind blows, which is called
windward
. The opposite of
lee
is
weather,
and of
leeward
is
windward;
the two first being adjectives.
(Pronounced
lu-ard
.) The lee side. In a direction opposite to that from which the wind blows, which is called
windward
. The opposite of
lee
is
weather,
and of
leeward
is
windward;
the two first being adjectives.
Lie-to,
is to stop the progress of a vessel at sea, either by counter-bracing the yards, or by reducing sail so that she will make little or no headway, but will merely come to and fall off by the counteraction of the sails and helm.
is to stop the progress of a vessel at sea, either by counter-bracing the yards, or by reducing sail so that she will make little or no headway, but will merely come to and fall off by the counteraction of the sails and helm.
Life-lines.
Ropes carried along yards, booms, &c., or at any part of the vessel, for men to hold on by.
Ropes carried along yards, booms, &c., or at any part of the vessel, for men to hold on by.
Lift.
A rope or tackle, going from the yard-arms to the mast-head, to support and move the yard. Also, a term applied to the sails when the wind strikes them on the leeches and raises them slightly.
A rope or tackle, going from the yard-arms to the mast-head, to support and move the yard. Also, a term applied to the sails when the wind strikes them on the leeches and raises them slightly.
Lighter.
A large boat, used in loading and unloading vessels.
A large boat, used in loading and unloading vessels.
Limbers, or Limber-holes.
Holes cut in the lower part of the floor-timbers, next the keelson, forming a passage for the water fore-and-aft.
Holes cut in the lower part of the floor-timbers, next the keelson, forming a passage for the water fore-and-aft.
List.
The inclination of a vessel to one side; as, a
list
to port, or a
list
to starboard.
The inclination of a vessel to one side; as, a
list
to port, or a
list
to starboard.
Lizard.
A piece of rope, sometimes with two legs, and one or more iron thimbles spliced into it. It is used for various purposes. One with two legs, and a thimble to each, is often made fast to the topsail tye, for the buntlines to reeve through. A single one is sometimes used on the swinging-boom topping-lift.
A piece of rope, sometimes with two legs, and one or more iron thimbles spliced into it. It is used for various purposes. One with two legs, and a thimble to each, is often made fast to the topsail tye, for the buntlines to reeve through. A single one is sometimes used on the swinging-boom topping-lift.
Locker.
A chest or box, to stow anything away in.
A chest or box, to stow anything away in.
Chain locker.
Where the chain cables are kept.
Boatswain’s locker.
Where tools and small stuff for working upon rigging are kept.
Where the chain cables are kept.
Boatswain’s locker.
Where tools and small stuff for working upon rigging are kept.
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