Half-DECK, a space under the quarter-deck of a ship of war, contained between the foremost bulkhead of the steerage and the fore-part of the quarter-deck.

DRIVING, the state of being carried at random along the surface of the water, by a storm or current: it is generally expressed of a ship when broken loose from her anchors or moorings.

E.

To EDGE away, to decline gradually from the shore, or from the line of the course which the ship formerly steered.

F.

FALL, the loose end of a tackle; or that part upon which the people pull, or hoist, to produce the required effect.

To FILL, to brace the sails in such a manner, as that the wind, entering their cavities from behind, dilates them so as to advance the ship in her course.

FISH, is a long piece of oak, convex on one side, and concave on the other. It is used to fasten upon the outside of the lower masts, as an additional security, to strengthen them when it becomes necessary to carry an extraordinary pressure of sail. The fishes are also employed for the same purpose on any yard, which happens to be sprung or fractured.

FLAW, a sudden breeze, or gust of wind.

FLOOR, the bottom of a ship.

FOOT of a sail, lower edge or bottom.

FOOT-ROPE, the rope to which the foot of a sail is sewed.

FORE, all that part of a ship’s frame and machinery which lies near the head.

G.

GAFF, a sort of boom or pole, used to extend the upper edge of the mizen. The foremost, or inner extremity of it, is furnished with two cheeks forming a semicircle, which inclose the after part of the mast so as to confine the gaff close to its respective mast whilst the sail is hoisting or lowering.

GANGWAY, a narrow platform, or range of planks, laid horizontally along the upper part of a ship’s side, from the quarter-deck to the fore-castle, for the convenience of walking more expeditiously fore and aft, than by descending into the waist.

Voyaging Accounts