MANOEUVRE, the working of a ship, of the direction of her movement, by the power of the helm, and the disposition of the sails to the wind.

MANOEUVRE basse, the work or employment which may be performed upon deck, by the effort of the ropes upon the sails and yards.

MANOEUVRE fine, a dextrous management of the ship in working her.

MANOEUVRE grosse, heavy and laborious work in a ship; as the embarkation or the artillery and cables, the stowage of the anchors, &c.

MANOEUVRE hardie, a difficult or dangerous operation at sea or on ship-board.

MANOEUVRE haute, the employment of the sailors in the tops, at the mast-heads, and upon the yards.

MANOEUVRE tortüe, a lubberly, or aukward manner of working a ship.

MANOEUVRER, to work a ship, or direct the movements of a fleet.

MANOEUVRES, a general name given to the rigging, sails, blocks, and cordage of a ship; but more particularly to the standing and running ropes.

MANOEUVRES à queüe de rat, ropes which taper to the end; as the main and fore tacks.

MANOEUVRES en bande, slack ropes which are unemployed.

MANOEUVRES-majors, a name usually given to the largest ropes in a ship; as the ground-tackling, and the principal stays.

MANOEUVRES passées à contre, ropes leading forward; as those of the mizen-mast.

MANOEUVRES passée sa tour, ropes leading aft.

MANOEUVRIER, an able or expert sea-officer; or one who is perfectly skilled in working a ship by every method of sailing.

MANQUER, to fly-loose; understood of a rope which is broke, or loosened from the place where it was made fast so as to be blown out to leeward, &c.

MANTEAUX, two folding-doors in a bulk-head.

Reference Works