Moby-Dick (Barnes & Noble Classics Series) (90 page)
Read Moby-Dick (Barnes & Noble Classics Series) Online
Authors: Herman Melville
BOOK: Moby-Dick (Barnes & Noble Classics Series)
13.52Mb size Format: txt, pdf, ePub
Carlings.
Short and small pieces of timber running between the beams.
Short and small pieces of timber running between the beams.
Carry-away.
To break a spar, or part a rope.
To break a spar, or part a rope.
Cat.
The tackle used to hoist the anchor up to the cat-head.
Cat-block,
the block of this tackle.
The tackle used to hoist the anchor up to the cat-head.
Cat-block,
the block of this tackle.
Cat-harpin.
An iron leg used to confine the upper part of the rigging to the mast.
An iron leg used to confine the upper part of the rigging to the mast.
Cat-head.
Large timbers projecting from the vessel’s side, to which the anchor is raised and secured.
Large timbers projecting from the vessel’s side, to which the anchor is raised and secured.
Cat’s-paw.
A kind of hitch made in a rope. A light current of air seen on the surface of the water during a calm.
A kind of hitch made in a rope. A light current of air seen on the surface of the water during a calm.
Caulk.
To fill the seams of a vessel with oakum.
To fill the seams of a vessel with oakum.
Chafe.
To rub the surface of a rope or spar.
To rub the surface of a rope or spar.
Chafing-gear
is the stuff put upon the rigging and spars to prevent their chafing.
is the stuff put upon the rigging and spars to prevent their chafing.
Chains.
Strong links or plates of iron, the lower ends of which are bolted through the ship’s side to the timbers. Their upper ends are secured to the bottom of the dead-eyes in the channels. Also, used familiarly for the
Channels,
which see. The chain cable of a vessel is called familiarly her
chain
.
Strong links or plates of iron, the lower ends of which are bolted through the ship’s side to the timbers. Their upper ends are secured to the bottom of the dead-eyes in the channels. Also, used familiarly for the
Channels,
which see. The chain cable of a vessel is called familiarly her
chain
.
Rudder-chains
lead from the outer and upper end of the rudder to the quarters. They are hung slack.
lead from the outer and upper end of the rudder to the quarters. They are hung slack.
Chain-plates.
Plates of iron bolted to the side of a ship, to which the chains and dead-eyes of the lower rigging are connected.
Plates of iron bolted to the side of a ship, to which the chains and dead-eyes of the lower rigging are connected.
Channels.
Broad pieces of plank bolted edgewise to the outside of a vessel. Used for spreading the lower rigging. (See
Chains
.)
Broad pieces of plank bolted edgewise to the outside of a vessel. Used for spreading the lower rigging. (See
Chains
.)
Cheeks.
The projections on each side of a mast, upon which the trestle-trees rest. The sides of the shell of a block.
The projections on each side of a mast, upon which the trestle-trees rest. The sides of the shell of a block.
Cheerly!
Quickly, with a will.
Quickly, with a will.
Chock.
A wedge used to secure anything with, or for anything to rest upon. The long boat rests upon two large
chocks,
when it is stowed.
A wedge used to secure anything with, or for anything to rest upon. The long boat rests upon two large
chocks,
when it is stowed.
Chock-a-block.
When the lower block of a tackle is run close up to the upper one, so that you can hoist no higher. This is also called hoisting up
two-blocks.
When the lower block of a tackle is run close up to the upper one, so that you can hoist no higher. This is also called hoisting up
two-blocks.
Cleat.
A piece of wood used in different parts of a vessel to belay ropes to.
A piece of wood used in different parts of a vessel to belay ropes to.
Clew.
The lower corner of square sails, and the after corner of a fore-and-aft sail.
The lower corner of square sails, and the after corner of a fore-and-aft sail.
To clew up,
is to haul up the clew of a sail.
is to haul up the clew of a sail.
Clewline.
A rope that hauls up the clew of a square sail. The
clew-garnet
is the clewline of a course.
A rope that hauls up the clew of a square sail. The
clew-garnet
is the clewline of a course.
Close-hauled.
Applied to a vessel which is sailing with her yards braced up so as to get as much as possible to windward. The same as
on a taut bowline, full and by, on the wind, &c.
Applied to a vessel which is sailing with her yards braced up so as to get as much as possible to windward. The same as
on a taut bowline, full and by, on the wind, &c.
Clove-hook.
An iron clasp, in two parts, moving upon the same pivot, and overlapping one another. Used for bending chain sheets to the clews of sails.
An iron clasp, in two parts, moving upon the same pivot, and overlapping one another. Used for bending chain sheets to the clews of sails.
Club-haul.
To bring a vessel’s head round on the other tack, by letting go the lee anchor and cutting or slipping the cable.
To bring a vessel’s head round on the other tack, by letting go the lee anchor and cutting or slipping the cable.
Clubbing.
Drifting down a current with an anchor out.
Drifting down a current with an anchor out.
Coamings.
Raised work round the hatches, to prevent water going down into the hold.
Raised work round the hatches, to prevent water going down into the hold.
Coat.
Mast-coat
is a piece of canvass, tarred or painted, placed round a mast or bowsprit, where it enters the deck.
Mast-coat
is a piece of canvass, tarred or painted, placed round a mast or bowsprit, where it enters the deck.
Codline.
An eighteen thread line.
An eighteen thread line.
Coxswain.
(Pronounced
cox’n
.) The person who steers a boat and has charge of her.
(Pronounced
cox’n
.) The person who steers a boat and has charge of her.
Coil.
To lay a rope up in a ring, with one turn or fake over another.
A coil
is a quantity of rope laid up in that manner.
To lay a rope up in a ring, with one turn or fake over another.
A coil
is a quantity of rope laid up in that manner.
Collar.
An eye in the end or bight of a shroud or stay, to go over the mast-head.
An eye in the end or bight of a shroud or stay, to go over the mast-head.
Companion.
A wooden covering over the staircase to a cabin.
Companion-way,
the staircase to the cabin.
A wooden covering over the staircase to a cabin.
Companion-way,
the staircase to the cabin.
Companion-ladder.
The ladder leading from the poop to the main deck.
The ladder leading from the poop to the main deck.
Compass.
The instrument which tells the course of a vessel.
The instrument which tells the course of a vessel.
Crank.
The condition of a vessel when she is inclined to lean over a great deal and cannot bear much sail. This may be owing to her construction or to her stowage.
The condition of a vessel when she is inclined to lean over a great deal and cannot bear much sail. This may be owing to her construction or to her stowage.
Cringle.
A short piece of rope with each end spliced into the bolt-rope of a sail, confining an iron ring or thimble.
A short piece of rope with each end spliced into the bolt-rope of a sail, confining an iron ring or thimble.
Cross-bars.
Round bars of iron, bent at each end, used as levers to turn the shank of an anchor.
Round bars of iron, bent at each end, used as levers to turn the shank of an anchor.
Cross-jack.
(Pronounced
croj-jack.
) The cross-jack yard is the lower yard on the mizzen mast.
(Pronounced
croj-jack.
) The cross-jack yard is the lower yard on the mizzen mast.
Cross-trees.
Pieces of oak supported by the cheeks and trestle-trees, at the mast-heads, to sustain the tops on the lower mast, and to spread the topgallant rigging at the topmast-head.
Pieces of oak supported by the cheeks and trestle-trees, at the mast-heads, to sustain the tops on the lower mast, and to spread the topgallant rigging at the topmast-head.
Crown
of an anchor, is the place where the arms are joined to the shank.
of an anchor, is the place where the arms are joined to the shank.
To crown a knot,
is to pass the strands over and under each other above the knot.
is to pass the strands over and under each other above the knot.
Crutch.
A knee or piece of knee-timber, placed inside of a vessel, to secure the heels of the cant-timbers abaft. Also, the chock upon which the spanker-boom rests when the sail is not set.
A knee or piece of knee-timber, placed inside of a vessel, to secure the heels of the cant-timbers abaft. Also, the chock upon which the spanker-boom rests when the sail is not set.
Cuddy.
A cabin in the fore part of a boat.
A cabin in the fore part of a boat.
Cut-water.
The foremost part of a vessel’s prow, which projects forward of the bows.
The foremost part of a vessel’s prow, which projects forward of the bows.
Cutter.
A small boat. Also, a kind of sloop.
A small boat. Also, a kind of sloop.
Dagger.
A piece of timber crossing all the puppets of the bilge-ways to keep them together.
A piece of timber crossing all the puppets of the bilge-ways to keep them together.
Davits.
Pieces of timber or iron, with sheaves or blocks at their ends, projecting over a vessel’s sides or stern, to hoist boats up to. Also, a spar with a roller or sheave at its end, used for fishing the anchor, called a
fish-davit
.
Pieces of timber or iron, with sheaves or blocks at their ends, projecting over a vessel’s sides or stern, to hoist boats up to. Also, a spar with a roller or sheave at its end, used for fishing the anchor, called a
fish-davit
.
Dead-eye.
A circular block of wood, with three holes through it, for the lanyards of rigging to reeve through, without sheaves, and with a groove round it for an iron strap.
A circular block of wood, with three holes through it, for the lanyards of rigging to reeve through, without sheaves, and with a groove round it for an iron strap.
Dead-lights.
Ports placed in the cabin windows in bad weather.
Ports placed in the cabin windows in bad weather.
Dead reckoning.
A reckoning kept by observing a vessel’s courses and distances by the log, to ascertain her position.
A reckoning kept by observing a vessel’s courses and distances by the log, to ascertain her position.
Dead-wood.
Blocks of timber, laid upon each end of the keel, where the vessel narrows.
Blocks of timber, laid upon each end of the keel, where the vessel narrows.
Deck.
The planked floor of a vessel, resting upon her beams.
The planked floor of a vessel, resting upon her beams.
Deck-stopper.
A stopper used for securing the cable forward of the windlass or capstan, while it is overhauled.
A stopper used for securing the cable forward of the windlass or capstan, while it is overhauled.
Deep-sea-lead.
(Pronounced
dipsey
.) The lead used in sounding at great depths.
(Pronounced
dipsey
.) The lead used in sounding at great depths.
Departure.
The easting or westing made by a vessel. The bearing of an object on the coast from which a vessel commences her dead reckoning.
The easting or westing made by a vessel. The bearing of an object on the coast from which a vessel commences her dead reckoning.
Dog.
A short iron bar, with a fang or teeth at one end, and a ring at the other. Used for a purchase, the fang being placed against a beam or knee, and the block of a tackle hooked to the ring.
Dog-vane.
A small vane, made of feathers or buntin, to show the direction of the wind.
A short iron bar, with a fang or teeth at one end, and a ring at the other. Used for a purchase, the fang being placed against a beam or knee, and the block of a tackle hooked to the ring.
Dog-vane.
A small vane, made of feathers or buntin, to show the direction of the wind.
Dog-watches.
Half watches of two hours each, from 4 to 6, and from 6 to 8 P.M. (See
Watch.
)
Half watches of two hours each, from 4 to 6, and from 6 to 8 P.M. (See
Watch.
)
Dolphin.
A rope or strap round a mast to support the puddening, where the lower yards rest in the slings. Also, a spar or buoy with a large ring in it, secured to an anchor, to which vessels may bend their cables.
A rope or strap round a mast to support the puddening, where the lower yards rest in the slings. Also, a spar or buoy with a large ring in it, secured to an anchor, to which vessels may bend their cables.
Douse.
To lower suddenly.
To lower suddenly.
Downhaul.
A rope used to haul down jibs, staysails, and studdingsails.
A rope used to haul down jibs, staysails, and studdingsails.
Drabler.
A piece of canvass laced to the bonnet of a sail, to give it more drop.
A piece of canvass laced to the bonnet of a sail, to give it more drop.
Drag.
A machine with a bag net, used for dragging on the bottom for anything lost.
A machine with a bag net, used for dragging on the bottom for anything lost.
Draught.
The depth of water which a vessel requires to float her.
The depth of water which a vessel requires to float her.
Draw.
A sail
draws
when it is filled by the wind.
A sail
draws
when it is filled by the wind.
To draw a jib,
is to shift it over the stay to leeward, when it is aback.
is to shift it over the stay to leeward, when it is aback.
Drive.
To scud before a gale, or to drift in a current.
To scud before a gale, or to drift in a current.
Drop.
The depth of a sail, from head to foot, amidships.
The depth of a sail, from head to foot, amidships.
Drum-head.
The top of the capstan.
The top of the capstan.
Duck.
A kind of cloth, lighter and finer than canvass; used for small sails.
A kind of cloth, lighter and finer than canvass; used for small sails.
Dunnage.
Loose wood or other matters, placed on the bottom of the hold, above the ballast, to stow cargo upon.
Loose wood or other matters, placed on the bottom of the hold, above the ballast, to stow cargo upon.
Elbow.
Two crosses in a hawse.
Two crosses in a hawse.
Escutcheon.
The part of a vessel’s stern where her name is written.
The part of a vessel’s stern where her name is written.
Even-keel.
The situation of a vessel when she is so trimmed that she sits evenly upon the water, neither end being down more than the other.
The situation of a vessel when she is so trimmed that she sits evenly upon the water, neither end being down more than the other.
Eye.
The circular part of a shroud or stay, where it goes over a mast.
The circular part of a shroud or stay, where it goes over a mast.
Eye-bolt.
A long iron bar, having an eye at one end, driven through a vessel’s deck or side into a timber or beam, with the eye remaining out, to hook a tackle to. If there is a ring through this eye, it is called a
ring-bolt.
A long iron bar, having an eye at one end, driven through a vessel’s deck or side into a timber or beam, with the eye remaining out, to hook a tackle to. If there is a ring through this eye, it is called a
ring-bolt.
An Eye-splice
is a certain kind of splice made with the end of a rope.
is a certain kind of splice made with the end of a rope.
Eyelet-hole.
A hole made in a sail for a cringle or roband to go through.
A hole made in a sail for a cringle or roband to go through.
The Eyes of a vessel.
A familiar phrase for the forward part.
A familiar phrase for the forward part.
Facing.
Letting one piece of timber into another with a rabbet.
Letting one piece of timber into another with a rabbet.
Fair-leader.
A strip of board or plank, with holes in it, for running rigging to lead through. Also, a block or thimble used for the same purpose.
A strip of board or plank, with holes in it, for running rigging to lead through. Also, a block or thimble used for the same purpose.
Fake.
One of the circles or rings made in coiling a rope.
One of the circles or rings made in coiling a rope.
Fall.
That part of a tackle to which the power is applied in hoisting.
That part of a tackle to which the power is applied in hoisting.
Fancy-line.
A line rove through a block at the jaws of a gaff, used as a downhaul. Also, a line used for cross-hauling the lee topping-lift.
A line rove through a block at the jaws of a gaff, used as a downhaul. Also, a line used for cross-hauling the lee topping-lift.
Fast.
A rope by which a vessel is secured to a wharf. There are
bow
or
head, breast, quarter
, and
stern
fasts.
A rope by which a vessel is secured to a wharf. There are
bow
or
head, breast, quarter
, and
stern
fasts.
Fathom.
Six feet.
Six feet.
Feather.
To feather an oar
in rowing, is to turn the blade horizontally with the top aft as it comes out of the water.
To feather an oar
in rowing, is to turn the blade horizontally with the top aft as it comes out of the water.
Fenders.
Pieces of rope or wood hung over the side of a vessel or boat, to protect it from chafing. The fenders of a neat boat are usually made of canvass and stuffed.
Pieces of rope or wood hung over the side of a vessel or boat, to protect it from chafing. The fenders of a neat boat are usually made of canvass and stuffed.
Fid.
A block of wood or iron, placed through the hole in the heel of a mast, and resting on the trestle-trees of the mast below. This supports the mast. Also, a wooden pin, tapered, used in splicing large ropes, in opening eyes, &c.
A block of wood or iron, placed through the hole in the heel of a mast, and resting on the trestle-trees of the mast below. This supports the mast. Also, a wooden pin, tapered, used in splicing large ropes, in opening eyes, &c.
Fiddle-block.
A long shell, having one sheave over the other, and the lower smaller than the upper.
A long shell, having one sheave over the other, and the lower smaller than the upper.
Fife-rail.
The rail going round a mast.
The rail going round a mast.
Figure-head.
A carved head or full-length figure, over the cut-water.
A carved head or full-length figure, over the cut-water.
Filler.
(See
Made mast.
)
(See
Made mast.
)
Finishing.
Carved ornaments of the quarter-galley, below the second counter, and above the upper lights.
Carved ornaments of the quarter-galley, below the second counter, and above the upper lights.
Flat.
A sheet is said to be hauled
flat
, when it is hauled down close.
A sheet is said to be hauled
flat
, when it is hauled down close.
Flat-aback
, when a sail is blown with its after surface against the mast.
, when a sail is blown with its after surface against the mast.
Fleet.
To come up a tackle and draw the blocks apart, for another pull, after they have been hauled
two-blocks.
Fleet ho!
The order given at such times. Also, to shift the position of a block or fall, so as to haul to more advantage.
To come up a tackle and draw the blocks apart, for another pull, after they have been hauled
two-blocks.
Fleet ho!
The order given at such times. Also, to shift the position of a block or fall, so as to haul to more advantage.
Flemish-eye.
A kind of eye-splice.
A kind of eye-splice.
Flemish-horse.
An additional foot-rope at the ends of topsail yards.
An additional foot-rope at the ends of topsail yards.
Floor timbers.
Those timbers of a vessel which are placed across the keel.
Those timbers of a vessel which are placed across the keel.
Flowing sheet.
When a vessel has the wind free, and the lee clews eased off.
When a vessel has the wind free, and the lee clews eased off.
Flukes.
The broad triangular plates at the extremity of the arms of an anchor, terminating in a point called the
bitt.
The broad triangular plates at the extremity of the arms of an anchor, terminating in a point called the
bitt.
Foot.
The lower end of a mast or sail. (See
Fore-foot.
)
The lower end of a mast or sail. (See
Fore-foot.
)
Foot-rope.
The rope stretching along a yard, upon which men stand when reeling or furling, formerly called
horses.
The rope stretching along a yard, upon which men stand when reeling or furling, formerly called
horses.
Fore.
Used to distinguish the forward part of a vessel, or things in that direction; as,
fore mast, fore hatch
, in opposition to
aft
or
after.
Used to distinguish the forward part of a vessel, or things in that direction; as,
fore mast, fore hatch
, in opposition to
aft
or
after.
Fore-and-aft.
Lengthwise with the vessel. In opposition to
athwart-ships
.
Lengthwise with the vessel. In opposition to
athwart-ships
.
Forecastle.
That part of the upper deck forward of the fore mast; or, as some say, forward of the after part of the fore channels. Also, the forward part of the vessel, under the deck, where the sailors live, in merchant vessels.
That part of the upper deck forward of the fore mast; or, as some say, forward of the after part of the fore channels. Also, the forward part of the vessel, under the deck, where the sailors live, in merchant vessels.
Fore-foot.
A piece of timber at the forward extremity of the keel, upon which the lower end of the stem rests.
A piece of timber at the forward extremity of the keel, upon which the lower end of the stem rests.
Fore-ganger.
A short piece of rope grafted on a harpoon, to which the line is bent.
A short piece of rope grafted on a harpoon, to which the line is bent.
Fore-lock.
A flat piece of iron, driven through the end of a bolt, to prevent its drawing.
A flat piece of iron, driven through the end of a bolt, to prevent its drawing.
Fore mast.
The forward mast of all vessels.
The forward mast of all vessels.
Fore-runner.
A piece of rag, terminating the stray-line of the log-line.
A piece of rag, terminating the stray-line of the log-line.
Foul anchor.
When the cable has a turn round the anchor.
When the cable has a turn round the anchor.
Founder.
A vessel
founders,
when she fills with water and sinks.
A vessel
founders,
when she fills with water and sinks.
Freshen.
To relieve a rope, by moving its place; as, to
freshen the nip
of a stay, is to shift it, so as to prevent its chafing through.
To relieve a rope, by moving its place; as, to
freshen the nip
of a stay, is to shift it, so as to prevent its chafing through.
To freshen ballast,
is to alter its position.
is to alter its position.
Furl.
To roll a sail up snugly on a yard or boom, and secure it.
To roll a sail up snugly on a yard or boom, and secure it.
Other books
The Silent Sleep of the Dying (Eisenmenger-Flemming Forensic Mysteries) by Keith McCarthy
Fordlandia by Greg Grandin
Fade to Black by Ron Renauld
Amazing Grace by Nancy Allen
Xala by Ousmane Sembène
Love Me by Jillian Dodd
Crimes Against Nature by Kennedy, Jr. Robert F.
Lured From the Path by Lola White
The Darkness Within by Deorre, Iris
The Wall by Jeff Long
