MaritimeTerms andDefinitions (circa1944)

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Abaftthebeam:Saidofthebearingofanobjectwhichbearsbetweenthe
beamandthestern(furtherbackthantheship'smiddle).
Abaft:Arelativetermusedtodescribethelocationofoneobject
inrelationto
another,inwhichtheobjectdescribedisfartheraftthan
theother.Thus,the
mainmastisabafttheforemast(inbackof).
Abandonship:Getawayfromtheship,asinanemergency
.
Abeam:Thebearingofanobject90degreesfromahead(inaline
withthe
middleoftheship).
Ablebodiedseaman:Thenextgradeabovethebeginninggradeofordinary
seamaninthedeckcrew.
Aboard:Inthevessel(ontheship).
Aboveboard:Abovedeckswithoutconcealmentofdeceit(outinthe
open).
Abreast:Abeamof(alongsideof).
Accommodationladder:Theportablestepsfromthegangwaydownto
the
waterline.
Admiral:ComesfromtheArabic"Emir"or"Amir"whichmeans"First
commander"and"Albahrwhichmeans"the
sea".Emiralbarhevolvedinto
Admiral.
Adrift:Loosefromthemoorings(nottiedorsecured).
Afloat:Floating.
Aft:At,near,ortowardthestern(backend).
Aground:Restingonthebottom.
Ahoy:Acallusedinhailingavesselorboat(hey!).
Airtank:Ametalairtighttankbuiltintoaboattoinsureflotation
evenwhenthe
boatisswamped.
Alee:Totheleewardside(awayfromthewind).
Alive:Alert(pepitup!).
Allhands:Theentirecrew.
Allstanding:Tobringtoasuddenstop.
Aloft:Abovetheupperdeck(above).
Alongside:Sidetoside.
Amidships:Inortowardsthemiddleofashipinregardtolength
orbreadth
(centerof).
Anchor:Adeviceorironsoshapedtogripthebottomandholdsa
vesselat
anchorbytheanchorchain.
Anchorbar:Woodenbarwithanironshod,wedge:shapedend,used
in
pryingtheanchororworkingtheanchororworkingtheanchorchain.
Alsoused
toengageordisengagethewildcat.
Anchorchain:Heavy,linkedchainsecuredtoananchorformooring
or
anchoring.
Anchorlights:Theridinglightsrequiredtobecarriedbyvessels
atanchor.
Anchorwatch:Thedetailondeckatnight,whenatanchor
,tosafeguardthe
vessel(notnecessarilyattheanchorageneralwatch).
Anchor'saweigh:Saidoftheanchorwhenjustclearofthebottom
(leavingor

moving).
Anchorage:Aplacesuitableforanchoring.
Ashore:Ontheshore(onland).
Astern:Thebearingofanobject180degreesfromahead(behind).
Athwartships:Atrightanglestotheforeandaftlineofthevessel
(sideways
across).
Avast:Anordertostoporceasehauling(stopactionatonce).
Awash:Levelwiththewater(waterreadyto,orslightlycovering
decks).
Awning:Acanvascanopysecuredovertheship'sdeckasaprotection
from
theweather(covering).
Aye,aye,sir:Thereplytoanofficer'sordersignifyingthatheisunderstood
andwillbeobeyed(Iunderstand).
Bail:Tothrowwateroutofaboatayoke,asaladderbail(rung).
Ballasttanks:Doublebottomsforcarryingwaterballastandcapable
ofbeing
floodedorpumpedoutatwill.
Ballast:Heavyweightspackedinthebottomofaboatorshipto
giveher
stability.
Battendown:Tomakewatertight.Saidofhatchesandcargo(tieup
or
secure).
Beachcomber:Aderelictseamanfoundunemployedonthewaterfront,
especiallyinaforeigncountry(seamanwithoutaship).
Beamwind:Awindatrightanglestoavessel'scourse(windblowing
atthe
ship'sside.)
Bearahand:Toassistorhelp.
Beardown:Toapproach(overtakeorcomeupto).
Bearing:Thedirectionofanobject(withreferencetoyou,your
ship,another
object).
Becalmed:Asailingvesseldeadinthewaterduetolackofwind
(notmoving).
Becket:Aropeeyeforthehookofablock.Aropegrommetusedin
placeofa
rowlock.Also,asmallpieceofropewithaneyeineachend
toholdthefeetof
asprittothemast.Ingeneralanysmallropeorstrap
usedasahandle.
Belay:Tomakefastastoapinorcleat.T
orescindanorder(tieup).
Belayingpin:Awoodenorironpinfittingintoarailuponwhich
tosecure
ropes.
Bells:seeShipsTime
Bellystrap:Aropepassedaround(center)aboatorotherobject
forhanging.
Below:Beneaththedeck(under).
Bend:Thetwistingorturningofaropesoastofastenittosome
object,asasparorring.
Berth:Avessel'splaceatanchororatadock.Seaman'sassignment.
Betweendecks:Thespacebetweendecks.Thenameofthedeckordecks
betweentheceilingandmaindeck.
Bight:Formedbybringingtheendofaropearound,nearto,oracross
itsownpart.
Bilge:Thecurvedpartofaship'shullwherethesideandtheflat
bottommeet.
Binnacle:Thestand,usuallyofbrassornonmagneticmaterialin
whichthe
compassrestsandwhichcontainsthecompensatingmagnets(compass
holder).
Bitterend:Thelastpartofaropeorlastlinkinananchorchain.
Bitts:Apairofverticalwoodenorironheadsonboardship,used
forsecuring
mooringortowinglines.Similartodockbollards.
Blackgang:Memberoftheengineroomforce,whichincludedtheengineers,

firemen,oilers,andwipers.
Blockandblock:Sameastwoblocks.
Block:Anapparatusconsistingofanoutsideshellandasheavethrough
whicharopemaybepassed(pulley).
Boatfall:Apurchase(blockandtackle)forhoistingaboattoits
davits.
Bollard:Anupright,woodenorironposttowhichhawsersormooring
lines
maybesecured.
Boom:Asparusedforforeandaftsails.
Boomcradle:Arestforacargoboomwhenloweredforsecuringfor
sea.
Boottopping:Theanticorrosivepaintusedonandabovethewaterline.
Bos'n:Shorteningoftheoldterm"boatswain,"anunlicensed
memberofthe
crewwhosupervisestheworkofthedeckmenunderdirection
ofthefirstmate.
Bos'n'schair:Thepieceofboardonwhichamanworkingaloftis
swung.
Bos'n'schest:Thedeckchestinwhichthebos'nkeepshisdeckgear
.
Bos'n'slocker:Thelockerinwhichthebos'nkeepshisdeckgear
.
Bow:Theforwardpartofavessel'ssides(front).
Bowsprit:Asparextendingforwardfromthestem.
Boxingthecompass:Callingnamesofthepointsofthecompassin
order.
Breakground:Saidofanchorwhenitliftsclearofthebottom.
Breaker:Asmallcaskforfreshwatercarriedinship'sboats.A
sea(wave)
withacurlonthecrest.
Bridge:Theraisedplatformextendingathwartships,thepartofthe
shipfrom
whichtheshipissteeredandnavigated.
Brightwork:Brasswork,polished(alsovarnishedwoodworkinyachts).
Bulkhead:Transverseorlongitudinalpartitionsseparatingportions
oftheship
("walls"inaship).
Bunk:Builtinbedaboardship.
Bunker:Compartmentforthestorageofoilorotherfuel.
Bytheboard:Overboard(overtheside).
Bythehead:Deeperforward(frontenddeepestinwater).
BytheRun:Toletgoaltogether.
Cabin:Thecaptain'squarters.Theenclosedspaceofdeckedoversmallboat.
Cablelaid:Thesameashawserlaid.
Cablelength:100fathomsor600feet(6feettoafathom).
Cable:Achainorline(rope)benttotheanchor
.
Calm:Awindorforcelessthanoneknot(knot:1nauticalmileper
hour).
Camel:Awoodenfloatplacedbetweenavesselandadockactingas
a
fender.
Capstanbar:Awoodenbarwhichmaybeshippedinthecapstanhead
for
heavingaroundbyhand(toheaveupanchororheavyobjectsbymanpower).
Capstan:Theverticalbarreldeviceusedtoheaveincableorlines.
CaptainoftheHead:AguywhogetsHead(toilet)cleaningdetail.
Cardinalpoints:Thefourprincipalpointsofthecompass:North,
East,South
andWest.
Castoff:Toletgo.
Caulk:Tofillintheseamswithcottonoroakum.
Chafe:Towearthesurfaceofaropebyrubbingagainstasolidobject.
Chafinggear:Aguardofcanvasorropeputaroundspars,mooringlines,
or
riggingtopreventthemfromwearingoutbyrubbingagainstsomething.
Chainlocker:Acompartmentforwardwherethechaincableisstowed.
CharleyNoble:Thegalleysmokepipe(cook'sstovepipe),namedafter
The
Englishseacaptainwhowasnotedforthescrupulouscleanlinessand
shineof

thebrassaboardhisship.
Check:Toeaseoffgradually(goslowerandmovecarefully).
Chiefmate:Anothertermforfirstmate.
Chief:Thecrew'stermforthechiefengineer
.
Chock:Aheavywoodenormetalfittingsecuredonadeckorona
dock,with
jaws,usedfortheleadortoguidelinesorcables.
Choked:Thefallsfoulinablock.Thefallsmaybechockedorjammed
intentionallyforatemporarysecuring(holding).
Cleat:Afittingofwoodormetal,withhorns,usedforsecuring
lines(tyingup).
Clipperbow:Astemcurvingupandforwardingracefulline.
Coaming:Theraisedframeworkarounddeckopenings,andcockpit
ofopen
boats(hatchcoaming).
Cockpit:Thewellofasailingvessel,especiallyasmallboat,for
thewheeland
steerman.
Colors:Thenationalensign.
Cofferdam:Thespacebetweentwobulkheadssetclosetogether
,especially
betweenfueltanks(twowallsseparatedtousefordrainageorsafety).
Coil:Tolaydownropeincircularturns.
Comingaround:Tobringasailingvesselintothewindandchangeto
another
tack.Onewhoisinfluencedtoachangeofopinion.
Corkfenders:Afendermadeofgranulatedcorkandcoveredwithwoven
tarredstuff.
Cradle:Astowagerestforaship'sboat.
Crossingtheline:CrossingtheEquator.
Crow'snest:Theplatformortubonthemastforthelookout.
Cutwater:Theforemostpartofthestem,cuttingthewaterasthe
vessel
forgesahead.
Davit:Acurvedmetalsparforhandlingaboatorotherheavyobjects.
Deadahead:Directlyaheadontheextensionoftheship'sforeand
aftline.
Deadlight:Steeldisc,thatisdoggeddownoveraportholetosecure
against
breakageoftheglassandtopreventlightfromshowingthrough.
Derelict:Anabandonedvesselatsea(adangertonavigation).
Dip:Apositionofaflagwhenloweredpartwayinsalute(method
ofsalute
betweenvessels,likeplanesdippingwings).
Displacement:Theweightofthewaterdisplacedbyavessel.
Distresssignal:Aflagdisplayorasound,light,orradiosignal
callingfor
assistance.
Dittybag:Asmallbagusedbyseamenforstowingsmallarticles.
Doldrums:ThebeltoneachsideoftheEquatorinwhichlittleor
nowind
ordinarilyblows.
Dolphin:Aclusterofpilesformooring.
Doubleup:Todoubleavessel'smooringlines.
Dowse:Totakein,orlowerasail.T
oputoutalight.T
ocoverwithwater.
Draft:Thedistancefromthesurfaceofthewatertotheship'skeel
(howdeep
theshipisintothewater).
Drag:Aseaanchorcontrivedtokeepavessel'sheadtothewind
andsea.
Dressingship:Adisplayofnationalcolorsatallmastheadsand
thearrayof
signalflagsfrombowtosternoverthemasthead(forspecial
occasionsand
holidays).
Drydock:Abasinforreceivingavesselforrepairs,capableof
beingpumped
dry(torepairvesselandscrapemarinegrowthfrombottom).
Dungarees:Blueworkingoveralls.

EagleFlies:Payday
Easy:Carefully(watchwhatyou'redoing).
Endforend:Reversingthepositionofanobjectorline.
Endseizing:Aroundseizingattheendofarope.
Ensign:(1)Thenationalflag.(2)Ajuniorof
ficer.
Evenkeel:Floatinglevel(nolist).
Fake:Asingleturnofropewhenaropeiscoileddown.
Fakedown:Tofakelinebackandforthondeck.
Fantail:Afterdeckovercounter.Thepartofaroundedsternwhich
extends
pasttherearmostperpendicular.
Fathom:Sixfeet.ComesfromtheDutchword"fadom"which
wasthe
distancebetweenfingertipsofoutstretchedhands.
Fendoff:Topushoffwhenmakingalanding.
Fender:Canvas,woodorropeusedoverthesidetoprotectavessel
from
chafingwhenalongsideanothervesseloradock.
Fid:Ataperedwoodenpinusedtoseparatethestrands
whensplicingheavy
rope.
Fieldday:Adayforgeneralshipcleaning.
Flemishdown:Tocoilflatdownondeck,eachfakeoutsidetheother
,
beginninginthemiddleandallclosetogether
.
Fo'c'sle:Amodemversionoftheoldterm"forecastle,"
orbowsectionofthe
ship,wherethecrewlived.
Foghorn:Asoundsignaldevice(notnecessarilymechanicallyoperated).
Fogbound:Saidofavesselwhenforcedtoheavetoorlieatanchor
dueto
fog.
Forepeak:Thepartofthevesselbelowdecksatthestem.
Forecastle:Acompartmentwherethecrewlives.
Forefoot:Theheelofthestemwhereitconnectstothekeel.
Foul:Jammed,notclear.
Fouledhawse:Saidoftheanchorchainwhenmooredandthechain
doesnot
leadclearofanotherchain.
Founder:Tosink(outofcontrol).
Freeboard:Thedistancefromthesurfaceofthewatertothemain
deckor
gunwale.
Freeingport:Aportinthebulwarkforthepurposeoffreeingthe
deckof
water.
Freighter:Ashipdesignedtocarryalltypesofgeneralcargo,or
"drycargo."
G.I.:AnythingofGovernmentIssue.
Gantline:Alinerovethroughasingleblocksecuredaloft.
Garboardstrake:Thestrakenexttothekeel(runningforeandaft).
Gatherway:Toattainheadway(togetgoingorpickupspeed).
Gear:Thegeneralnameforropes,blocksandtackles,tools,etc.
(things).
Gilguy(orgadget):Atermusedtodesignateanobjectforwhich
thecorrect
namehasbeenforgotten.
Gipsey(gypsey):Adrumofawindlassforheavinginline.
Glass:Termusedbymarinersforabarometer
.
Gloryhole:Steward'squarters.
Goadrift:Breakloose.
GoldenSlippers:TanworkshoesissuedtoU.S.MaritimeServicetrainees
Grapnel:Asmallanchorwithseveralarmsusedfordraggingpurposes.
Grating:Awoodenlatticeworkcoveringahatchorthebottomboards
ofa

boatsimilarlydesignedgratingsofmetalarefrequentlyfoundon
shipboard.
Graveyardwatch:Themiddlewatch.
Greensea:Alargebodyofwatertakenaboard(shipasea).
Groundtackle:Atermusedtocoveralloftheanchorgear
.
Grounding:Runningashore(hittingthebottom).
Gunwale:Theupperedgeofavesselorboat'sside.
Hail:Toaddressavessel,tocomefrom,astohailfromsomeport(call).
Halfmast:Thepositionofaflagwhenloweredhalfwaydown.
Halliardsorhalyards:Ropesusedforhoistinggaffsandsails,andsignal
flags.
Handlead:Aleadoffrom7to14poundsusedwiththehandlead
linefor
ascertainingthedepthofwaterinenteringorleavingaharbor
.(Linemarkedto
20fathoms.)
Handrail:Asteadyingrailofaladder(banister).
Handrope:Sameas"grabrope"(rope).
Handtaut:Astightascanbepulledbyhand.
Hand:Amemberoftheship'scompany
.
Handybilly:Awatchtackle(small,handyblockandtackleforgeneral
use).
Hangfromtheyards:Dangleamanfromoneoftheyardarms,sometimes
bytheneck,ifthemanwastobekilled,andsometimesbythetoes,if
hewas
merelytobetortured.Aseverepunishmentusedaboardsailingships
long
ago.Today,areprimand.
Hatch:Anopeninginaship'sdeckforpassagewayorforhandling
cargoor
stores.
Hawsebuckler:Anironplatecoveringahawsehole.
Hawsepipes:Apipeleadinforanchorchainthroughship'sbow
.
Hawser:Aropeusedfortowingor,mooring.
Hawserlaid:Lefthandedropeofninestrands,intheform
ofthreethree
stranded,righthandedropes.
Head:Theship'swatercloset(toiletorwashroom).Theupperedge
ofa
quadrilateralsail.
Headroom:Theheightofthedecks,belowdecks.
Heart:Theinsidecenterstrandofrope.
Heave:Tohaulorpullonalinetothrowaheavingline.
Heavearound:Torevolvethedrumofacapstan,winchorwindlass.
(Pulling
withmechanicaldeckheavinggear).
Heaveaway:Anordertohaulawayortoheavearoundacapstan(pull).
Heavein:Tohaulin.
Heaveshort:Toheaveinuntilthevesselisridingnearlyoverher
anchor.
Heavetaut:Tohaulinuntilthelinehasastrainuponit.
Heavethelead:Theoperationoftakingasoundingwiththehand
lead(tofind
bottom).
Heaveto:Tobringvesselonacourseonwhichsherideseasilyand
holdher
therebytheuseoftheship'sengines(holdingaposition).
Heavingline:Asmalllinethrowntoanapproachingvessel,ora
dockasa
messenger.
Hemp:Ropemadeofthefibersofthehempplantandusedforsmall
stuffor
lessthan24thread(1.75inchcircumference).(Ropeismeasured
by
circumference,wirebydiameter.)
High,wideandhandsome:Sailingshipwithafavorablewind,sailing
dry
andeasily.Apersonridingthecrestofgoodfortune
Hoistaway:Anordertohaulup.

Holiday:Animperfection,spotsleftunfinishedincleaningorpainting.
Hold:Thespacebelowdecksutilizedforthestowageofcargoand
stores.
Holystone:Thesoftsandstoneblocksailorsusetoscrubthedeck,
socalled,
becauseseamenwereontheirkneestouseit.
Horselatitudes:Thelatitudesontheoutermarginsofthetrades
wherethe
prevailingwindsarelightandvariable.
Houseflag:Distinguishingflagofamerchantmarinecompanyflown
fromthe
mainmastofmerchantships.
House:Tostoworsecureinasafeplace.Atopmastishousedby
loweringit
andsecuringittoalowermast.
Hug:Tokeepclose.
Hulk:Awornoutvessel.
Hulldown:Saidofavesselwhen,duetoitsdistanceonthehorizon,
onlythe
mastsarevisible.
Hurricane:Forceofwindover65knots.
Icebound:Caughtintheice.
Inboard:Towardsthecenterlineofaship(towardsthecenter).
Irishpennant:Anuntidylooseendofarope(orrags).
Jack:Theflagsimilartotheunionofthenationalflag.
JackTar:Sailorswereoncecalledbytheirfirstnamesonly
,andJackwas
theirgenericname.Tarcamefromseamen'scustomofwaterproofing
clothing
usingtar.
Jacob'sladder:Aladderofropewithrungs,usedovertheside.
Jam:Towedgetight.
Jettison:Tothrowgoodsoverboard.
Jetty:Alandingwharforpieradikeatariversmouth.
Jewsharp:Theringboltedtotheupperendoftheshankofananchor
andto
whichthebendingshacklesecures.
JollyRoger:Apirate'sflagcarryingtheskullandcrossbones.
Jumpship:Toleaveashipwithoutauthority(deserting).
Juryrig:Makeshiftrig(emergencyrig).
Keel:Thetimberorbarformingthebackboneofthevesselandrunningfrom
thestemtothestempostatthebottomoftheship.
Keelhaul:Totiearopeaboutamanand,afterpassingtherope
underthe
shipandbringingitupondeckontheoppositeside,haulaway
,draggingthe
mandownandaroundthekeelofthevessel.Asthebottomof
theshipwas
alwayscoveredwithsharpbarnacles,thiswasaseverepunishment
used
aboardsailingshipslongago.Today,areprimand.
Keepasharplookout:Alookoutisstationedinapositiontowatch
for
dangerahead.Tobeonguardagainstsuddenoppositionordanger
.
Kingspoke:Theupperspokeofasteeringwheelwhentherudderis
amidships,usuallymarkedinsomefashion(topspokeofneutralsteering
wheel).
Kink:Atwistinarope.
Knockoff:Tostop,especiallytostopwork.
Knockeddown :Thesituationofavesselwhenlistedoverbythewind
tosuch
anextentthatshedoesnotrecover
.
Knot:Speedof1nauticalmileperhour(1.7landmilesperhour).
Knot:Atwisting,turning,tying,knitting,orentangling
ofropesorpartsofa

ropesoastojointworopestogetherormakeafinished
endonarope,for
certainpurpose.
Labor:Avesselissaidtolaborwhensheworksheavilyinaseaway
(pounding,panting,hoggingandsagging).
Ladder:Ametal,woodenorropestairway
.
Lameduck:Termfordisabledvesselthathadtofalloutofaconvoy
andthus
becameeasypreyforsubmarines.
Landlubber:Theseaman'stermforonewhodoesnotgotosea.
Lanyard:Aropemadefasttoanarticleforsecuringit(knifelanyard,
bucket
lanyard,etc.),orforsettinguprigging.
Lashing:Apassingandrepassingofaropesoastoconfine
orfasten
togethertwoormoreobjectsusuaflyintheformofabunch.
Launch:Toplaceinthewater.
Layaloft:Theordertogoaloft(goupabove).
Lazaretto:Alowheadroomspacebelowdecksusedforprovisionsor
spare
parts,ormiscellaneousstorage.
Leeshore:Thelandtotheleewardofthevessel(windblowsfrom
theshipto
theland).
Leeward:Thedirectionawayfromthewind.
Liberty:Permissiontobeabsentfromtheshipforashortperiod
(authorized
absence).
Lifeline:Alinesecuredalongthedecktolayholdofinheavy
weatheraline
thrownonboardawreckbylifesavingcrewaknottedline
securedtothespan
betweenlifeboatdavitsfortheuseofthecrewwhen
hoistingandlowering.
Line:Ageneraltermforlightrope.
Logbook:Abookcontainingtheofficialrecordofaship'sactivitiestogether
withremarksconcerningthestateoftheweather
,etc.
Longitudinal:Aforeandaftstrengthmemberofaship'sstructure.
Longshoreman:Alaborerwhoworksatloadinganddischargingcargo.
Lookout:Themanstationedaloftorinthebowsforobservingand
reporting
objectsseen.
Loom:Thepartofanoarbetweenthebladeandhandle.Thereflection
ofa
lightbelowthehorizonduetocertainatmosphericconditions.
Loose:Tounfurl.
Lubberline:Theblacklineparallelwithship'skeelmarkedonthe
inner
surfaceofthebowlofacompass,indicatingthecompassdirection
ofthe
ship'shead.
Lurch:Thesuddenheaveoftheship.
Lylegun:Agunusedinthelifesavingservicestothrowalife
linetoashipin
distressorfromshiptoshoreandusedwhenaboatcannot
belaunched.
Makecolors:Hoistingtheensignat8a.m.anddownatsunset.
Makethecoursegood:Steeringkeepingtheshiponthecoursegiven
(no
lazysteering).
Maketheland:Landfall.Toreachshore.
Makewater:Toleaktakeinwater.
Manropes:Ropeshungandusedforassistanceinascendingand
descending.
Manhole:Anopeningintoatankorcompartmentdesignedtoadmit
aman.
Manila:Ropemadefromthefibersoftheabacaplant.
Marlinspike:Pointedironimplementusedinseparatingthestrands
ofropein
splicing,marling,etc.

Maroon:Toputapersonashorewithnomeansofreturning.
Marry:Totemporarilysewtheendsoftworopestogetherforrendering
through
ablock.Alsotogriptogetherpartsofafalltopreventrunning
out.Tomarry
strandstoprepareforsplicing.
Maststep:Theframeonthekeelsonofboat(doesnotapplyonships)
to
whichtheheelofamastisfitted.
Master:Atermforthecaptain,aholdoverfromthedayswhenthe
captainwas
literally,andlegally,the"master"oftheshipandcrew.Hiswordwaslaw.
Mastheadlight:Thewhiterunninglightcarriedbysteamvesselunderway
on
theforemastorintheforepartofthevessel.
Masthead:Thetoppartofthemast.
Messgear:Equipmentusedforservingmeals.
Messenger:Alightlineusedforhaulingoveraheavierropeorcable.
Messman:Amemberofthesteward'sdepartmentwhoservedmealsto
officersandcrew.
Mole:Abreakwaterusedasalandingpier.
Monkeyfist:Aknotworkedintotheendofaheavingline(forweight).
Monkeyisland:Aflyingbridgeontopofapilothouseorcharthouse.
Mooring:Securingtoadockortoabuoy
,oranchoringwithtwoanchors.
MotherCarey'schickens:Smallbirdsthatforetellbadweatherand
badluck.
Mousing:Smallstuffseizedacrossahooktopreventitfromunshipping
(once
hooked,mousingkeepsthehookon).
Mudscow:Alarge,flat:bottomedboatusedtocarrythemudfrom
adredge.
Mushroomanchor:Ananchorwithoutstockandshapedlikeamushroom.
Nantucketsleighride:AtermforwhatfrequentlyhappenedtoNantucket
whalerswhentheyleftthewhalingshipinasmallboattogoafterawhale.If
theyharpoonedthewhalewithoutmortallywoundingit,theanimaltookof
fwith
thewhaleboatintow.
Neptune:Themythicalgodofthesea.
Nettonnage:Thecubicalspaceavailableforcarryingcargoandpassengers.
Netting:Aropenetwork.
Notundercommand:Saidofavesselwhenunabletomaneuver
.
Notundercontrol:Sameasnotundercommand.
Oakum:Materialusedforcaulkingtheseamsofvesselsandmadefromthe
loosefibersofoldhemprope.
Offandon:Standingtowardthelandandof
fagainalternately.
Officerofthewatch:Theofficerinchargeofthewatch.
Oilbag:Abagfilledwithoilandtricedoverthesideformaking
aslickina
roughsea(tokeepseasfrombreaking).
Oilskin:Waterproofclothing.
Oldman:Thecaptainoftheship.
Onreport:Introuble.
Onsoundings:Saidofavesselwhenthedepthofwatercanbemeasured
by
thelead(withinthe100fathomcurve).
Ordinaryseaman:Thebeginninggradeformembersofthedeckdepartment.
Thenextstepisablebodiedseaman.
Outoftrim:Notproperlytrimmedorballasted(notonevenkeel
listing).
Outboard:Towardsthesidesofthevessel(withreferencetothe
centerline).
Overall:Theextremedeckforeandaftmeasurementofavessel.
Overhang:Theprojectionofthesternbeyondthesternpostandof
thebow
beyondthestem.

Overhaul:Getgearinconditionforusetoseparatetheblocksof
atackleto
lengthenthefall(readyforuseagain).
Overtaking:Saidofavesselwhensheispassingorovertakinganother
vessel.
Padeye:Ametaleyepermanentlysecuredtoadeckorbulkhead(formooring
anyblocksandtackle).
Painter:Ashortpieceofropesecuredinthebowofasmallboat
usedfor
makingherfast.
Palmandneedle:Aseaman'ssewingoutfitforheavywork.
Part:Tobreak.
Passaline:Toreeveandsecurealine.
Passastopper:Toreeveandsecureastopper(holdastrainona
linewhile
transferringit).
Passdowntheline:Relaytoallothersinorder(asignalrepeated
fromone
shiptothenextasternincolumn).
Passtheword:Torepeatanorderforinformationtothecrew
.
Payoff:Toturnthebowawayfromthewindtopaythecrew
.
Payout:Toslackoutalinemadefastonboard(letitoutslowly).
Pay:Tofilltheseamsofavesselwithpitch.
Pierheadjump:Makingashipjustasitisabouttosail.
Pile:Apointedspardrivenintothebottomandprojectingabove
thewater
whendrivenatthecornersofadock,theyaretermedfender
piles.
Pilotboat:Apowerorsailingboatusedbypilots(menwhohave
local
knowledgeofnavigationhazardsofports).
Pin:Themetalaxleofablockuponwhichthesheaverevolves.
Pitch:Atarsubstanceobtainedfromthepinetreeandusedinpaying
the
seamsofavessel.Motionofvessel.
Pitting:Areasofcorrosion.
Planking:Broadplanksusedtocoverawoodenvessel'ssides,or
covering
thedeckbeams.
Plait:Tobraidusedwithsmallstuff.
Play:Freedomofmovement.
Plimsollmark:Afiguremarkedonthesideofmerchantvesselsto
indicate
allowedloadingdepths.NamedafterSamuelPlimsoll,EnglishMember
of
Parliamentandmaritimereformer.
Plug:Awoodenwedgefittingintoadrainageholeinthebottomof
aboatfor
thepurposeofdrainingtheboatwhensheisoutofwater
.
Point:Totapertheendofaropeoneofthe32divisionsofthe
compasscard.
Toheadclosetothewind.
Poopdeck:Apartialdeckatthesternabovethemaindeck,derived
fromthe
Latin"puppio"forthesacreddeckwherethe"pupi"
ordollimagesofthe
deitieswerekept.
Pooped:Anopeninginaship'sside,suchasanairport,orcargo
port.
Portside:Theleftsideofavesselwhenlookingforward.
Port:Theleftsideoftheship.
Posh:elegant,luxurious.OriginallyanacronymforPortOverStarboard
Home.
CreatedbyBritishtravelerstoIndiaorAustralia,describingthe
preferred
accommodationsaboardship,whichlessenedeffectsofthetropicalsunon
thecabinsduringthevoyage.
Pouringoilontroubledwaters:Heavyweatherpracticeofpouring
oilonthe
seasoastoformafilmonthesurface,thuspreventingthe
seasfrombreaking.
Tosmoothoutsomedifficulty.

Pratique:Apermitbytheportdoctorforanincomingvessel,being
clearof
contagiousdisease,tohavethelibertyoftheport.
Preventer:Aropeusedforadditionalsupportorforadditionalsecuring,
e.g.,
preventerstay.
Pricker:Smallmarlinespike.
Privilegedvessel:Onewhichhastherightofway
.
Prolongedblast:Ablastoffrom4to6seconds'duration.
Prow:Thepartofthebowabovethewater
.
Punt:Arectangularflatbottomedboatusedbyvesselsforpainting
theship's
sideandgeneralusearoundtheship'swater:line,fittedwith
oarlocksoneach
sideandusuallypropelledbysculling.
Purchase:Atackle(blocksandfalls).
Puttosea:Toleaveport.
Quarantine:Restrictedorprohibitedintercourseduetocontagiousdisease.
Quarter:Thatportionofavessel'ssidenearthestern.
Quarteringsea:Aseaonthequarter(comingfromasideofthestern).
Quartersbill:Avessel'sstationbillshowingdutiesofcrew
.
Quarters:Livingcompartments.
Quay:Acargodischargingwharf.
Rake:Theangleofavessel'smastsfromthevertical.
Ratline:Ashortlengthofsmallrope"ratlinestuf
f"runninghorizontallyacross
shrouds,foraladderstep.
Reef:Toreducetheareaofasailbymakingfastthereefpoints
(usedinrough
weather).
Reeve:Topasstheendofaropethroughanyleadsuchasasheave
orfair:
lead.
Registry:Theship'scertificatedeterminingtheownershipandnationality
of
thevessel.Relievingtackle:Atackleofdoubleandsingleblocksrove
withan
endlesslineandusedtorelievethestrainonthesteeringengine
inheavy
weatheroremergency.
Ride:Tolieatanchortorideouttosafelyweatherastormwhether
atanchor
orunderway.
Rig:Ageneraldescriptionofavessel'supper:workstofitout.
Rigging:Atermappliedtoshipsropesgenerally.
Right:Toreturntoanormalposition,asavesselrightingafter
heelingover.
Ringbolt:Aboltfittedwitharingthroughitseye,usedforsecuring,
running,
rigging,etc.
Rips:Adisturbanceofsurfacewaterbyconflictingcurrentorby
winds.
Riseandshine:Acalltoturnoutofbunks.
Roaringforties:Thatgeographicalbeltlocatedapproximatelyin
40degrees
southlatitudeinwhichareencounteredtheprevailingorstormy
westerlies.
Rudderpost:Thatpartofarudderbywhichitispivotedtothe
sternpost.
Rundown :Tocollidewithavesselheadon.
Rustbucket:Sailors'termforanoldshipthatneededalotofpaint
and
repairs.
Sailingfree:Sailingotherthanclosehauledorintothewind(windastern).
Saltycharacter:Anauticalguy,oftenanegativeconnotation.
Salvage:Tosaveavesselorcargofromtotallossafteranaccident
recompenseforhavingsavedashiporcargofromdanger
.
Scale:Toclimbup.Aformationofrustoverironorsteelplating.

School:Alargebodyoffish.
Scuppers:Openingsinthesideofashiptocarryof
fwaterfromthe
waterwaysorfromthedrains.
Scuttle:Tosinkavesselbyboringholesinherbottomorbyopening
sea
valves.
Scuttlebutt:Thecontaineroffreshwaterfordrinkingpurposeused
bythe
crewformerlyitconsistedofacask.
Scuttlebuttstory:Anunauthoritativestory(atallstory).
Seaanchor:Adrag(drogue)thrownovertokeepavesseltothewind
and
sea.
Seachest:Asailor'strunktheintakebetweentheship'ssideand
aseavalve.
Seadog:Anoldsailor.
Seagoing:Capableofgoingtosea.
Sealawyer:Aseamanwhoispronetoargue,especiallyagainstrecognized
authority(bigmouth).
Seapainter:Alineleadingfromforwardontheshipandsecured
toaforward
inboardthwartoftheboatinsuchawayastopermitquick
release.
Seaworthy:Capableofputtingtoseaandabletomeetseaconditions.
Secureforsea:Prepareforgoingtosea,extralashingonallmovable
objects.
Secure:Tomakefastsafethecompletionofadrillorexercise
onboardship.
Seize:Tobindwithsmallrope.
Semaphore:Flagsignalingwiththearms.
Setthecourse:Togivethesteersmanthedesiredcoursetobesteered.
Setuprigging:Totakeintheslackandsecurethestandingrigging.
Settle:Tolower,sinkdeeper.
Shackle:AUshapedpieceofironorsteelwitheyesintheendclosed
bya
shacklepin.
Shaftalley:Coveredtunnelswithinashipthroughwhichthetail
shaftspass.
Shakealeg:Anordertomakehaste.
Shakedowncruise:Acruiseofanewshipforthepurposeoftesting
outall
machinery,etc.Shank:Themainpieceoftheanchorhavingthearms
atthe
bottomandtheJew'sharpatthetop.
Shanghaied:Thepracticeofobtainingacrewbymeansofforce.Crews
were
hardtogetforlongvoyages,andwhentheunwillingshipmateregained
consciousness,hefoundhimselfboundforsomeremoteport,suchas
Shanghai.Onewhoisforcedtodosomethingagainsthiswill.
Shapeacourse:Toascertainthepropercoursetobesteeredtomake
the
desiredpointorport.Shark'smouth:Theopeninginanawningaround
the
mast.
Sheave:Thewheeloftheblockoverwhichthefalloftheblockis
rove.
Sheer:Asuddenchange.Thelongitudinaldipofthevessel'smain
deck.
Sheet:Theropeusedtospreadtheclewofheadsailsandtocontrol
theboom
ofboomsails.
Shell:Thecasingofablockwithinwhichthesheaverevolves.
Ship:Toenlisttosendonboardcargotoputinplacetotake
onboard.
Shipstime:Shipstimewascountedbythehalfhour
,startingatmidnight.A
halfhouraftertwelvewasonebelloneo'clock,twobells
andsoonuntilfour
o'clock,whichwaseightbells.Thecountingthenstarted
overagain,with4:30
beingonebell.
Shortstay:Whenthescopeofchainisslightlygreaterthanthe
depthofwater.
Shorthanded:Withoutsufficientcrew.
Shot:Ashortlengthofchain,usually15fathoms(90feet).(Method
of

measuringchain.)
Shoveinyouroar:Tobreakintoaconversation.
Shrouds:Sidestaysfromthemastheadtotherail..
Sidelights:Theredandgreenrunninglights,carriedontheport
and
starboardsidesrespectively,ofvesselsunderway
.
Singout:Tocallout.
Sisterhooks:Twoironflatsidedhooksreversedtooneanother
.
Skids:Beamssometimesfittedoverthedecksforthestowageofheavy
boats
orcargo.
Skipper:Thecaptain.
Skypilot:Achaplain.
Skylight:Acovering,eitherpermanentorremovable,toadmitair
andlight
belowdecks.
Slack:Thepartofaropehangingloosetheoppositeoftaut.
Slackwater:Theconditionofthetidewhenthereisnohorizontal
motion.
Slip:Toletgobyunshackling,asacable.
Slopchest:Stockofmerchandise,suchasclothing,tobacco,etc.,
maintainedaboardmerchantshipsforsaletothecrew
Slush:Whiteleadandtallowusedonstandingrigging.
Smart:Snappy,seamanlikeasmartshipisanefficientone.
Smotheringlines:Pipelinestoacompartmentforsmotheringafire
bysteam
orbyachemical.
Snatch:block:Asingleblockfittedsothattheshellorhookhinges
topermit
thebightofaropetobepassedthrough.
Snub:Tochecksuddenly.
Sny:Asmalltoggleusedonaflag.
Sound:Tomeasurethedepthofthewaterwithalead.Alsosaidof
awhale
whenitdivestothebottom.
Soundoutaperson:Toobtainhisreactiontosomething.
Southwester:Anoilskinhatwithbroadrearbrim.
Span:Awireropeorlinebetweendavitheads.
Spanner:Atoolforcouplinghoses.
Sparks:Theradiooperator.
Speak:Tocommunicatewithavesselinsight.
Spill:Toemptythewindoutofasail.
Splice:Thejoiningoftwoendsofaropeorropesbysointertwining
the
strands,asbutslightlytoincreasethediameteroftherope.
Springline:Usuallyofthebestwirehawsersoneofthefirstlines
sentoutin
mooring."Springsinandspringsout"avessel.
Squall:Asuddenandviolentgustofwind.
Squeegee:Adeckdryercomposedofaflatpieceofwoodshodwith
rubber,
andahandle.Stanchions:Woodenormetaluprightsusedassupports
(posts).
Stack:Theship'sfunnelorsmokestack.
Standby:Apreparatoryorder(wait:beready).
Standardcompass:Themagneticcompassusedbythenavigatorasa
standard.
Standingpart:Thatpartofalineorfallwhichissecured.
Standingrigging:Thatpartoftheship'sriggingwhichispermanently
secured
andnotmovable,suchasstay
,shrouds,etc.
StarboardTherightsideoftheship.
Stationbill:Thepostedbillshowingstationsofthecrewatmaneuvers
and
emergencydrills.
Staunch:Still,seaworthy,able.

Stay:Aropeofhemp,wireorironleadingforwardoraftforsupporting
amast.
Steady:Anordertoholdavesselonthecoursesheisheading.
Steerageway:Theslowestspeedatwhichavesselsteers.
Steeringwheel:Thewheeloperatingthesteeringgearandbywhich
the
vesselissteered.
Stemthetide:Stemmingthetideorseameanstoheadthevessel's
bow
directlyintothecurrentorwaves.Overcomeadversecircumstances.
Stem:Thetimberattheextremeforwardpartofaboatsecuredto
theforward
endofthekeel.
Sternanchor:Ananchorcarriedatthestern.
Sternboard:Progressbackwards.
Stern:Theafterpartofthevessel(backof).
Stevedore:Aprofessionalcargoloaderandunloader
.
Stopper:Ashortlengthofropesecuredatoneend,andusedinsecuring
or
checkingarunningrope,e.g.,deckstopper
,boatfallstopper,etc.
Storeroom:Thespaceprovidedforstowageofprovisionsorother
materials.
Stormwarning:Anannouncedwarningofanapproachofastorm.
Stove:Brokenin.
Stow:Toputinplace.
Stowaway :Apersonillegallyaboardandinhiding.
Strake:Acontinuousplankingorplatingfittedouttoandfromstem
tosternof
avessel'sside.
Strand:Anumberofyarns,twistedtogetherandwhichinturnmay
betwisted
intoropearopeisstrandedwhenastrainisbrokenropemay
bedesignated
bythenumberofstrandscomposing.Ropeiscommonlythreestranded.
A
vesselrunashoreissaidtobestranded.
Strap:Aringofropemadebysplicingtheends,andusedforslinging
weights,
holdingthepartsofablocktogether
,etc.Arope,wireorironbinding,
encirclingablockandwithathimbleseizedintoitfortaking
ahook.Small
strapsusedtoattachahandybillytothehaulingpartof
aline.
Strongback:Alightsparsetforeandaftonaboat,servingasa
spreadfor
theboatcover.
Surge:Toeasealinetopreventitfrompartingorpulling,meanwhile
holding
thestrain.
Swab:Amop.
Swamp:Sinkbyfillingwithwater
.
Swell:Alargewave.
Swingship:Theevolutionofswingingaship'sheadthroughseveral
headings
toobtaincompasserrorsforthepurposeofmakingadeviation
table.
Swingingover:Swingoftheboomfromonesideoftheshiptothe
other
whenthetackischanged.
Taffraillog:Thelogmountedonthetaf
frailandconsistingofarotator,alog
lineandrecordingdevice(tomeasuredistancerunthroughthewater).
Tailshaft:Theaftersectionofthepropellershaft.
Takeaturn:Topassaturnaroundabelayingpinorcleat.
Takein:Tolowerandfurlthesails.
Takingonmorethanyoucancarry:Loadedwithmorecargothanaship
cansafelynavigatewith.Drunk.
Tanker:Ashipdesignedtocarryvarioustypesofliquidcargo,from
oiland
gasolinetomolasses,water,andvegetableoil.
Tarpaulin:Heavycanvasusedasacovering.
Taut:Withnoslackstrictastodiscipline.

That'shigh:Anordertostophoisting.
Thimble:Anironringwithagrooveontheoutsidefor
aropegrommetor
splice.
Threesheetstothewind:Sailingwiththreesheetropesrunning
free,thus
makingtheshipbarelyabletokeepheadwayandcontrol.Drunk.
ThrowingaFish:Saluting
Thwart:Theathwartshipsseatsinaboatonwhichoarsmensit.
Thwartships:Atrightanglestotheforeandaftline(acrossthe
ship).
Toggle:Asmallpieceofwoodorbarofironinsertedin
aknottorenderit
moresecure,ortomakeitmorereadilyunfastenedor
slipped.
Topheavy:Tooheavyaloft.
Tow:Topullthroughwatervesselstowed.
Track:Thepathofthevessel.
Trades:Thepracticallysteadywindsblowingtowardtheequator
,N.E.inthe
northernandSE.inthesouthernhemisphere.
Trice:Tolashup.
Tricingline:Alineusedforsuspendingarticles.
Trick:Theperiodoftimeduringwhichthewheelsmanremainsatthe
wheel.
Trim:Theangletothehorizontalatwhichavesselrides.
Trip:Toletgo.
Trippingline:Alineusedforcapsizingtheseaanchorandhauling
itin.
Truck:Theflatcircularpiecesecuredonthetopofthemast.
Tugboat:Asmallvesselfittedfortowing.
Turninallstanding:Gotobedwithoutundressing.
Turnto:Anordertocommenceship'swork.
Turnturtle:Tocapsize.
Turnbuckle:Ametalapplianceconsistingofathreadandscrewcapable
of
beingsetuporslackedbackandusedforsettinguponrigging.
Twoblocks:Whenthetwoblocksofatacklehavebeendrawnasclose
togetheraspossible.
Umbrella:Theconeshapedshieldatthetopofthesmokestack.
Unbend:Tountie.
Underbelow:Awarningfromaloft(headsup).
Undermanned:Insufficientnumberofcrewshorthanded.
Undertow:Asubsurfacecurrentinasurf.
Underway:Saidofavesselwhennotatanchor
,normadefasttotheshore,or
aground.
Unship:Totakeapartortoremovefromitsplace.
Unwatched :Saidofalighthousenottended.
Upanchor:Hoistorhaulintheanchor
.
Vast:Anordertocease(stop).
Veer:Toslackofformoveoffalsosaidofachangeofdirectionofwind,when
thewindshiftstoadifferentdirection.
Ventilatorcowl:Theswiveledopeningatthetopofaventilator
.
Ventilator:Awoodenormetalpipeusedtosupplyortoexhaustair
.
Waist:Theportionofthedeckbetweentheforecastleandquarterdeckofa
sailingvessel.
Wake:Avessel'strackthroughthewater
.
Waste:Cottonyarnusedforcleaningpurposes.
Watchcap:Acanvascoversecuredoverafunnelwhennotinuse.
Sailor's

headwear,woolentype,capableofcoveringtheearsincoldweather
.
Watchofficer:Anofficertakinghisturnasofficerofthewatch.
Waterbreaker:Asmallcaskcarriedinship'sboatsfordrinking
purposes.
Water'sedge:Thesurfaceofthewater
.
Waterlogged:Filledwithwaterbutafloat.
Waterline:Thelinepaintedonthesideofthevesselatthewater's
edgeto
indicatethepropertrim.
Watertight:Capableofkeepingoutwater.
Waterway:Thegutteratthesidesofaship'sdecktocarryof
fwater.
Weathereye:Tokeepaweathereyeistobeonthealert(headsup).
Weatherside:Thewindwardside(fromwherethewindisblowing).
Weigh:Liftanchoroffthebottom.
Wellenough:Anordermeaningsufficient(enough).
Whereaway:Acallrequestingdirectioninanswertothereportof
alookout
thatanobjecthasbeensighted.
Whipping:Amethodofpreventingtheendsofalinefromunlaying
orfraying
byturnsofsmallstuf
f,stouttwineorseizingwirewiththe
endstucked.
Whitecap:Thewhitefrothonthecrestsofwaves.
Wideberth:Ataconsiderabledistance.
Wildcat:Asprocketwheelonthewindlassfortakinglinksofthe
chaincable.
Winch:Anengineforhandlingdraftsofcargosecuredondeckand
fittedwith
drumsonahorizontalaxle.
Windlass:Ananchorengineusedforheavinginthechaincableand
anchor.
Wiper:Ageneralhandymanintheengineroom.
Yaw:Tosteerwildlyoroutoflineofcourse.
Sources:
HeroesinDungarees:TheStoryoftheAmericanMerchantMarineinW orldWarII ,
JohnBunker,Annapolis,Maryland:NavalInstitutePress,1995
MastMagazine ,January1944
MastMagazine ,August1944
MastMagazine ,September1946
UnitedStatesMaritimeServiceT rainingManual, WarShippingAdministration,NCornell
MaritimePress,1944
Webster'sEncyclopedicUnabridgedDictionaryoftheEnglishLanguage ,NewYork:
GramercyBooks,1989
Chris,MaritimeHistorianofHayward,CA

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