Leech. The vertical side of a square sail. The upper and lower sides, horizontal, are called head and foot.
Leeward (pronounced looard). Direction of movement, or of bearing, opposite to the wind.
Lie-to, to. To bring the vessels head on, or near, the wind, and remain nearly stopped. Usually in heavy weather, but not always.
Line Abreast. See p. [122].
Line Ahead. See p. [85].
Line of Battle. In the line of battle the vessels are ranged on the same straight line, steering the same course, one behind the others, so that all the broadsides are clear to bear upon an enemy. The line preferred is one of the close-hauled lines, because on them the movement of a vessel in the line is more easily regulated by backing, or shaking, some of the sails.
Line of Bearing. See "Bearing, line of."
Line, Ship of the. A vessel fitted by its force for the line of battle. Opposite generically to "cruiser." The modern term is "battleship."
Luff, to. The movement of changing the course to nearer the direction whence the wind comes, by using the helm.
| Main. Mizzen. | } | See "Spars" and "Sails." |