APPENDIX
An abridged dictionary of nautical words and expressions
I am anxious that it should not appear that I believe the following list to be either complete or adequate. The phraseology of sailors is often so saturated with nautical expressions that a person uninitiated into the fraternity of the sea might easily find their conversations almost beyond his comprehension. The words that follow, however, and their definitions, will make clear any portion of the text of this book which may have more of a nautical flavour than I intended, and may, too, clarify other things in the minds of those unacquainted with the language of the sea.—H. D.
a—An Anglo-Saxon prefix for “on” or “in.” It is in constant use at sea, as in aback, aboard, astern, etc.
aback—Spoken of square sails blown back against a mast by a sudden change of wind, or, in some instances, put in that position purposely for some special purpose.
abaft—Behind or toward the stern of a vessel. Thus, abaft the bridge will mean toward the stern from the bridge.
abeam—On the side of a vessel, amidships. Thus, an object abeam, or on the beam, is an object at right angles to the vessel amidships.
aboard, or on board—On, or in, a vessel.
about—A turning round. To go about—To turn a vessel round, in sailing, so that the wind comes over the other side. See tack.
adrift—Anything which floats unfastened, as a boat or a spar, which may have broken away, or a ship which has parted from her anchor. Seamen also refer to articles carelessly lying around a ship as adrift.