The wind is said to be quartering, when it blows in a line between that of the keel and the beam and abaft the latter.
Quarter-block. A block fitted under the quarters of a yard on each side the slings, for the clewlines and sheets to reeve through.
Quarter-deck. That part of the upper deck abaft the main-mast.
Quarter-master. A petty officer in a man-of-war, who attends the helm and binnacle at sea, and watches for signals, &c., when in port.
Quick-work. That part of a vessel's side which is above the chain-wales and decks. So called in ship-building.
Quilting. A coating about a vessel, outside, formed of ropes woven together.
Quoin. A wooden wedge for the breech of a gun to rest upon.
Race. A strong, rippling tide.
Rack. To seize two ropes together, with cross-turns. Also, a fair-leader for running rigging.
Rack-block. A course of blocks made from one piece of wood, for fair-leaders.