Taffrail, or Tafferel. The rail round a ship's stern.
Tail. A rope spliced into the end of a block and used for making it fast to rigging or spars. Such a block is called a tail-block.
A ship is said to tail up or down stream, when at anchor, according as her stern swings up or down with the tide; in opposition to heading one way or another, which is said of a vessel when under way.
Tail-tackle. A watch-tackle. (See page 54.)
Tail on! or Tally on! An order given to take hold of a rope and pull.
Tank. An iron vessel placed in the hold to contain the vessel's water.
Tar. A liquid gum, taken from pine and fir trees, and used for caulking, and to put upon yarns in rope-making, and upon standing rigging, to protect it from the weather.
Tarpaulin. A piece of canvass, covered with tar, used for covering hatches, boats, &c. Also, the name commonly given to a sailor's hat when made of tarred or painted cloth.
Taut. Tight.
Taunt. High or tall. Commonly applied to a vessel's masts.