All-a-taunt-o. Said of a vessel when she has all her light and tall masts and spars aloft.
Tell-tale. A compass hanging from the beams of the cabin, by which the heading of a vessel may be known at any time. Also, an instrument connected with the barrel of the wheel, and traversing so that the officer may see the position of the tiller.
Tend. To watch a vessel at anchor at the turn of tides, and cast her by the helm, and some sail if necessary, so as to keep turns out of her cables.
Tenon. The heel of a mast, made to fit into the step.
Thick-and-thin Block. A block having one sheave larger than the other. Sometimes used for quarter-blocks.
Thimble. An iron ring, having its rim concave on the outside for a rope or strap to fit snugly round.
Thole-pins. Pins in the gunwale of a boat, between which an oar rests when pulling, instead of a rowlock.
Throat. The inner end of a gaff, where it widens and hollows in to fit the mast. (See Jaws.) Also, the hollow part of a knee.
The throat brails, halyards, &c., are those that hoist or haul up the gaff or sail near the throat. Also, the angle where the arm of an anchor is joined to the shank.
Thrum. To stick short strands of yarn through a mat or piece of canvass, to make a rough surface.