The Seaman's Friend / Containing a treatise on practical seamanship, with plates, a dictionary of sea terms, customs and usages of the merchant service

by Richard Henry Dana

A-hull. The situation of a vessel when she lies with all her sails furled and her helm lashed a-lee.

A-lee. The situation of the helm when it is put in the opposite direction from that in which the wind blows.

All-aback. When all the sails are aback.

All Hands. The whole crew.

All in the wind. When all the sails are shaking.

Aloft. Above the deck.

Aloof. At a distance.

Amain. Suddenly. At once.

Amidships. In the centre of the vessel; either with reference to her length or to her breadth.

Anchor. The machine by which, when dropped to the bottom, the vessel is held fast.