Dead-wood. Blocks of timber, laid upon each end of the keel, where the vessel narrows.
Deck. The planked floor of a vessel, resting upon her beams.
Deck-stopper. A stopper used for securing the cable forward of the windlass or capstan, while it is overhauled. (See Stopper.)
Deep-sea-lead. (Pronounced dipsey.) (See page 17.) The lead used in sounding at great depths.
Departure. The easting or westing made by a vessel. The bearing of an object on the coast from which a vessel commences her dead reckoning.
Derrick. A single spar, supported by stays and guys, to which a purchase is attached, used to unload vessels, and for hoisting.
Dog. A short iron bar, with a fang or teeth at one end, and a ring at the other. Used for a purchase, the fang being placed against a beam or knee, and the block of a tackle hooked to the ring.
Dog-vane. A small vane, made of feathers or buntin, to show the direction of the wind.
Dog-watches. Half watches of two hours each, from 4 to 6, and from 6 to 8, P.M. (See Watch.)
Dolphin. A rope or strap round a mast to support the puddening, where the lower yards rest in the slings. Also, a spar or buoy with a large ring in it, secured to an anchor, to which vessels may bend their cables.