Log, or Log-book. A journal kept by the chief officer, in which the situation of the vessel, winds, weather, courses, distances, and everything of importance that occurs, is noted down.
Log. A line with a piece of board, called the log-chip, attached to it, wound upon a reel, and used for ascertaining the ship's rate of sailing. (See page 17.)
Long-boat. The largest boat in a merchant vessel. When at sea, it is carried between the fore and main masts.
Longers. The longest casks, stowed next the keelson.
Long-timbers. Timbers in the cant-bodies, reaching from the dead-wood to the head of the second futtock.
Loof. That part of a vessel where the planks begin to bend as they approach the stern.
Loom. That part of an oar which is within the row-lock. Also, to appear above the surface of the water; to appear larger than nature, as in a fog.
Lubber's Hole. A hole in the top, next the mast.
Luff. To put the helm so as to bring the ship up nearer to the wind. Spring-a-luff! Keep your luff! &c. Orders to luff. Also, the roundest part of a vessel's bow. Also, the forward leech of fore-and-aft sails.
Luff-tackle. A purchase composed of a double and single block. (See page 54.)