[210] To sheer, or shore, means to separate—we use the term “sheer to”, but “sheer off” appears to be the only sense in which it should be applied.
[211] The greater part of the powder on board men-of-war, is made up into cartridges, to avoid delay in filling during action, and danger from using loose powder in a ladle.
[212] Crows or crow-bars?
[213] The additional velocity of the projectile gained by using long guns, is thought to overbalance the advantage which the short guns possess by being more easily handled. The usual length of heavy guns at present, is about nine feet and a half.
[214] To moil has been supposed to be derived from the French mouiller.
[215] Profited.
[216] Since.
[217] Slightly—or perhaps what we now call “deep-waisted”.
[219] Maim.