Moreover, on the other hand, the pasteboard being once a little contracted by the friction, or rendered soft on its edges by the elastic fluid in the barrel, allows the powder to escape where the calibre becomes relieved, and therefore makes the gun, in comparison, shoot thin, weak, and irregular.—Hawker.
Oar, s. A long pole with a broad end by which boats are propelled.
Oatcake, s. Cake made of the meal of oats.
Oaten, a. Made of oats, bearing oats.
Oatmalt, s. Malt made of oats.
Oatmeal, s. Flour made by grinding oats.
Oats, s. A grain with which horses are fed.
In the choice of oats for horses, such as are heavy and clean, and sweet, are preferable. New oats are injurious, being difficult of digestion, and apt to scour; but this quality may be, in a great measure, corrected by drying them gradually on a kiln.
Kiln-dried oats are seldom used in Ireland, it being supposed that they are injurious to a horse’s wind.
Ocular, a. Depending on the eye, known by the eye.