ROW, To. To propel a boat or vessel by oars or sweeps, which are managed in a direction nearly horizontal. (See [Oar].)
ROW DRY! The order to those who row, not to splash water into the boat.
ROWED OF ALL! The orders for the rowers to cease, and toss their oars into the boat simultaneously, in naval style.
ROW IN THE SAME BOAT, To. To be of similar principles.
ROWL. The iron or wooden shiver, or wheel, for a whip-tackle.
ROWLE. A light crane, formerly much used in clearing boats and holds.
ROWLOCKS. Those spaces in the gunwale, or upper edge of a boat's side, wherein the oars work in the act of rowing.
ROW-PORTS. Certain scuttles or square holes, formerly cut through the sides of the smaller vessels of war, near the surface of the water, for the purpose of rowing them along in a calm or light wind, by heavy sweeps, each worked by several men. (See [Sweeps].)
ROYAL. The name of a light sail spread immediately next above the top-gallant sail, to whose yard-arms the lower corners of it are attached; it used to be termed top-gallant royal, and is never used but in fine weather. Also, the name of a small mortar.
ROYAL FISH. Whales, porpoises, sturgeons, &c., which, when driven on shore, become droits of admiralty.