RUDDER-TACKLES. Attached to the rudder-pendants.
RUDDER-TRUNK. A casing of wood fitted or boxed firmly into a cavity in the vessel's counter, called the helm port, through which the rudder-stock is introduced.
RUFFLE. A low vibrating sound of the drum, continuous like the roll, but not so loud: it is used in complimenting officers of rank.
RUFFLERS. Certain fellows who begged about formerly, under pretext of having served in the wars.
RULE OF THUMB. That rule suggested by a practical rather than a scientific knowledge. In common matters it means to estimate by guess, not by weight or measure.
RULES OF THE SEA. Certain practices and regulations as to steerage, which are recognized by seamen as well as by law, in order to prevent the collision of ships, or to determine who has contravened them; precedents in one sense, custom in another.
RULE-STAFF. A lath about 4 inches in breadth, used for curves in ship-building.
RUMBELOW. A very favourite burden to an old sea-song, of which vestiges still remain.
RUMBO. Rope stolen from a royal dockyard.
RUM-GAGGER. A cheat who tells wonderful stories of his sufferings at sea to obtain money.