SAMSON'S POST. A movable pillar which rests on its upper shoulder against a beam, with the lower tenons into the deck, and standing at an angle of 15° forward. To this post, at 4 feet above the deck, a leading or snatch-block is hooked, and any fore-and-aft purchase is led by it across the deck to one similar, so that, from the starboard bow to the starboard aft Samson-post, across to the port-post and forward, the whole crew can apply their force for catting and fishing the anchor, or hoisting in or out boats; top-tackle falls, &c., are usually so treated.
SANDAL. A long narrow Barbary boat, of from 15 to 50 tons; open, and fitted with two masts.
SAND-BAGS. Small square cushions made of canvas and painted, for boats' ballast. Also, bags containing about a cubical foot of earth or sand, used for raising a parapet in haste, and making temporary loop-holes for musketry; also, to repair any part beaten down or damaged by the enemy's fire.
SAND AND CORAL BANK. An accumulation of sand and fragments of coral above the surface of the sea, without any vegetation; when it becomes verdant it is called a [key] (which see).
SAND-DRIFTS. Hillocks of shifting sands, as on the deserts of Sahara, &c.
SANDERLING. A small wading bird, Calidris arenaria.
SAND-HILLS. Mounds of sand thrown up on the sea-shore by winds and eddies. They are mostly destitute of verdure.
SAND-HOPPER. A small creature (Talitra), resembling a shrimp, which abounds on some beaches.
SAND-LAUNCE. Ammodytes tobianus, a small eel-like fish, which buries itself in the sand.
SAND-PIPER. A name applied to many species of small wading birds found on the sea-shore and banks of lakes and rivers, feeding on insects, crustaceans, and worms.