BALLAST-PORTS. Square holes cut in the sides of merchantmen for taking in ballast. But should be securely barred and caulked in before proceeding to sea.
BALLAST-SHIFTING. When by heavy rolling the ballast shifts in the hold.
BALLAST-SHINGLE. Composed of coarse gravel.
BALLAST-SHOOTING. (See [Shoots].) In England, and indeed in most frequented ports, the throwing of ballast overboard is strictly prohibited and subject to fine.
BALLAST-SHOVEL. A peculiar square and spoon-pointed iron shovel.
BALLAST-TRIM. When a vessel has only ballast on board.
BALLATOON. A sort of long heavy luggage-vessel of upwards of a hundred tons, employed on the river between Moscow and the Caspian Sea.
BALL-CARTRIDGE. For small arms.
BALL-CLAY. Adhesive strong bottom, brought up by the flukes of the anchors in massy lumps.
BALLISTA. An ancient military engine, like an enormous cross-bow, for throwing stones, darts, and javelins against the enemy with rapidity and violence. Also, the name of the geometrical cross called Jacob's staff.