SERPENTINE POWDER. An old term for a peculiar granulated gunpowder.
SERRATED. Notched like the edge of a saw.
SERVE, To. To supply the gun with powder and shot. Also, to handle it through all the changes of station.
SERVE THE VENT, To. To stop it with the thumb.
SERVICE. The profession; as a general term, expresses every kind of duty which a naval or military man can be called upon to perform. Also, implying any bold exploit.—To see service, is a common expression, which implies actual contest with the enemy.—Service, of served rope, is the spun-yarn wound round a rope by means of a serving-board or mallet.
SERVICEABLE. Both as respects men and stores, capable of or fit for duty.
SERVING-BOARD. A flattened piece of hard wood with a handle, for passing service on the smaller ropes.
SERVING-MALLET. The mallet, grooved on the under side, with which spun-yarn, or other small stuff, is wrapped tightly round a rope.
SERVING OUT SLOPS. Distributing clothing, &c. Also, a cant term to denote punishment at the gangway.
SET. The direction in which a current flows, or of the wind. (See [Direction].)—To set, is to observe the bearings of any distant object by the compass. (See [Bearing].) Also applied to the direction of the tide, as "the tide setting to the south," is opposed to a swelling sea setting to the north-west. Also, when applied to sails, implies the loosing and spreading them, so as to force the ship through the water on weighing. When in chase, or other emergency, the term is sometimes used as synonymous with make sail.