SHEET-ANCHOR. One of four bower anchors supplied, two at the bows, and one at either chest-tree abaft the fore-rigging; one is termed the sheet, the other the spare anchor; usually got ready in a gale to let go on the parting of a bower. To a sheet anchor a stout hempen cable is generally bent, as lightening the strain at the bow, and being more elastic.
SHEET-BEND. A sort of double hitch, made by passing the end of one rope through the bight of another, round both parts of the other, and under its own part.
SHEET-CABLE. A hempen cable used when riding in deep water, where the weight of a chain cable would oppress a ship.
SHEET-COPPER. Copper rolled out into sheets, for the sheathing of ships' bottoms, &c.
SHEET-FISH. The Silurus glanis, a large fish found in many European rivers and lakes.
SHEET HOME! The order, after the sails are loosed, to extend the sheets to the outer extremities of the yards, till the clue is close to the sheet-block. Also, when driving anything home, as a blow, &c.
SHEET IN THE WIND. Half intoxicated; as the sail trembles and is unsteady, so is a drunken man.
SHELDRAKE. The Anas tadorna, a large species of wild duck.
SHELF. A dangerous beach bounded by a ledge of flat rocks a-wash. In icy regions, (see [Tongue]).
SHELF-PIECES. Strakes of plank running internally in a line with the decks, for the purpose of receiving the ends of the beams. They are also called stringers.