SISTER OR CISTERN BLOCK. A turned cylindrical block having two sheave-holes, one above the other. It fits in between the first pair of top-mast shrouds on each side, and is secured by seizings below the cat-harpings. The topsail-lift reeves through the lower, and the reef-tackle pendant through the upper.
SISTER-KEELSONS. Square timbers extending along the floors, by the main keelson, leaving sufficient space on each side for the limbers. (See [Side-keelsons].)
SISTROID ANGLE. One like a sistrum, the Egyptian musical instrument.
SITCH. A little current of water, generally dry in summer.
SIX-UPON-FOUR. Reduced allowance; four rations allotted to six men.
SIX-WATER GROG. Given as a punishment for neglect or drunkenness, instead of the usual four-water, which is one part rum, and four parts water, lime-juice, and sugar.
SIZE, To. To range soldiers, marines, and small-arm men, so that the tallest may be on the flanks of a party.
SIZE-FISH. A whale, of which the whalebone blades are six feet or upwards in length; the harpooner gets a bonus for striking a "size-fish."
SIZES. A corruption for [six-upon-four] (which see).
SKARKALLA. An old machine for catching fish.