SPOON-DRIFT. A showery sprinkling of the water swept from the tops of the waves in a brisk gale. Driving snow is also sometimes termed spoon-drift.
SPOONING, or Spooming. Driving under a heavy gale, such as forces a ship to run before it without any canvas set.
SPOON-WAYS. In slave-ships, stowing the poor wretches so closely locked together, that it is difficult to move without treading upon them.
SPOTS ON THE SUN. See [Maculæ].
SPOUT. A term applied to the blowing or breathing of whales and other cetaceans. The expired air, highly charged with moisture from the lungs, has frequently been mistaken for a stream of water. (See also [Water-spout].)
SPOUTER. A whaling term for a South Sea whale.
SPRAT WEATHER. The dark days of November and December, so called from that being the most favourable season for catching sprats.
SPREAD A FLEET, To. To keep more open order.
SPREAD EAGLE. A person seized in the rigging; generally a passenger thus made to pay his entrance forfeit.
SPREE. Uproarious jollity, sport, and merriment.