STREAM-CABLE. A hawser smaller than the lower cables, and used with the stream-anchor to moor the ship in a sheltered river or haven; it is now more generally a small chain.
STREAMER. Formerly described thus:—"A streamer shall stand in the toppe of a shippe, or in the forecastle, and therein be putt no armes, but a man's conceit or device, and may be of the length of 20, 30, 40, or 60 yardes."
STREAM-ICE. A collection of pieces of drift or bay ice, joining each other in a ridge following in the line of current. (See [Sea-stream].)
STREAM-LAKE. One which communicates with, the sea by means of a river.
STREAM THE BUOY, To. To let the buoy fall from the after-part of the ship's side into the water, preparatory to letting go the anchor, that it may not foul the buoy-rope as it sinks to the bottom.
STREMES. An old English word for "the rays of the sun."
STRENGTH. In naval architecture, means giving the various pieces of a ship their proper figures, so that by their combination and disposition they may be united into a firm and compact frame. In regimental affairs it implies merely the number of men actually serving.
STRENGTH OF THE TIDE. Where it runs strongest, which in serpentine courses will be found in the hollow curves.
STRESS. Hard pressure by weather or other causes. Stress of weather often compels a ship to put back to the port whence she sailed.
STRETCH. A word frequently used instead of tack; as, "We shall make a good stretch."—To stretch. To sail by the wind under a crowd of canvas.