TAPPING A BUOY. Clearing it of the water which has entered it by leakage, and would otherwise prevent its watching.
TAP THE ADMIRAL. Opprobriously applied to those who would "drink anything;" from the tale of the drunkard who stole spirits from the cask in which a dead admiral was being conveyed to England.
TAR [Anglo-Saxon tare]. A kind of turpentine which is drained from pines and fir-trees, and is used to preserve standing rigging, canvas, &c., from the effects of weather, by rendering them water-proof. Also, a perfect sailor; one who knows his duty thoroughly. (See [Jack Tar].)—Coal or gas tar. A fluid extracted from coal during the operation of making gas, &c.; chiefly used on wood and iron, in the place of paint.
TARBET, or Tarbert. Applied to low necks of land in Scotland that divide the lakes from the sea. It literally means boat-carrying, and is analogous to the Canadian "portage."
TAR-BRUSH, Touch of the. A nautical term applied to those who are slightly darkened by mixed blood.
TARGET [Anglo-Saxon targe]. A leathern shield. A mark to aim at.
TARGIA. An archaic term for a vessel, since called a tartan.
TARI. A coin of Italy, value 8d. sterling.
TARIFF. List of duties payable upon exported and imported goods.
TARITA. An ancient term for a ship of burden.