TWINE. A kind of strong thread used in sail-making; it is of two kinds: extra, for sewing the seams; and ordinary, for the bolt-ropes. (See [Whipping-twine].) Irish twine or thumb-line, like nettles, is worked by the fingers from fine yarns drawn from bolt-rope.
TWIN-SCREW. A steamer fitted with two propellers and independent engines, to enable her to turn rapidly on her own axis. The twin-screw principle is not new, but latterly it has been so perfected that speed in turning is no longer a matter of doubt.
TWO-BLOCKS. The same as [chock-a-block] (which see).
TWO-HANDED FELLOWS. Those who are both seamen and soldiers, or artificers; as the marines and, specially, marine artillerymen.
TWO-HANDED SAW. A very useful instrument in ship-carpentry; it is much longer than the hand-saw, and requires two men to use it.
TWO-MONTHLY BOOK. A book kept by the captain's clerk, to be forwarded every two months, when possible, in order to prevent frauds; and in the event of a ship being lost, to have the accounts to the nearest period.
TWO MONTHS' ADVANCE. See [Advance Money].
TWO-PENCES. A deduction from each man, per mensem, formerly assigned to the surgeon for wages.
TWO-TOPSAIL-SCHOONER. See [Topsail-schooner].
TWY. A meteor squall on the coasts of Wiltshire, Hampshire, &c.