UNBITT, To. To remove the turns of a cable from off the bitts. (See [Bitts].)
UNCLAIMED, as Derelict. Vessels found at sea without a human being, or a domestic animal, on board are good prizes, if not claimed within 366 days. If so claimed, full salvage, or half her value, is assigned to the salvors.
UNDECAGON. A geometrical figure of eleven equal sides and angles.
UNDER BARE POLES. The condition of a ship under no canvas, or when the wind is too violent to allow of any sail being set on her.
UNDER-BEVELLING. The alteration made inside a square in hewing timber, as opposed to standing bevelling.
UNDER-BRIGHT. A meteorological term for the strong light which sometimes appears below clouds near the horizon.
UNDER CANVAS. Synonymous with under sail.
UNDER-CURRENT. A stream which sets beneath the surface-water of the sea whilst that is either in a quiescent state or moving in a contrary direction. Swift rivers may run out at top whilst the flood-tide runs in below.
UNDER DECK. The floor of a cabin, or 'tween decks.
UNDER FOOT. Under the ship's bottom; said of an anchor which is dropped while she has head-way. An anchor is often dropped under foot when calm prevails and the drift would be towards danger.—To drop an anchor under foot, is to let it go and veer a little of the riding cable when the coming home, or parting of the one by which she is riding, is feared.