WALL-PIECE. A very heavy powerful musket, for use in fortified places.
WALL-SIDED. The sides of a ship continuing nearly perpendicular down to the surface of the water, like a wall. It is the mean between tumbling home and flaring out.
WALRUS [Dan. hval-ros]. The Trichecus rosmarus, a large amphibious marine animal, allied to the seals, found in the Arctic regions. Its upper canines are developed into large descending tusks, of considerable value as ivory. It is also called morse, sea-horse, and sea-cow. This animal furnished Cook, as well as our latest Arctic voyagers, with Arctic beef. The skin is of the utmost importance to the Esquimaux, as well as to the Russians of Siberia, &c.
WALT. An old word, synonymous with crank; or tottering, like a sprung spar.
WANE. In timber, an imperfection implying a want of squareness at one or more of its corners; under this deficiency it is termed wane-wood.
WANE-CLOUD. See [Cirro-stratus].
WANGAN. A boat, in Maine, for carrying provisions.
WANY. Said of timber when spoiled by wet.
WAPP, OR WHAP. A name formerly given to any short pendant and thimble, through which running-rigging was led. Also, a rope wherewith rigging was set taut with wall-knots, one end being fast to the shroud, and the other brought to the laniard. But any shroud-stopper is a wapp.
WAR. A contest between princes or states, which, not being determinable otherwise, is referred to the decision of the sword. It may exist without a declaration on either side, and is either civil, defensive, or offensive.