WATCH AND WATCH. The arrangement of the crew in two watches.
WATCH-BILL. The pocket "watch and station bill," which each officer is expected to produce if required, and instantly muster the watch, or the men stationed to any specific duty.
WATCHET. A light blue, or sky-coloured cloth worn formerly by English sailors, especially by the boats' crews of men-of-war.
WATCH-GLASSES. The half-hour glasses employed to measure the periods of the watch, so that the several stations therein may be regularly kept and relieved, as at the helm, pump, look-out, &c. (See [Glass].)
WATCHING A SMOOTH. Looking for a temporary subsidence of the waves of a head-sea, previous to easing down the helm, in tacking ship.
WATCH-SETTING. In the army, retreat, or the time for mounting the night-guards.
WATCH-TACKLE. A small luff purchase with a short fall, the double block having a tail to it, and the single one a hook. Used for various purposes about the decks, by which the watch can perform a duty without demanding additional men.
WATER, To. To fill the casks or tanks; to complete water.
WATERAGE. The charge for using shore-boats.
WATER-BAILIFF. An officer in sea-port towns for the searching of vessels.