BEATEN BACK. Returning into port from stress of foul weather.
BEATING, or Turning to Windward. The operation of making progress by alternate tacks at sea against the wind, in a zig-zag line, or transverse courses; beating, however, is generally understood to be turning to windward in a storm or fresh wind.
BEATING THE BOOBY. The beating of the hands from side to side in cold weather to create artificial warmth.
BEATING WIND. That which requires the ship to make her way by tacks; a baffling or contrary wind.
BEATSTER. One who beats or mends the Yarmouth herring-nets.
BEAT TO ARMS. The signal by drum to summon the men to their quarters.
BEAT TO QUARTERS. The order for the drummer to summon every one to his respective station.
BEAVER. A helmet in general, but particularly that part which lets down to allow of the wearer's drinking.
BECALM, To. To intercept the current of the wind in its passage to a ship, by means of any contiguous object, as a high shore, some other ship to windward, &c. At this time the sails remain in a sort of rest, and consequently deprived of their power to govern the motion of the ship. Thus one sail becalms another.
BECALMED. Implies that from the weather being calm, and not a breath of wind blowing, the sails hang loose against the mast.