ACKER. See [Eagre] or [Aigre]. Also, an eddying ripple on the surface of flooded waters. A tide swelling above another tide, as in the Severn. (See [Bore].)
ACK-MEN, or Ack-pirates. Fresh-water thieves; those who steal on navigable rivers.
A-COCKBILL (see [Cock-bill]). The anchor hangs by its ring at the cat-head, in a position for dropping.
ACOLYTE. A term sometimes used to distinguish the smaller component of a double star. A subordinate officer in the ancient church.
ACON. A flat-bottomed Mediterranean boat or lump, for carrying cargoes over shoals.
ACQUITTANCE. A commercial term, more generally called [quittance] (which see).
ACRE, or Acre-fight. An old duel fought by warriors between the frontiers of England and Scotland, with sword and lance. This duelling was also called camp-fight.
ACROSS THE TIDE. A ship riding across tide, with the wind in the direction of the tide, would tend to leeward of her anchor; but with a weather tide, or that running against the wind, if the tide be strong, would tend to windward. A ship under sail should prefer the tack that stems the tide, with the wind across the stream, when the anchor is let go.
ACROSTOLIUM. A buckler, helmet, or other symbolical ornament on the prow of ancient ships; the origin of the modern figure-head.
ACT AND INTENTION. Must be united in admiralty law.