BLOW-VALVE. A valve by which the first vacuum necessary for starting a steam-engine is produced.
BLUBBER. The layer of fat in whales between the skin and the flesh, which is flinched or peeled off, and boiled for oil, varying from 10 to 20 inches in thickness. (See [Sea-blubber].)
BLUBBER FORKS AND CHOPPERS. The implements with which blubber is "made off," or cut for stowing away.
BLUBBER-GUY. A large rope stretched from the main to the fore mast head of whalers, to which the speck-falls are attached for the operation of flensing.
BLUE. Till all's blue: carried to the utmost—a phrase borrowed from the idea of a vessel making out of port, and getting into blue water.—To look blue, to be surprised, disappointed, or taken aback, with a countenance expressive of displeasure.
BLUE-JACKETS. The seamen as distinguished from the marines.
BLUE LIGHT. A pyrotechnical preparation for signals by night. Also called Bengal light.
BLUE-LIGHTISM. Affected sanctimoniousness.
BLUE MOON. An indefinite period.
BLUE-NOSE. A general term for a native of Nova Scotia.