BOMB-SHELL. A large hollow ball of cast-iron, for throwing from mortars (distinguished by having ears or lugs, by which to lift it with the shell-hooks into the mortar), and having a hole to receive the fuze, which communicates ignition to the charge contained in the shell. (See [Fuze].)
BOME-SPAR boom]. A spar of a larger kind.
BOMKIN. See [Bumkin].
BONA FIDE. In good faith; without subterfuge—Bona fides is a condition necessary to entitle to the privilege of pre-emption in our admiralty courts.
BONAVENTURE. The old outer mizen, long disused.
BONDING. See [Warehousing System].
BONDING-POND. An inclosed space of water where the tide flows, for keeping timber in.
BOND-MAN. A harsh method in some ships, in keeping one man bound for the good behaviour of another on leave.
BOND OF BOTTOMRY. An authority to borrow money, by pledging the keel or bottom of the ship. (See [Bottomry].)
BONE, To. To seize, take, or apprehend. A ship is said to carry a bone in her mouth and cut a feather, when she makes the water foam before her.