BUTTOCK. The breadth of the ship astern from the tuck upwards: it is terminated by the counter above, by the bilge below, by the stern-post in the middle, and by the quarter on the side. That part abaft the after body, which is bounded by the fashion pieces, and by the wing transom, and the upper or second water-line. A ship is said to have a broad, or narrow, buttock according to her transom convexity under the stern.
BUTTOCK-LINES. In ship-building, the longitudinal curves at the rounding part of the after body in a vertical section.
BUTTON. The knob of metal which terminates the breech end of most guns, and which affords a convenient bearing for the application of handspikes, breechings, &c.
BUTTONS, To make. A common time-honoured, but strange expression, for sudden apprehension or misgiving.
BUTTRESS. In fortification. (See [Counterforts].)
BUTT-SHAFT, or Butt-bolt. An arrow without a barb, used for shooting at a butt.
BUTT-SLINGING A BOWSPRIT. See [Slings].
BUXSISH. A gratuity, in oriental trading.
BUZZING. Sometimes used for [booming] (which see).
BY. On or close to the wind.—Full and by, not to lift or shiver the sails; rap-full.