CATASCOPIA. Small vessels anciently used for reconnoitring and carrying despatches.
CAT-BEAM. This, called also the beak-head beam, is the broadest beam in the ship, and is generally made of two beams tabled and bolted together.
CAT-BLOCK. A two or three fold block, with an iron strop and large hook to it, which is employed to cat or draw the anchor up to the cat-head, which is also fitted with three great sheaves to correspond.
CATCH. A term used among fishermen to denote a quantity of fish taken at one time.
CATCH A CRAB. In rowing, when an oar gets so far beneath the surface of the water, that the rower cannot recover it in time to prevent his being knocked backwards.
CATCH A TURN THERE. Belay quickly.
CATCH-FAKE. An unseemly doubling in a badly coiled rope.
CATERER. A purveyor and provider of provisions: now used for the person who takes charge of and regulates the economy of a mess. (See [Acater].)
CAT-FALL. The rope rove for the cat-purchase, by which the anchor is raised to the cat-head or catted.
CAT-FISH. A name for the sea-wolf (Anarrhicas lupus).