CHANNEL-GROPING. The carrying despatches, and cruising from port to port in soundings.
CHANNEL-PLATES. See [Chain-plates].
CHANNEL-WALES. Strakes worked between the gun-deck and the upper deck ports of large ships. Also, the outside plank which receives the bolts of the chain-plates. The wale-plank extends fore and aft to support the channels.
CHANTICLEER. A name in the Frith of Forth for the dragonet or gowdie (Callionymus lyra). The early or vigilant cock, from which several English vessels of war have derived their names.
CHAP. A general term for a man of any age after boyhood; but it is not generally meant as a compliment.
CHAPE. The top locket of a sword scabbard.
CHAPELLING A SHIP. The act of turning her round in a light breeze, when she is close hauled, without bracing the head-yards, so that she will lie the same way that she did before. This is commonly occasioned by the negligence of the steersman, or by a sudden change of the wind.
CHAPLAIN. The priest appointed to perform divine service on board ships in the royal navy.
CHAPMAN. A small merchant or trader; a ship's super-cargo.
CHAR. A fine species of trout taken in our northern lakes.