COMPTROLLER OF THE CUSTOMS. The officer who controls and has a check on the collectors of customs. (See [Controller].)
COMPTROLLER OF THE NAVY. Formerly the chief commissioner of the navy board, at which he presided.
COMRADE. A barrack term for a fellow-soldier, serving in the same company.
CONCEALMENT, or Suppressio Veri. Consists in the suppression of any fact or circumstance as to the state of the ship, the nature of her employ, and the time of sailing or expected arrival, material to the risk of insurance, and is fatal to the insured. But it is held immaterial to disclose the secret destination of privateers, the usages of trade, or matters equally open to both parties.
CONCENTRATED FIRE. The bringing the whole or several guns to bear on a single point.
CONCH. A large univalve, used as a horn by pilots, fishermen, &c., in fogs: a strombus, triton, or sometimes a murex.
CONCHS. A name for the wreckers of the Bahama reefs, in allusion to the shells on those shores. Though plunder is their object, the Conchs are very serviceable to humanity, and evince both courage and address in saving the lives of the wrecked.
CONCLUDING-LINE. A small rope hitched to the middle of the steps of the stern-ladders. Also, a small line leading through the centre of the steps of a Jacob's ladder.
CONDEMNATION. A captured ship declared by sentence of the admiralty court to be lawful prize. But the transfer of a prize vessel carried into a neutral port, and sold without a condemnation, or the authority of any judicial proceedings, is null and void.
CONDEMNED. Unserviceable, as bad provisions, old stores, &c.