DISBANDED. When the officers and men of a regiment are dismissed, on a reduction of the army.
DISC, or Disk. In nautical astronomy, the circular visible surface presented by any celestial body to the eye of the observer.
DISCARCARE. [Ital.] An old term meaning to unlade a vessel.
DISCHARGED. When applied to a ship, signifies when she is unladen. When expressed of the officers or crew, it implies that they are disbanded from immediate service; and in individual cases, that the person is dismissed in consequence of long service, disability, or at his own request. When spoken of cannon, it means that it is fired off.
DISCHARGE-TICKET. On all foreign stations men are discharged by foreign remove-tickets, and in other cases by dead, sick, or unserviceable ticket, whether at home or abroad.
DISCHARGE-VALVE. In the marine engine, is a valve covering the top of the barrel of the air-pump, opening when pressed from below.
DISCIPLINARIAN. An officer who maintains strict discipline and obedience to the laws of the navy, and himself setting an example.
DISCOURSE, To. An old sea term to traverse to and fro off the proper course.
DISCOVERY SHIP. A vessel fitted for the purpose of exploring unknown seas and coasts. Discovery vessels were formerly taken from the merchant service; they have latterly been replaced by ships of war, furnished with every improved instrument, and acting, on occasion, as active pilots leading in war service.
DISCRETION. To surrender at discretion, implies an unconditional yielding to the mercy of the conquerors.