DRUM. See [Storm-drum].
DRUM-CAPSTAN. A contrivance for weighing heavy anchors, invented by Sir S. Morland, who died in 1695.
DRUMHEAD COURT-MARTIAL. Sudden court held in the field for the immediate trial of thefts or misconduct. (See [Provost-Marshal].)
DRUMHEAD OF CAPSTAN. A broad cylindrical piece of elm, resembling a millstone, and fixed immediately above the barrel and whelps. On its circumference a number of square holes are cut parallel to the deck, to receive the bars.
DRUMLER. An ancient transport. (See [Dromon].) Also, a small piratical vessel of war.
DRUMMER. The marine who beats the drum, and whose pay is equivalent to that of a private of fourteen years' standing. Also, a singular fish of the corvinas kind, which has the faculty of emitting musical noises, whence it has acquired the name of crocros.
DRUXY. Timber in a state of decay, the condition of which is manifested by veins or spots in it of a whitish tint.
DRY-BULB THERMOMETER. The readings of this instrument, when compared with those of a wet-bulb thermometer, indicate the amount of moisture in the air, and thence the probability of rain.
DRY DOCK. An artificial receptacle for examining and repairing vessels. (See [Graving-Dock].)
DRY DUCKING. Suspending a person by a rope a few yards above the surface of the water.