ENNIS, or Innis. A term for island on the west coast of Ireland and in some parts of Scotland.
ENROL, To. To enter the name on the roll of a corps.
ENSCONCE, To. To intrench; to protect by a slight fortification.
ENSENADA [Sp. bay]. This term is frequently used on the coasts of Chili and Peru.
ENSIGN. [From the Anglo-Saxon segn.] A large flag or banner, hoisted on a long pole erected over the stern, and called the ensign-staff. It is used to distinguish the ships of different nations from each other, as also to characterize the different squadrons of the navy; it was formerly written ancient. Ensign is in the army the title of the junior rank of subaltern officers of infantry; from amongst them are detailed the officers who carry the colours.
ENTERING at Custom-house. The forms required of the master of a merchant ship before her cargo can be discharged.
ENTERING-LADDERS. Are of two sorts; one of them being used by the vessel's side in harbour or in fair weather, the other is made of ropes, with small staves for steps, and is hung out of the gallery to come aboard by, when the sea runs so high as to risk staving the boat if brought alongside; the latter are termed stern-ladders.
ENTERING-PORTS. Ports cut down on the middle gun-deck of three-deckers, to serve as door-ways for persons going in and out of the ship.
ENTERING-ROPES, or Side-ropes. Three are sometimes used to aid in climbing the ship's side. They hang from the upper part on the right, left, and middle of the steps. (See [Gangway].) The upper end of an entering-rope is rove through an eye in the iron stanchion at the gangway; it is walled, crowned, and otherwise ornamentally fitted.
ENTERPRISE. An undertaking of difficulty and danger.