FAIR-MAID. A west-country term for a dried pilchard.
FAIR-WAY. The navigable channel of a harbour for ships passing up or down; so that if any vessels are anchored therein, they are said to lie in the fair-way. (See [Pilot's Fair-way].) Also, when the proper course is gained out of a channel.
FAIR-WEATHER. That to which a ship may carry the small sails.
FAKE. One of the circles or windings of a cable or hawser, as it lies disposed in a coil. (See [Coiling].) The fakes are greater or smaller in proportion to the space which a cable is allowed to occupy.
FALCON. In early times a small cannon, having a length of about 7 feet, a diameter of bore of 3 inches, and throwing a ball of nearly 3 lbs. weight, with a point-blank range of 130 paces, and a random one of 1500.
FALCONET. A primitive cannon smaller than the falcon; it threw a ball of 11⁄2 lb.
FALK. See [Fake].
FALL. A vertical descent of a river through a narrow rocky pass, or over a ledge, to the impediment of navigation. Also, the loose end of a tackle, or that part to which the power is applied in hoisting, and on which the people pull. Also, in ship-building, the descent of a deck from a fair-curve lengthwise, as frequently seen in merchantmen and yachts, to give height to the commander's cabin, and sometimes forward at the hawse-holes. Also, a large cutting down of timber. Also, North American English for autumn, when the navigation of northern inland waters is about to close till the succeeding spring.
FALL, To. A town or fortress is said to fall when it is compelled to surrender to besiegers.
FALL ABOARD OF, To. To strike another vessel, or have a collision with it. Usually applied to the motion of a disabled ship coming in contact with another.