FIERY-FLAW, or Fire-flaire. A northern designation of the sting-ray (Raia pastinaca).
FIFE-RAILS. Those forming the upper fence of the bulwarks on each side of the quarter-deck and poop in men-of-war. Also, the rail round the main-mast, and encircling both it and the pumps, furnished with belaying pins for the running rigging, though now obsolete under the iron rule.
FIFER AND FIDLER. Two very important aids in eliciting exact discipline; for hoisting, warping, and heaving at the capstan in proper time; rated a second-class petty officer styled "musician," pay £30, 8s. per annum.
FIG, or Full Fig. In best clothes. Full dress.
FIGALA. An East Indian craft with one mast, generally rowed with paddles.
FIGGER. The soubriquet of a Smyrna trader.
FIGGIE-DOWDIE. A west-country pudding, made with raisins, and much in vogue at sea among the Cornish and Devon men. Cant west-country term for plum-pudding—figs and dough.
FIGHT, Sea. See [Battle], [Engagement], [Exercise], &c.
FIGHTING-LANTERNS. Kept in their respective fire-buckets at quarters, in readiness for night action only. There is usually one attached to each gun; the bucket is fragile, but intended to screen the light, and furnished with a fire-lanyard.
FIGHTING-SAILS. Those to which a ship is reduced when going into action; formerly implying the courses and top-sails only.