FISH THE ANCHOR, To. To turn up the flukes of an anchor to the gunwale for stowage, after being catted.—Other fish to fry, a common colloquialism, expressing that a person has other occupation demanding his attention.
FISH-WIFE, or Fish-woman. A female carrier and vendor of fish in our northern cities.
FIST, To. To handle a rope or sail promptly; thus fisting a thing is readily getting hold of it.
FIT FOR DUTY. In an effective state for service.
FIT RIGGING, To. To cut or fit the standing and running rigging to the masts, &c.
FIT-ROD. A small iron rod with a hook at the end, which is put into the holes made in a vessel's side, to ascertain the length of the bolts or tree-nails required to be driven in.
FITTED FURNITURE. Rudder-chocks, bucklers, hawse-plugs, dead-lights, pump-boxes, and other articles of spare supply, sent from the dockyard.
FITTERS. Persons in the north who vend and load coals, fitting ships with cargoes, &c.
FITTING OUT A SHIP. The act of providing a ship with sufficient masts, sails, yards, ammunition, artillery, cordage, anchors, provisions, stores, and men, so that she is in proper condition for the voyage or purpose to which she is appointed.
FIUMARA. A term common to the Italian coasts for a mountain torrent.