GREAT CIRCLE. One whose assumed plane passes through the centre of the sphere, dividing it equally.
GREAT-CIRCLE SAILING. Is a method for determining a series of points in an arc of a great circle between two points on the surface of the earth, for the purpose of directing a ship's course as nearly as possible on such arc; that is, on the curve of shortest distance between the place from which she sets out, and that at which she is to arrive.
GREAT GUN. The general sea-term for cannons, or officers of great repute.
GREAT GUNS and Small-arms. The general armament of a ship. Also, a slang term for the blowing and raining of heavy weather.
GREAT-LINE FISHING. That carried on over the deeper banks of the ocean. (See [Line-fishing].) It is more applicable to hand-fishing, as on the banks of Newfoundland, in depths over 60 fathoms.
GREAT OCEAN. The Pacific, so called from its superior extent.
GREAT SHAKES. See [Shake].
GREAVES. Armour for the legs.
GRECALE. A north-eastern breeze off the coast of Sicily, Greece lying N.E.
GREEN. Raw and untutored; a metaphor from unripe fruit—thus Shakspeare makes Pandulph say: