HALF-BREADTH of the Rising. A ship-builder's term for a curve in the floor-plan, which limits the distances of the centres of the floor-sweeps from the middle line of the body-plan.
HALF-BREADTH PLAN. In ship-building, the same as floor-plan.
HALF-COCK. To go off at half-cock is an unexpected discharge of a fire-arm; hurried conduct without due preparation, and consequently failure.
HALF-DAVIT. Otherwise [fish-davit] (which see).
HALF-DECK. A space between the foremost bulk-head of the steerage and the fore-part of the quarter-deck. In the Northumberland colliers the steerage itself is called the half-deck, and is usually the habitation of the crew.
HALF-DROWNED LAND. Shores which are rather more elevated and bear more verdure than [drowned land] (which see).
HALF-FLOOD. See [Flood].
HALF-GALLEY. See [Galley].
HALF-HITCH. Pass the end of a rope round its standing part, and bring it up through the bight. (See [Three Half-hitches].)
HALF-LAUGHS and Purser's Grins. Hypocritical and satirical sneers.