HOSE (for watering, &c.) An elastic pipe.
HOSE-FISH. A name for a kind of cuttle-fish.
HOSPITAL. A place appointed for the reception of sick and wounded men, with a regular medical establishment. (See [Naval Hospitals].)
HOSPITAL-SHIP. A vessel fitted to receive the sick, either remaining in port, or accompanying a fleet, as circumstance demands. She carries the chief surgeons, &c. The Dreadnought, off Greenwich, is a free hospital-ship for seamen of all nations.
HOSTAGE. A person given up to an enemy as a pledge or security for the performance of the articles of a treaty.
HOSTILE CHARACTER is legally constituted by having landed in an enemy's territory, and by residing there, temporary absence being immaterial; by permanent trade with an enemy; and by sailing under an enemy's flag.
HOST-MEN. An ancient guild or fraternity at Newcastle, to whom we are indebted for the valuable sea-coal trade. (See [Hoastmen].)
HOT COPPERS. Dry fauces; morning thirst, but generally applied to those who were drinking hard over-night.
HOT-PRESS. When the press-gangs were instructed, on imminent emergency, to impress seamen, regardless of the protections.
HOT-SHOT. Balls made red-hot in a furnace. Amongst the savages in Bergou, the women are in the rear of the combatants, and they heat the heads of the spears, exchanging them for such as are cooled in the fight.