IMPOSSIBLE. A hateful word, generally supplanted among good seamen by "we'll try." A thing which is impossible in law, is pronounced to be all one with a thing impossible in nature.
IMPOST. The tax received for such foreign merchandises as are brought into any haven within a prince's dominions.
IMPREGNABLE. Said of a fortress or position supposed to be proof against any attack.
IMPRESS, To. To compel to serve.
IMPRESSION. The effect produced upon any ship, place, or body of troops, by a hostile attack.
IMPRESSMENT. The system and act of pressing seamen, and compelling them—under plea of state necessity—to serve in our men-of-war.
IMPREST. Charge on the pay of an officer.
IMPREST-MONEY. That paid on the enlistment of soldiers.
IN. The state of any sails in a ship when they are furled or stowed, in opposition to out, which implies that they are set, or extended to assist the ship's course. Hence, in is also used as an order to shorten sail, as "In topgallant-sails." It was moreover an old word for embanking and inclosing; thus Sir Nicholas L'Estrange (Harleian MS. 6395) speaks of him who had "the patent for inning the salt marshes."
IN AND OUT. A term sometimes used for the scantling of timbers, the moulding way, and particularly for those bolts that are driven into the hanging and lodging knees, drawn through the ship's sides, and termed in-and-out bolts.