LAY-TO. To bring the weather-bow to the sea, with one sail set, and the helm lashed a-lee. (See [Lie-to].)
LAY UP A SHIP, To. To dismantle her.
LAZARETTO. A building or vessel appointed for the performance of quarantine, in which all persons are confined coming from places infected with the plague or other infectious diseases. Also, a place parted off at the fore part of the 'tween decks, in some merchantmen, for stowing provisions and stores in.
LAZARUS. The game at cards, called also blind-hookey and snogo.
LAZY GUY. A small tackle or rope to prevent the spanker-boom from swaying about in fine weather.
LAZY PAINTER. A small temporary rope to hold a boat in fine weather.
LEAD, Sounding. An instrument for discovering the depth of water; it is a tapered cylinder of lead, of 7, 14, or 28 lbs. weight, and attached, by means of a strop, to the lead-line, which is marked at certain distances to ascertain the fathoms. (See [Hand-line].)—Deep-sea lead. A lead of a larger size, being from 28 to 56 lbs. in weight, and attached to a much longer line. (See [Deep-sea Line].)—To heave the lead. To throw it into the sea as far ahead as possible, if the ship is under way.
LEAD. The direction in which running ropes lead fair, and come down to the deck. Also, in Arctic seas, a channel through the ice; synonymous with lane. To lead into battle, or into harbour.
LEADER. A chief. Also, the conducting ship, boat, or man in an enterprise. Also, the guide in firing rockets.
LEADING-BLOCKS. The several blocks used for guiding the direction of any purchase, as hook, snatch, or tail blocks.