LIE IN! The order to come in from the yards when reefing, furling, or other duty is performed.
LIEN. A claim to property, and a consequent right of retention. But ships cannot be the subjects of a specific lien to the creditors who supply them with necessaries, because a lien presumes possession by the creditor, and therein the power of holding it till his demands are satisfied. To prevent manifest impediment to commerce, the law of England rejects almost wholly the doctrine of lien as regards ships.
LIE OFF! An order given to a boat to remain off on her oars till permission is given for her to come alongside.
LIE OUT! The order to the men aloft to distribute themselves on the yards for loosing, reefing, or furling sails.
LIE OVER. A ship heeling to it with the wind abeam.
LIESTER. See [Lister].
LIE THE COURSE, To. When the vessel's head is in the direction wished.
LIE-TO, To. To cause a vessel to keep her head steady as regards a gale, so that a heavy sea may not tumble into her. She has perhaps a main-topsail or trysails, and comes up to within six points, and falls off to wind abeam, forging rather ahead, but should not altogether fall too much to leeward.
LIE UNDER ARMS, To. To remain in a state of preparation for immediate action.
LIEUTENANT, in the Royal Navy. The officer next in rank and power below the commander. There are several lieutenants in a large ship, and they take precedence according to the dates of their commissions. The senior lieutenant, during the absence of the commander, is charged with the command of the ship, as also with the execution of whatever orders he may have received from the commander relating to the queen's service; holding another's place, as the name implies in French.—Lieutenant in the army. The subaltern officer next in rank below the captain.