MAN-OF-WAR BIRD, or Frigate Bird. Fregata aquila, a sea-bird of the family Pelecanidæ, found in the tropics, remarkable for the length of its wings and rapidity of its flight.
MAN-OF-WAR FASHION. A state of order, tidiness, and good discipline.
MAN-OF-WAR'S MAN. A seaman belonging to the royal navy.
MANOMETER. A steam-gauge.
MAN OVERBOARD! A cry which excites greater activity in a ship than any other, from the anxious desire to render assistance.
MAN SHIP! Is to range the people on the yards and rigging in readiness to give three cheers, as a salute on meeting, parting company, or other occasions; a good old custom now slackening. In war, as instanced by the Nymphe and Cleopatra, the meeting of enemies was truly chivalrous; though there was a case where the response was so moderated as to be laughed at as "a cheer with the chill on."
MANSIONS OF THE MOON. See [Lunar Mansions].
MANTILLIS. A kind of shield anciently fixed upon the tops of ships as a cover for archers.
MANTLETS. Large movable musket-proof blinds used by besiegers at the head of a sap, now mostly fitted to embrasures to protect the gunners from sharpshooters: they are best when made of plaited rope.
MANUAL-EXERCISE. The regulated series of motions for handling and carrying the musket, except what is connected with firing it.