MIRAGE, or Loom. A word, which has crept into use since the French expedition to Egypt, to express the extraordinary refraction which light undergoes when strata of air, of different densities, extend above each other. The mirage, reflecting objects at a great height, inverts and doubles the image.
MIRE-BUMPER and Mire-Drum. North-country names of the bittern.
MIRKLES. The radicle leaves of the Fucus esculentus, a sea-weed eaten on our northern coasts.
MIRROR. The speculum of a quadrant, or any silvered or polished reflecting surface.
MISCHIEF. See [Master of Misrule].
MISREPRESENTATION to the Underwriters, of any fact or circumstance material to the risk of insuring, whether by the insured or his agent, and whether fraudulent or innocent, renders the contract null and void. (See [Representation].)
MISSILES. Projectiles of every kind propelled by force.
MISSING. If a vessel is not heard of within six months after her departure (or after the last intelligence of her) from any port in Europe, and within twelve months from other parts of the world, she is deemed to be lost. Presumptive proof will suffice if none of her crew appear.
MISSING STAYS. To fail in going about from one tack to another; when, after a ship gets her head to the wind, she comes to a stand, and begins to fall off on the same tack.
MIST [Anglo-Saxon]. A thin vapour, between a fog and haze, and is generally wet.