NOCTURNAL ARC. That part of a circle, parallel to the equator, which is described by a celestial object, between its setting and rising.
NODDY. The Sterna solida, a dark web-footed sea-bird, common about the West Indies. Also, a simpleton; so used by Shakspeare in the Two Gentlemen of Verona.
NODES. Those points in the orbit of a planet or comet where it intersects the ecliptic. The ascending node is the point where it passes from the south to the north side of the ecliptic; the descending node is the opposite point, where the latitude changes from north to south. (See [Line of Nodes].)
NOG. A tree-nail driven through the heels of the shores, to secure them.
NOGGIN. A small cup or spirit-measure, holding about 1⁄4 of a pint.
NOGGING. The act of securing the shores by tree-nails. Also, warming beer at the galley-fire.
NO HIGHER! See [Near].
NO-HOWISH. Qualmy; feeling an approaching ailment without being able to describe the symptoms.
NO-MAN'S LAND. A space in midships between the after-part of the belfry and the fore-part of a boat when it is stowed upon the booms, as is often done in a deep-waisted vessel; this space is used to contain any blocks, ropes, tackles, &c., which may be necessary on the forecastle, and probably derives its name from being neither on the starboard nor port side, neither in the waist, nor on the forecastle.
NONAGESIMAL DEGREE. The point of the ecliptic which is at the greatest altitude above the horizon.