ORDINARY. The establishment of the persons formerly employed to take charge of the ships of war which are laid up in ordinary at several harbours adjacent to the royal dockyards. These duties are now under the superintendent of the dockyard. Also, the state of such men-of-war and vessels as are out of commission and laid up.
ORDINARY SEAMAN. The rating for one who can make himself useful on board, even to going aloft, and taking his part on a top-sail or topgallant-yard, but is not a complete sailor, the latter being termed an able seaman. It would be well if our merchant seamen consisted of apprentices and A.B.'s.
ORDINARY STEP. The common march of 110 paces in a minute.
ORDNANCE. A general name for all sorts of great guns which are used in war. Also, all that relates to the artillery and engineer service.
ORDNANCE-HOY. A sloop expressly fitted for transporting ordnance stores to ships, and from port to port.
OREILLET. The ear-piece of a helmet.
OREMBI. A small [korocora] (which see).
ORGUES. Long-pointed beams shod with iron, hanging vertically over a gateway, to answer as a portcullis in emergency.
ORIENT. The east point of the compass.
ORIFLAMME. The banner of St. Dennis; but the term is often applied to the flags of any French commander-in-chief.