PETREL. The Cypselli of the ancients, and Mother Cary's chickens of sailors; of the genus Procellaria. They collect in numbers at the approach of a gale, running along the waves in the wake of a ship; whence the name peterel, in reference to St. Peter's attempt to walk on the water. They are seen in all parts of the ocean. The largest of the petrels, Procellaria fuliginosa, is known by seamen as Mother Cary's goose.
PETROLEUM. Called also rock, mineral, or coal, oil. A natural oil widely distributed over the globe, consisting of carbon and hydrogen, in the proportion of about 88 and 12 per cent. It burns fiercely with a thick black smoke; and attempts, not yet successful, have been made to adapt it as a fuel for steamers.
PETRONEL. An old term for a horse-pistol; also for a kind of carbine.
PETTAH. A town adjoining the esplanade of a fort.
PETTICOAT TROWSERS. A kind of kilt formerly worn by seamen in general, but latterly principally by fishermen. (See [Galligaskins].)
PETTY AVERAGE. Small charges borne partly by a ship, and partly by a cargo, such as expenses of towing, &c.
PETTY OFFICER. A divisional seaman of the first class, ranking with a sergeant or corporal.
PHALANX. An ancient Macedonian legion of varying numbers, formed into a square compact body of pikemen with their shields joined.
PHARONOLOGY. Denotes the study of, and acquaintance with, lighthouses.
PHAROS. A lighthouse; a watch-tower.