PLANK. Thick boards, 18 feet long at least, from 11⁄2 to 4 inches thick, and 9 or 10 inches broad; of less dimensions, it is called [board] or [deal] (which see), the latter being 8 or 9 inches wide, by 14 feet long.
PLANKING. The outside and inside casing of the vessel.
PLANK IT, To. To sleep on the bare decks, choosing, as the galley saying has it, the softest plank.
PLANK-SHEER. Pieces of plank covering the timber-heads round the ship; also, the gunwale or covering-board. The space between this and the line of flotation has latterly been termed the free-board.
PLAN OF THE TRANSOMS. The horizontal appearance of them, to which the moulds are made, and the bevellings taken.
PLANT. A stock of tools, &c. Also, the fixtures, machinery, &c., required to carry on a business.
PLANTER. In Newfoundland it means a person engaged in the fishery; and in the United States the naked trunk of a tree, which, imbedded in a river, becomes one of the very dangerous snag tribe.
PLASH, To. To wattle or interweave branches.
PLASTRON. A pad used by fencers. Also, the shield on the under surface of a turtle.
PLATE. In marine law, refers to jewels, plate, or treasure, for which freight is due. Thus, plate-ship is a galleon so laden.