RIGGING. A general name given to all the ropes or chains employed to support the masts, and arrange the sails according to the direction of the wind. Those are termed "standing" which are comparative fixtures, and support the masts, &c.; and those "running," which are in constant use, to trim the yards, and make or shorten sail, &c.
RIGGING-LOFT. A long room or gallery in a dockyard, where rigging is fitted by stretching, serving, splicing, seizing, &c., to be in readiness for the ship.
RIGGING-MATS. Those which are seized upon a vessel's standing rigging, to prevent its being chafed.
RIGGING OUT. A term for outfitting. Also, a word used familiarly to express clothing of ship or tar.
RIGGING-STOPPER. See [Stopper of the Cable].
RIGHT. As to direction, fully or directly; thus, right ahead, or right away, &c.
RIGHT ANGLE. An angle formed by a line rising or falling perpendicularly upon another, and measuring 90°, or the quadrant of a circle.
RIGHT-ANGLED TRIANGLE. That which has one right angle.
RIGHT ASCENSION. An arc of the equator between the first point of Aries, and the hour circle which passes through any planet or star; or that point of the equinoctial, which comes to the meridian with any heavenly object, and is therefore similar to terrestrial longitude.
RIGHT ATHWART. Square, or at right angles with the keel.