An Universal Dictionary of the Marine / Or, a Copious Explanation of the Technical Terms and Phrases Employed in the Construction, Equipment, Furniture, Machinery, Movements, and Military Operations of a Ship. Illustrated With Variety of Original Designs of Shipping, in Different Situations; Together With Separate Views of Their Masts, Sails, Yards, and Rigging. to Which Is Annexed, a Translation of the French Sea-terms and Phrases, Collected from the Works of Mess. Du Hamel, Aubin, Saverien, &c.

by William Falconer

French Sea Terms and Phrases.

A.

ABATÉE, or Abbatée, fallen off to a certain point; expressed of a ship when she lies by, with some of her sails aback.

ABATTRE, to bear away, to drive, to edge farther to leeward.

Abattre un vaisseau, to heave down or careen a ship.

Le vaisseau s’ABAT, the ship drives or falls to leeward. This phrase is more peculiar to the motion of a ship when her anchor is loosened from the ground.

ABORDAGE, the shock or concussion produced by two vessels striking each other in battle or otherwise; also the assault of boarding.

Aller à l’ABORDAGE, sauter à l’ABORDAGE, to board or enter an enemy’s ship in an hostile manner.

ABORDER, to fall or drive aboard a ship, by accident, or neglect of the steersman; spoken of two vessels when one or both are under sail, or otherwise in motion.

Aborder un vaisseau de bout au corps, to lay a ship aboard by running the bowsprit over her waist.