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

BERGE, a bold shore; also an artificial mound, or rampire, on the banks of a river, to prevent it from overflowing.

BERNE, a waft of the ensign.

Mettre le pavillon en Berne, to hoist the ensign with a waft.

BESSON, the arching or convexity of the beams and decks. See Tonture.

BESTION, the head, or ornamental figure, on the prow of a ship.

BIDON, or Canette, a cann.

BIGOTS, the ribs of a parrel. See Racage.

BIGUES, certain props, or shoars, let into the ports of a ship, to bear her up when she rests upon the ground; also the masts of a sheer-hulk.

BILLE, the beckets of the tacks and sheets.

BILLER, to fasten a rope to a boom, in order to ride or tow a boat.