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

BOYER, a kind of Dutch sloop.

BRAGUE, the breeching of a cannon used at sea.

BRAI, pitch. Hence braier un vaisseau, to pay the seams of a ship with hot melted pitch, after they are caulked with oakum. It is sometimes mixed with other compositions, to nourish the timber, and is then called Brai gras.

BRANCHE de ciprès, beaconage; a small duty paid by shipping in France, for keeping the beacons in repair.

Branche superieure d’une courbe, the upper part of a knee.

Branche d’embas, the lower arm of a knee or standard.

BRANLE, a hammock.

Tendre les Branles, to sling the hammocks.

Branle bas, or fort Branle, the order to lash and take down all the hammocks between decks, in order to prepare for engagement, or otherwise to clear the ship.

BRAS, the brace of a yard.