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

Couler bas d’eau, to sink deeper in the water; expressed of a ship when her leaks gain upon the pump, or when she receives more water than the pumps can discharge.

COULOIRS, certain gangways fixed on the sides of undecked vessels; also the grating-gangways on the sides of such vessels as have their decks arched very high in the middle, as xebecks, &c.

Couloirs likewise imports the passages that lead to the several cabins or store-rooms of a ship.

COUP d’assurance, a gun fired by a ship on her entrance into a port, when she displays her colours, as a sign of peace. See Assurance.

Coup de gouvernail, the whole force of the helm.

Coup de mer, the shock of a wave of the sea, striking a ship violently, and rushing over her deck.

Coup de partance, a farewel-gun, a gun fired as signal for sailing.

Coup de vent, a sudden squall or gust of wind.

COUPS de canon à l’eau, shot received under water, or between wind and water.

Coups de canon en bois, shot received in the upper works of a ship.