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

DÉCOMBRES, the chips and useless pieces of timber which are left on a shipwright’s wharf, after a vessel is built and launched.

DÉCOUDRE, to rip off planks from any part of a ship’s side, in order to examine her timbers, &c.

DÉCOUVERTE, a look-out at the mast-head.

DÉCOUVRIR les terres, to make, or discover, the land.

DEDANS, when expressed of the sails, imports furled or stowed: as,

Mettre les voiles Dedans, to take in the sails.

DÉFEND, keep off, keep at a distance; the order given by the pilot, or officer of the watch, to the helmsman, to steer farther from some adjacent object, which may damage the ship.

DÉFENDRE la côte, to defend the sea-coast, and prevent an enemy from landing thereon.

DÉFENSES, the skeeds of a ship’s side; also booms to send off another ship which is near.

Défenses de bouts de cable. See Cordes de défense.