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

Vaisseau Matelot, a good company-keeper, or a ship that sails well, and keeps her station in a fleet; also the ships, in a fleet of men of war, which are appointed seconds to the admirals or commanding officers.

MATELOTS-gardiens, the ordinary-men of a royal dock-yard, and its harbour or dock, including also the carpenters and calkers appointed to watch in the ships of war.

MATER, to fix or place the masts of a ship.

MATEREAU, a small mast, or end of a mast.

MATEUR, a mast-maker. See Maître-mateur.

MATURE, the art of masting ships; also a general name for the masts themselves.

La Mature, the mast-shed, or the place where the masts are made.

MAY, a sort of trough bored full of holes, wherein to drain cordage, when it is newly tarred.

MAUGERES, or Mauges, the scupper-holes.

MECHE, the match by which a cannon is fired.