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

POINTE, a point of land projecting into the sea; a low-cape, or promontory.

Pointe de l’éperon, the beak of a prow, or cut-water.

Pointe du compas, a point of the magnetical compass.

Pointe du nord, ou du sud, &c. the north or south point.

POINTER, to direct or point a gun to its object.

Pointer à couler bas, to point a gun so as to sink a ship.

Pointer à démater, to point a gun so as to dismast a ship.

Pointer à donner dans le bois, to level the cannon so as to hull a ship, or strike the hull.

Pointer la carte, to prick the chart. See Pointage.

POINTURE, the balance of a sail, or that part which is fastened by balancing it in a storm; as the peek of the mizen, &c.