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

RAQUER, to fret, chafe, or rub.

RARRIVÉE, the movement of coming to, after having fallen off, when a ship is lying-by or trying.

RAS, a small vessel or boat without a deck.

Ras à l’eau, a low-built vessel, or one which carries her guns very little above the surface of the water.

Ras de courant. See Rat.

RASE, a composition of pitch and tar, used to pay a ship’s seams.

RASER un vaisseau, to cut down a ship, or take off part of her upper-works, as the poop, quarter-deck, or fore-castle, in order to lighten her, when she becomes weak.

RASTEAU, or Ratelier, the rack or range of blocks sometimes placed on each side of the gammoning of a ship’s bowsprit.

RASTEAUX, or Rateaux, the cleats nailed on the middle of a yard, to confine the parrels, and tye, or jear-blocks, &c.

Rasteaux, or Rateliers à chevillots, ranges, or cross-pieces, fastened to the shrouds, or otherwise, in which pins are fixed to belay the running-rigging.