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

SERRE-bauquieres, thick stuff placed under the clamps, upon which the ends of the beams rest.

Serre-bosse, the shank-painter of the anchor.

Serre-goutieres, the water-ways of a ship.

Serrer de voiles, to shorten sail.

Serrer la file, to close or contract the line of battle, by making the ships draw nearer to each other.

Serrer le vent, to haul the wind; to haul upon a bowline.

Serrer les voiles, to furl, or hand the sails. See Ferler.

Faire SERVIR, to fill the sails after they had been shivering or laid a-back for some time.

SEUILLETS de sabords, the port-fells, or lower part of the gun-ports.

Hauteur des Seuillets, the height of the port-fells from the deck immediately beneath them.