gwynhefar: (Default)
gwynhefar ([personal profile] gwynhefar) wrote2004-10-17 03:38 pm

Definitions -- mostly maritime

rood: (n) As a linear measure: a rod, pole, or perch. Now only in local use and varying from 6 to 8 yards.

rod: (n) A measure of length, equal to 5 1/2 yards or 16 1/2 feet, also called a perch or a pole.

surtout: (n) A man's great-coat or overcoat.

intriguante: (n) A woman who intrigues.

ratlin (also ratline or ratling): (n) 1. Thin line or rope such as is used for the ratlines (see def. 2)
2. One of the small lines fastened horizontally on the shrouds of a vessel, and serving as steps by which to go up and down the rigging.

shroud: (n) A set of ropes, usually in pairs, leading from the head of a mast and serving to relieve the latter of lateral strain; they form part of the standard rigging of a ship.

noddy: (n) A fool, a simpleton.

cat-head: (n) A beam projecting almost horizontally at each side of the bows of a ship, for raising the anchor from the surface of the water to the deck without touching the bows, and for carrying the anchor on its stock-end when suspended outside the ship's side; it is furnished with sheaves at the outer end, and the inner end, which is called the cat's tail, fays down upon the cat-beam.

stock: (n) The heavy cross-bar (originally wooden) of an anchor.

sheave: (n) A wheel having a groove in the circumference to receive a cord passing over it, a pulley; esp. one of the pulleys connected in a block.

fay: (v) To fit (a piece of timber) closely and accurately to (another); to fit close, so as to leave no intervening space.

[identity profile] salingerscat.livejournal.com 2004-10-17 04:36 pm (UTC)(link)
:) figured you'd know...Madame Webster! Be well. *Hugs*