BOAT-SKIDS. Portable pieces of plank used to prevent chafing when a boat
is hoisted or lowered. (_See_ SKIDS.)
BOATSWAIN. The officer who superintends the boat-sails, ship's-sails,
rigging, canvas, colours, anchors, cables and cordage, committed to his
charge. He ought also to take care that the blocks and running ropes are
regularly placed to answer the purposes for which they are intended, and
that the sails are properly fitted to their yards and stays, and
well-furled or reefed when occasion requires. He pipes the hands to
their several duties, seeing that they attend his call, and ought to be
in every way a thorough seaman. Although termed boatswain, the boats are
not in his charge. They, with the spars, &c., and stores for repair,
belong to the carpenter. The boatswain is the officer of the first
lieutenant; he gives no order, but reports defects, and carries out the
will of his superior.
BOATSWAIN-BIRD. _Phaethon aethereus_, a tropical bird, so called from its
sort of whistle. It is distinguished by two long feathers in the tail,
called the marling-spike.
BOATSWAIN-CAPTAIN. An epithet given by certain popinjays in the service
to such of their betters as fully understand the various duties of their
station.
BOATSWAIN'S MATE. Is an assistant to the boatswain, who had the peculiar
command of the long-boat. He summons the watch or crew by his whistle,
and during his watch looks to the decks, and has peculiar calls for
"grog," "'bout ship," "pipe to breakfast," "sweepers," &c.
BOATSWAIN'S STORE-ROOM. Built expressly for boatswain's stores, on a
platform or light deck.
BOATSWAIN'S YEOMAN. _See_ YEOMAN.
BOAT THE ANCHOR. Place the anchor in-board in the boat.
BOAT THE OARS. Put them in their proper places fore and aft on the
thwarts ready for use.
BOB. A knot of worms on a string, used in fishing for eels; also
colloquially, it means a berth.--_Shift your bob_, to move about, to
dodge, to fish.--_Bear a bob_, make haste, be brisk.
BOB. The ball or balance-weight of a clock's pendulum; the weight
attached to the plumb-line.
BOBBERY. A disturbance, row, or squabble; a term much used in the East
Indies and China.