FAST STAYING. Quick in going about.
FAT, OR BROAD. If the tressing in or tuck of a ship's quarter under
water hangs deep, or is overfull, they say she has a _fat_ quarter.
FATHER. The dockyard name given to the person who constructs a ship of
the navy.
FATHER-LASHER. A name of the scorpius or scorpion, _Cottus scorpius_, a
fish about 9 inches long, common near rocky coasts.
FATHOM [Anglo-Saxon, _faedm_]. The space of both arms extended. A measure
of 6 feet, used in the length of cables, rigging, &c., and to divide the
lead (or sounding) lines, for showing the depth of water.--_To fathom_,
is to ascertain the depth of water by sounding. To conjecture an
intention.
FATHOM-WOOD. Slab and other offal of timber, sold at the yards, by
fathom lots: cubic measurement.
FATIGUE-PARTY. A party of soldiers told off to any labour-duty not
strictly professional.