"In other words they toss'd the grub
Out of their own provision tub."
GRUB-TRAP. A vulgarism for the mouth.
GRUFF-GOODS. An Indian return cargo consisting of raw materials--cotton,
rice, pepper, sugar, hemp, saltpetre, &c.
GRUMBLER. A discontented yet often hard-working seaman. Also, the
gurnard, a fish of the blenny kind, which makes a rumbling noise when
struggling to disengage itself on reaching the surface.
GRUMMET. _See_ GROMMET.
GRUNTER. A name of the _Pogonias_ of Cuvier (a fish also termed the
banded drum and young sheepskin); and several other fish.
GRYPHON. An archaic term for the meteorological phenomenon now called
_typhoon_. (_See_ TYPHOON.)
GUANO. The excrement of sea-birds, a valuable manure found in thick
beds on certain islets on the coast of Peru, indeed, in all tropical
climates. The transport of it occupies a number of vessels, called
_guaneros_. It is of a dingy yellow colour, and offensive ammoniacal
effluvium. Captain Shelvocke mentions it in 1720, having taken a small
bark laden with it.
GUARA. The singular and ingenious rudder by which the rafts or balzas of
Peru are enabled to work to windward. It consists of long boards between
the beams, which are raised or sunk according to the required evolution.
A device not unlike the sliding-keels or centre-boards lately
introduced.
GUARANTEE. An undertaking to secure the performance of articles
stipulated between any two parties. Also, the individual who so
undertakes.
GUARD. The duty performed by a body of men stationed to watch and
protect any post against surprise. A division of marines appointed to
take the duty for a stated portion of time. "Guard, turn out!" the order
to the marines on the captain's approaching the ship. Also, the bow of a
trigger and the hilt of a sword.
GUARDA-COSTA. Vessels of war of various sizes which formerly cruised
against smugglers on the South American coasts.
GUARD-BOARDS. Synonymous with _chain-wales_.
GUARD-BOAT. A boat appointed to row the rounds amongst the ships of war
in any harbour, &c., to observe that their officers keep a good
look-out, calling to the guard-boat as she passes, and not suffering her
crew to come on board without previously having communicated the
watch-word of the night. Also, a boat employed to enforce the quarantine
regulations.
GUARD-BOOK. Report of guard; a copy of which is delivered at the
admiral's office by the officer of the last guard. Also, a full set of
his accounts kept by a warrant-officer for the purpose of passing them.
GUARD-FISH. A corruption of the word _gar-fish_.
GUARDIAN OF THE CINQUE PORTS. Otherwise _lord warden_ (which see).
GUARD-IRONS. Curved bars of iron placed over the ornaments of a ship to
defend them from damage.
GUARDO. A familiar term applied equally to a guard-ship or any person
belonging to her. It implies "harbour-going;" an easy life.
GUARDO-MOVE. A trick upon a landsman, generally performed in a
guard-ship.
GUARD-SHIP. A vessel of war appointed to superintend the marine affairs
in a harbour, and to visit the ships which are not commissioned every
night; she is also to receive seamen who are impressed in time of war.
In the great ports she carries the flag of the commander-in-chief. Each
ship takes the guard in turn at 9 A.M.; the vessel thus on duty hoists
the union-jack at the mizen, and performs the duties afloat for
twenty-four hours. The officer of the guard is accountable to the
admiral for all transactions on the water during his guard.
GUBB, OR GUBBEN. The Erse term for a young sea-gull.
GUBBER. One who gathers oakum, driftwood, &c., along a beach. The word
also means black mud.
GUDDLE, TO. To catch fish with the hands by groping along a stream's
bank.
GUDGE, TO. To poke or prod for fish under stones and banks of a river.
GUDGEON. The _Gobio fluviatilis_, a well-known river-fish, 6 or 7 inches
in length.
GUDGEONS. The metal braces with eyes bolted upon the stern-post for the
pintles of the rudder to work in, as upon hinges. Also, the notches made
in the carrick-bitts for receiving the metal bushes wherein the spindle
of a windlass works.