PACE. A measure, often used for reconnoitring objects. The common pace
is 2-1/2 feet, or half the geometrical pace. The pace is also often
roughly assumed as a yard.
PACIFIC OCEAN. A name given by the Spaniards to the "Great Ocean," from
the fine weather they experienced on the coast of Peru. Other parts,
however, prove this a misnomer.
PACK-ICE. A large collection of broken floe huddled together, but
constantly varying its position; said to be open when the fragments do
not touch, and close when the pieces are in contact.
PACKING-BOXES. Recesses in the casing of a steamer, directly facing the
steam-ports, filled with hemp-packing and tallow, in order to form
steam-tight partitions.
PACKS. Heavy thunder clouds.
PAD, OR PAD-PIECE. In ship-building, a piece of timber placed on the top
of a beam at its middle part, in order to make up the curve or round of
the deck.
PADDLE. A kind of oar, used by the natives of India, Africa, America,
and by most savages; it is shorter and broader in the blade than the
common oar.--_To paddle_, is to propel a boat more purely by hand, that
is, without a fulcrum or rowlock.
PADDLE-BEAMS. Two large beams projecting over the sides of a steamer,
between which the paddle-wheels revolve. (_See_ SPONSON.)
PADDLE-BOX. The frame of wood which encircles the upper part of the
paddle-wheel.
PADDLE-BOX BOATS. Boats made to fit the paddle-box rim, stowed bottom
upwards on each box.
PADDLE-SHAFT. The stout iron axis carrying the paddle-wheels, which
revolves with them when keyed.
PADDLE-STEAMER. A steam-ship propelled through the water by
paddle-wheels.
PADDLE-WHEELS. The wheels on each side of a steamer, suspended
externally by a shaft, and driven by steam, to propel her by the action
of the floats.
PADDY, OR PADI. Rice in the husk, so called by the Malays, from whose
language the word has found its way to all the coasts of India.
PADDY-BOATS. A peculiar Ceylon boat, for the conveyance of rice and
other necessaries.
PADDY'S HURRICANE. Not wind enough to float the pennant.
PADRONE. (_See_ PATRON or MASTER.) This word is not used in larger
vessels than coasters.
PADUAN. A small Malay vessel, armed with two guns, one aft and the other
forward, for piratical purposes.
PAGODA. Tall tapering buildings erected by the Chinese and other eastern
nations, to note certain events, or as places for worship, of which the
great pagoda of Pekin may be taken as an example. They are rather
numerous on the banks of the Canton River. (_See_ STAR-PAGODA.)