ROOD-GOOSE. A name for the brent-goose.
ROOF-TREE. _See_ ROUGH-TREE.
ROOKE, OR ROUKE. A mist, dampness, or fog.
ROOM. A name given to some reserved apartment in a ship, as--_The
bread-room._ In the aftermost part of the hold: properly lined to
receive the bread, and keep it dry.--_The cook-room._ (_See_
GALLEY.)--_The gun-room._ On the after gun-deck of ships of the line, or
steerage of frigates; devoted to the gun-room officers.--_Light-room._
Attached to the magazine.--_Sail-rooms_, devoted to the sails, are on
the orlop deck, and are inclosed for the reception of the spare
sails.--_Slop-room._ Devoted to slop-clothing.--_Spirit-room._ A secure
space in the after-part of a ship's hold, for the stores of wine,
brandy, &c.--_Steward's-room._ The office devoted to the purser's
steward of former times, now paymaster's steward, whence he issues most
of the light provisions to the ship's company.--_Ward-room._ A room over
the gun-room in ships of the line, where the lieutenants and other
principal officers sleep and mess. The term _sea-room_ is applied when a
ship obtains a good offing, is clear of the coast dangers, and is free
to stand on a long course without nearing danger.
ROOM, ROOMER, OR GOING ROOM. The old term for going large, or from, the
wind. (_See_ LASK and LARGE.) It is mentioned by Bourne in 1578.
ROOMING. An old word to signify running to leeward.--_To go room._ To
bear down.
ROOST. A phrase applied to races of strong and furious tides, which set
in between the Orkney and Shetland Islands, as those of Sumburgh and the
Start.
ROPE. Is composed of hemp, hide, wire, or other stuff, spun into yarns
and strands, which twisted together forms the desired cordage. The word
is very old, being the actual representative of the Anglo-Saxon
_rap_.--_To rope a sail._ To sew the bolt-rope round its edges, to
strengthen it and prevent it from rending.
ROPE-BANDS. Small plaited lines rove through the eyelet holes with a
running eye, by which the head of a sail, after the earings are secured,
is brought to the yard or jack-stay.
ROPE-HOUSE. A long building in a dockyard, where ropes are made.
ROPE-LADDER. Such as hangs over the stern, to enable men to go into
boats, &c.
ROPE-MAKER. A first-class petty officer in the navy.
ROPE OF SAND. A term borrowed from a Greek proverb signifying attempting
impossibilities; without cohesion. Said of people who ought, but will
not combine to effect a necessary object.
ROPES. A general name given to all the cordage above one inch in
circumference used in rigging a ship; but the name is severally applied
to the awning, bell, boat, bolt, breast, bucket, buoy, davit, entering,
grapnel, guest or guist, guy, heel, keel, man, parral, passing, ring,
rudder, slip, swab, tiller, top, and yard: all which see under their
respective heads. Ropes are of several descriptions, viz.:--_Cable-laid_,
consists of three strands of already formed hawser-laid or twisted
left-hand, laid up into one opposite making nine strands.--_Hawser-laid_,
is merely three strands of simple yarns twisted right, but laid up
left.--_Four-strand_ is similarly laid with four strands, and a core
scarcely twisted.--_Sash-line_ is plaited and used for signal
halliards.--_Rope-yarn_ is understood to be the selected serviceable
yarns from condemned rope, and is worked into twice-laid. The refuse,
again, into rumbowline for temporary purposes, not demanding strength.
ROPES, HIGH. _On the high ropes_. To be ceremonious, upstart, invested
with brief authority.
ROPE'S END. The termination of a fall, and should be pointed or whipped.
Formerly much used for illegal punishment.
ROPE-YARN. The smallest and simplest part of any rope, being one of the
large threads of hemp or other stuff, several of which being twisted
together form a strand.
ROPING-NEEDLES. Those used for roping, being strong accordingly.
RORQUAL, OR FURROWED WHALE. A name of Scandinavian origin applied to the
fin-back whales, distinguished from the right whales by the small size
of their heads, shortness of their whalebone, the presence of a dorsal
fin, and of a series of conspicuous longitudinal folds or furrows in the
skin of the throat and chest.
ROSE, OR STRAINER. A plate of copper or lead perforated with small
holes, placed on the heel of a pump to prevent choking substances from
being sucked in. Roses are also nailed, for the like purpose, upon the
holes which are made on a steamer's bottom for the admission of water to
the boilers and condensers.
ROSE-LASHING. This lashing is middled, and passed opposite ways; when
finished, the ends appear as if coiled round the crossings.
ROSINA. A Tuscan gold coin, value 17_s._ 1_d._ sterling.
ROSS. A term from the Celtic, signifying a promontory.
ROSTER, OR ROLLSTER. A list for routine on any particular duty. (_See_
ROLLSTER.)
ROSTRAL-CROWN. The naval crown anciently awarded to the individual who
first boarded an enemy's ship.
ROSTRUM. A prow; also a stand for a public speaker.
ROTATION. The motion of a body about its axis.
ROTHER. This lineal descendant of the Anglo-Saxon _roter_ is still in
use for _rudder_ (which see).
ROTTEN ROW. A line of old ships-in-ordinary in _routine_ order.
ROUBLE. _See_ RUBLE.
ROUGH BOOKS. Those in which the warrant officers make their immediate
entries of expenditure.
ROUGH-KNOTS, OR ROUGH NAUTS. Unsophisticated seamen.
ROUGH MUSIC. Rolling shot about on the lower deck, and other discordant
noises, when seamen are discontented, but without being mutinous.
ROUGH-SPARS. Cut timber before being worked into masts, &c.
ROUGH-TREE. An unfinished spar: also a name given in merchant ships to
any mast, or other spar above the ship's side; it is, however, with more
propriety applied to any, mast, &c., which, remaining rough and
unfinished, is placed in that situation.
ROUGH-TREE TIMBER. Upright pieces of timber placed at intervals along
the side of a vessel, to support the rough-tree. They are also called
stanchions.
ROUND. _To bear round up._ To go before the wind.--_To round a point_,
is to steer clear of and go round it.
ROUND-AFT. The outward curve or segment of a circle, that the stern
partakes of from the wing transom upwards.
ROUND AND GRAPE. A phrase used when a gun is charged at close quarters
with round shot, grape, and canister; termed a belly-full.
ROUND DOZEN. A punishment term for thirteen lashes.
ROUND-HOUSE. A name given in East Indiamen and other large merchant
ships, to square cabins built on the after-part of the quarter-deck, and
having the poop for its roof; such an apartment is frequently called the
_coach_ in ships of war. Round, because one can walk round it. In some
trading vessels the round-house is built on the deck, generally abaft
the main-mast.
ROUND-IN, TO. To haul in on a fall; the act of pulling upon any slack
rope which passes through one or more blocks in a direction nearly
horizontal, and is particularly applied to the braces, as "Round-in the
weather-braces." It is apparently derived from the circular motion of
the rope about the sheave or pulley, through which it passes.
ROUNDING. A service wrapped round a spar or hawser. Also, old ropes
wound firmly and closely about the layers of that part of a cable which
lies in the hawse, or athwart the stem, &c. It is used to prevent the
cable from being chafed. (_See_ KECKLING and SERVICE.)
ROUNDING-UP. Is to haul through the slack of a tackle which hangs in a
perpendicular direction, without sustaining or hoisting any weighty
body.
ROUNDLY. Quickly.
ROUND-RIBBED. A vessel of burden with very little run, and a flattish
bottom, the ribs sometimes almost joining the keel horizontally.
ROUND ROBBIN [from the French _ruban rond_]. A mode of signing names in
a circular form, after a complaint or remonstrance, so that no one can
tell who signed first.
ROUNDS. General discharges of the guns. Cartridges are usually reckoned
by rounds, including all the artillery to be used; as, fifty rounds of
ammunition. Also, going round to inspect sentinels. The general visiting
of the decks made by officers, to see that all is going on right. Also,
the steps of a ladder.
ROUND SEAM. The edges or selvedges sewed together, without lapping.
ROUND SEIZING. This is made by a series of turns, with the end passed
through the riders, and made fast snugly. In applying this the rope
does not cross, but both parts are brought close together, and the
seizing crossed.
ROUND SHOT. The cast-iron balls fitting the bores of their respective
guns, as distinguished from grape or other shot.
ROUNDS OF THE GALLEY. The opposite of what is termed Coventry; for it is
figurative of a man incurring the expressed scorn of his shipmates.
ROUND SPLICE. One which hardly shows itself, from the neatness of the
rope and the skill of the splicer. Properly a long splice.
ROUND STERN. The _segmental stern_, the bottom and wales of which are
wrought quite aft, and unite in the stern-post: it is now used in our
navy, thus securing an after battery for the ship. It had long obtained
in the Danish marine.
ROUND THE FLEET. A diabolical punishment, by which a man, lashed to a
frame on a long-boat, was towed alongside of every ship in a fleet, to
receive a certain number of lashes by sentence of court-martial.
ROUND-TO, TO. To bring to, or haul to the wind by means of the helm. To
go round, is to tack or wear.
ROUND-TOP. A name which has obtained for modern tops, from the shape of
the ancient ones. (_See_ TOP.)
ROUND-TURN IN THE HAWSE. A term implying the situation of the two cables
of a ship, which, when moored, has swung the wrong way three times
successively; if after this she come round till her head is directed the
same way as at first, this makes a _round turn and elbow_. A round turn
is also the passing a rope completely round a timber-head, or any proper
thing, in order to hold on. (_See_ HOLDING-ON.) Also, to pass a rope
over a belaying pin. Also, the bending of any timber or plank upwards,
but especially the beams which support the deck, and curve upwards
towards the middle of the deck. This is for the purpose of strength, and
for the convenience of the run of water to the scuppers.--_To round up_
a fall or tackle, is to gather in the slack; the reverse of overhaul.
ROUND UP OF THE TRANSOMS. That segment of a circle to which they are
sided, or of beams to which they are moulded.
ROUNDURE. An old English word for circle.
ROUSE, TO. To man-handle. "Rouse in the cable," haul it in, and make it
taut.
ROUSE AND BIT. The order to turn out of the hammocks.
ROUST. A word used in the north of Scotland to signify a tumultuous
current or tide, occasioned by the meeting of rapid waters. (_See_
ROOST.)
ROUT. The confusion and disorder created in any body of men when
defeated and dispersed.
ROUTE. The order for the movement of a body of men, specifying its
various stages and dates of march.
ROUTINE. Unchanging adherence to official system, which, if carried too
far in matters of service, often bars celerity, spirit, and consequently
success.
ROVE. A rope when passed through a block or sheave-hole.
ROVENS. A corruption of _rope-bands_ (which see). Also, the ravellings
of canvas or buntin.
ROVER. A pirate or freebooter. (_See_ PIRATE.) Also, a kind of piratical
galley of the Barbary States.
ROVING COMMISSION. An authority granted by the Admiralty to a select
officer in command of a vessel, to cruise wherever he may see fit. [From
the Anglo-Saxon _rowen_.]
ROW, TO. To propel a boat or vessel by oars or sweeps, which are managed
in a direction nearly horizontal. (_See_ OAR.)
ROW DRY! The order to those who row, not to splash water into the boat.
ROWED OF ALL! The orders for the rowers to cease, and toss their oars
into the boat simultaneously, in naval style.
ROW IN THE SAME BOAT, TO. To be of similar principles.
ROWL. The iron or wooden shiver, or wheel, for a whip-tackle.
ROWLE. A light crane, formerly much used in clearing boats and holds.
ROWLOCKS. Those spaces in the gunwale, or upper edge of a boat's side,
wherein the oars work in the act of rowing.
ROW-PORTS. Certain scuttles or square holes, formerly cut through the
sides of the smaller vessels of war, near the surface of the water, for
the purpose of rowing them along in a calm or light wind, by heavy
sweeps, each worked by several men. (_See_ SWEEPS.)
ROYAL. The name of a light sail spread immediately next above the
top-gallant sail, to whose yard-arms the lower corners of it are
attached; it used to be termed top-gallant royal, and is never used but
in fine weather. Also, the name of a small mortar.
ROYAL FISH. Whales, porpoises, sturgeons, &c., which, when driven on
shore, become droits of admiralty.
ROYAL MARINE ARTILLERY. Originally selected from the royal marines, now
specially enlisted. (_See_ ARTILLERY, ROYAL MARINE.)
ROYAL MARINES. _See_ MARINES.
ROYAL MERCHANT. A title of the Mediterranean, traders of the thirteenth
century, when the Venetians were masters of the sea.
ROYAL MORTAR. A brass one of 5-1/2 inches diameter of bore, and 150 lbs.
weight, throwing a 24-pounder shell up to 600 yards; most convenient for
advanced trenches and boat work.
ROYAL NAVAL RESERVE. _See_ NAVAL RESERVE.
ROYALS. A familiar appellation for the marines since the mutiny of 1797,
when they were so distinguished for the loyalty and steadiness they
displayed. Also called _royal jollys_. (_See_ JOLLY.)
ROYAL STANDARD. _See_ STANDARD.
ROYAL YACHT. A vessel built and equipped expressly for the use of the
sovereign.
ROYAL YACHT CLUB. A very useful and honourable association. (_See_ YACHT
CLUB.)
ROYAL YARD. The fourth yard from the deck, on which the royal is set.
ROYNES. An archaic term for streams, currents, or other usual passages
of rivers and running waters.
RUBBER. A small instrument used to rub or flatten down the seams of a
sail, in sail-making.
RUBBLE-WORK. A mass of masonry, formed of irregular stones and pebbles
imbedded in mortar. It is used in the interior of docks, piers, and
other erections, and is opposed to ashlar-work.
RUBLE. A Russian silver coin of 100 kopeks, in value about 3_s._ 2_d._
sterling, so called from _rubli_, a notch; derived from the time when
bars of silver, marked with notches at different distances to represent
different values, were used in Russia instead of coin, portions of the
bar being cut off as required.
RUDDER. The appendage attached by pintles and braces to the stern-post
of a vessel, by which its course through the water is governed. It is
formed of several pieces of timber, of which the main one is generally
of oak, extending the whole length. Tiphys is said to have been its
inventor. The Anglo-Saxon name was _steor-roper_.
RUDDER BANDS OR BRACES. The iron or composition hinges on which a rudder
turns.
RUDDER-CASE. The same as _rudder-trunk_ (which see).
RUDDER-CHAINS. Strong copper chains connected with the aft side of the
rudder by a span clamp and shackles. They are about 6 feet in length; a
hempen pendant is then spliced into the outer link, and allowing for
slack to permit the rudder free motion, they are stopped to eye-bolts
along the stern-moulding, terminating on the fore-side of the stools of
the quarter galleries. They are, when the rudder or tiller is damaged,
worked by tackles hooked to the after-channel bolts. But their principal
use in later times is to save the rudder if unshipped by striking on a
reef or shoal.
RUDDER-CHALDER. The same as _gudgeon_ (which see) and _chalder_.
RUDDER-CHOCKS. _See_ CHOCK.
RUDDER-COAT. A canvas coat affixed to the rudder, encasing the opening
in the counter, to prevent the sea from rushing in through the
tiller-hole.
RUDDER-GUDGEON. Those secured to a ship are termed braces; gudgeon is
more applicable to boats or small vessels.
RUDDER-HEAD. The upper end of the rudder-stock. Also, the flat surface
of the trunk, which in cabins and ward-rooms forms a very convenient
table.
RUDDER-HORN. A kind of iron crutch bolted to the back of the rudder, for
attaching the rudder chains to in case of necessity.
RUDDER-HOUSE. Synonymous with _wheel-house_.
RUDDER-IRONS. The pintles, gudgeons, and braces of the rudder are
frequently so called, though they were usually of copper.
RUDDER-PENDANTS. (_See_ RUDDER-CHAINS.) Hempen pendants fastened to the
rudder-chains, for steering in cases of accident, and towing the rudder
to prevent its being lost if it gets unshipped.
RUDDER-PINTLES. The hooks attached to the rudder, which enter the
braces, and hang it.
RUDDER-RAKE. The aftermost part of the rudder.
RUDDER-STOCK. The main piece of a rudder.
RUDDER-TACKLES. Attached to the rudder-pendants.
RUDDER-TRUNK. A casing of wood fitted or boxed firmly into a cavity in
the vessel's counter, called the helm port, through which the
rudder-stock is introduced.
RUFFLE. A low vibrating sound of the drum, continuous like the roll, but
not so loud: it is used in complimenting officers of rank.
RUFFLERS. Certain fellows who begged about formerly, under pretext of
having served in the wars.
RULE OF THUMB. That rule suggested by a practical rather than a
scientific knowledge. In common matters it means to estimate by guess,
not by weight or measure.
RULES OF THE SEA. Certain practices and regulations as to steerage,
which are recognized by seamen as well as by law, in order to prevent
the collision of ships, or to determine who has contravened them;
precedents in one sense, custom in another.
RULE-STAFF. A lath about 4 inches in breadth, used for curves in
ship-building.
RUMBELOW. A very favourite burden to an old sea-song, of which vestiges
still remain.
RUMBO. Rope stolen from a royal dockyard.
RUM-GAGGER. A cheat who tells wonderful stories of his sufferings at sea
to obtain money.
RUMMAGE. The search by custom-house officers for smuggled goods.
RUN. The distance sailed by a ship. Also, used among sailors to imply
the agreement to work a single passage from one place to another, as
from Jamaica to England, and so forth.--_To make a run._ To sway with
alacrity.
RUN, CLEAN. When the after part of a ship's form exhibits a long clean
curvature approaching to a wedge.--_Full run._ When it is otherwise.
RUN OF THE ICE. In Arctic parlance, implies that the ice is suddenly
impelled by a rushing motion, arising from currents at a distance.
RUN, TO LOWER BY THE. To let go altogether, instead of lowering with a
turn on a cleat or bitt-head.
RUN ATHWART A SHIP'S COURSE, TO. To cross her path.
RUN AWAY WITH HER ANCHOR. Said of a ship when she drags or "shoulders"
her anchor; drifting away owing to the anchor not holding, for want,
perhaps, of sufficient range of cable.
RUN AWAY WITH IT! The order to men on a tackle fall, when light goods
are being hoisted in, or in hoisting top-sails, jib, or studding-sails.
RUNDLE. That part of a capstan round which the messenger is wound,
including the drumhead. (_See_ WHELPS.)
RUN DOWN A COAST, TO. To sail along it, keeping parallel to or skirting
its dangers.
RUN DOWN A VESSEL, TO. To pass over, into, or foul her by running
against her end-on, so as to jeopardize her.
RUNE [from the Teutonic _rennen_, to flow]. A water-course.
RUNGS. The same as the floor or ground timbers, and whose ends are the
rung-heads. Also, a spoke, and the step or round of a ladder.
RUNLET. A measure of wine, oil, &c., containing eighteen gallons and a
half.
RUN-MONEY. The money paid for apprehending a deserter, and charged
against his wages. Also, the sum given to seamen for bringing a ship
home from the West Indies, or other places, in time of war. Coasters are
sometimes paid by the run instead of by the month.
RUNNER-PURCHASE. The addition of a tackle to a single rope, then termed
a pendant, passing through a block applied to the object to be moved; as
it might be the laniard of a shroud, the end of the runner pendant being
fast to some secure fixed object; as in backstays, &c.
RUNNERS. Ships which risk every impediment as to privateers or blockade,
to get a profitable market.
RUNNERS OF FOREIGN GOODS. Organized smugglers.
RUNNING AGREEMENT. In the case of foreign-going ships making voyages
averaging less than six months in duration, running agreements can
legally be made with the crew to extend over two or more voyages.
RUNNING-BLOCKS. Those which are made fast to the running rigging or
tackles.
RUNNING BOWLINE-KNOT. Is made by taking the end round the standing part,
and making a bowline upon its own part.
RUNNING BOWSPRIT. One which is used in revenue cutters and smacks; it
can be reefed by sliding in, and has fid holes for that purpose. (_See_
SLOOP.)
RUNNING-DOWN CLAUSE. A special admission into policies of marine
insurance, to include the risk of loss or damage in consequence of the
collision of the ship insured with other vessels.
RUNNING-DOWN THE PORT. A method practised in the ruder state of
navigation, when the longitude was very doubtful, by sailing into its
parallel of latitude, and then working for it on its parallel.
RUNNING FOUL. A vessel, by accident or bad steerage, falling in contact
with another under sail. (_See_ ATHWART HAWSE.) The law and custom of
the sea requires that the ship on the port tack shall bear up and give
way to that on the starboard tack. Foreigners observe this general
custom. Steamers however are always bound to give way to vessels under
canvas, having the power to alter course without altering sails, or
endangering the vessel.
RUNNING GOODS. Landing a cargo of contraband articles.
RUNNING OUT, AND RUNNING IN, THE LOWER DECK GUNS. The old practice of
morning and evening evolutions in a line-of-battle ship, wind and
weather permitting.
RUNNING PART OF A TACKLE. Synonymous with the fall, or that part on
which the man power is applied to produce the intended effect.
RUNNING THE GANTLET. _See_ GANT-LOPE (pronounced _gantlet_).
RUN OUT A WARP, TO. To carry a hawser out from the ship by a boat, and
fasten it to some distant place to remove the ship towards that place,
or to keep her steady whilst her anchors are lifted, &c.
RUPEE. The well-known coin of the East Indies. There are gold rupees of
nearly 30 shillings in value; but the current rupee is of silver,
varying a little from 2 shillings, according to its being named Bombay,
Arcot, or Sicca.
RUSPONE. A gold Tuscan coin of the value of L1, 8_s._ 7_d._ sterling.
RUT OF THE SEA. The point of impact where it dashes against anything.
RUT OF THE SHORE. The sea breaking along the coast.
RUTTER, OR ROUTIER. The old word for an outline chart for ships' tracks
[from _route_]. It was also applied to a journal or log-book; or to a
set of sailing instructions, as a directory.
RYDE. A small stream.
RYNE. An Anglo-Saxon word still in use for a water-course, or streamlet
which rises high with floods.