VIGIA [Sp. look-out]. A hydrographical warning on a chart to denote that
the pinnacle of a rock, or a shoal, may exist thereabout.
VINTINER [from _vigintinarius_]. An officer in our early fleet who
commanded a company of twenty men.
VIOL, OR VOYOL. A large messenger formerly used to assist in weighing an
anchor by the capstan.
VIOL OR VOYOL BLOCK. A large single-sheaved block through which the
messenger passed when the anchor was weighed by the fore or jeer
capstan; its block was usually lashed to the main-mast. This
voyol-purchase was afterwards improved thus: the voyol-block was
securely lashed to the cable at the manger-board, the jeer-fall rove
through it, and brought to the jeer-capstan, and the standing part
belayed to the bitts; thus a direct runner purchase instead of a dead
nip was obtained. It was only used when other means failed, and, after
the introduction of Phillipps' patent capstan, was disused.
VIOLENCE. The question in tort, as to the amount of liability incurred
by the owners for outrages and irregularities committed by the master.
VIRE. The arrow shot from a cross-bow; also called a quarril.
VIRGILIAE. A denomination of the Pleiades.
VIRGO. The sixth sign of the zodiac, which the sun enters about the 21st
August. Spica, {a} Virginis, is a star of the first magnitude.
VIS INERTIAE. That physical property in all bodies by which they resist a
power that endeavours to put them in motion, or to change any motion
they are possessed of; it is in proportion to their weight.
VIS INSITA. The innate force of matter; another name for _vis inertiae_.
It is that by which a vessel "keeps her way."
VISITATION AND SEARCH. The law of nations gives to every belligerent
cruiser the right of visitation and search of all merchant ships;
wherefore, resistance to such search amounts to a forfeiture of
neutrality.
VISNE. A neighbouring place; a term often used in law in actions of
marine replevin.
VIS VIVA. The whole effective force or power of acting which resides in
a given moving body.
VITRY. A light and durable canvas.
VITTORY. A fine canvas, of which the waist-cloths were formerly made.
VIVANDIERE. A kind of female sutler. In the French army they are
attached to regiments, which they accompany, sometimes even into the
skirts of action.
VIVIER. A French fishing-boat, the same as the _well-boats_ of the
English coasts, in having a well amidships in which to keep the fish
alive until arrival in port.
VIZY, OR VIZE. An old name for the muzzle-sight on a musket.
VOCABULARY. The system of naval signals based on Sir Home Popham's
improvements.
VOES. Arms or inlets of the sea, or sounds, in the Shetland and Orkney
Isles. Also applied to creeks and bays.
VOGOVANS. From _voguer_ and _avant_, chief rowers in the galleys.
VOLANT. A piece of steel on a helmet, presenting an acute angle to the
front.
VOLCANO. A burning mountain or vent for subterranean fire; also applied
to one which vomits only mud and water.
VOLLEY. The simultaneous discharge of a number of fire-arms.
VOLLIGUE. A small boat used on the shores of Asia Minor.
VOLUME. The contents of the globe of a planet, usually given in its
proportion to that of the earth; or any named mass, solid, fluid, or
vaporous.
VOLUNTARY CHARGE. A document delivered with the purser's accounts
respecting provisions.
VOLUNTARY STRANDING. The beaching or running a vessel purposely aground
to escape greater danger; this act is treated as particular average
loss, and not a damage to be made good by general contribution.
VOLUNTEER. One who freely offers himself for a particular service.
Formerly, in the army, a gentleman who, without any certain post or
employment, served in the hope of earning preferment, or from
patriotism. Latterly, also a civilian who has enrolled himself in a
corps of volunteers, for organization and training for the defence of
the country.
VOLUNTEERING FROM A MERCHANTMAN INTO THE NAVY. Any seaman can leave his
ship for the purpose of forthwith entering into the royal navy; and thus
leaving his ship does not render him liable to any forfeiture whatever.
VOLUTE. _See_ SCROLL-HEAD.
VOLVELLE. The contrivance of revolving graduated circles, for making
calculations, in old scientific works.
VORTEX. A whirlwind, or sudden, rapid, or violent motion of air or water
in gyres or circles.
VOUCHER. A written document or proof, upon which any account or public
charge is established.
VOYAGE. A journey by sea. It usually includes the outward and homeward
trips, which are called passages.
VOYOL. _See_ VIOL.
VRACH. Sea-weed used as a manure in the Channel Islands. Also, a Manx
term for the mackerel.
VULFE. A rapid whirlpool or race on the coast of Norway.