2. An instrument for measuring or ascertaining the depth or quantity of
water, or for indicating the height of its surface, as in the boiler of
a steam engine. See Gauge.
Wa"ter gav"el (?). (O. Eng. Law) A gavel or rent paid for a privilege,
as of fishing, in some river or water.
Wa"ter ger*man"der (?). (Bot.) A labiate plant (Teucrium Scordium)
found in marshy places in Europe.
Wa"ter gild"ing (?). The act, or the process, of gilding metallic
surfaces by covering them with a thin coating of amalgam of gold, and
then volatilizing the mercury by heat; — called also wash gilding.
Wa"ter glass` (?). (Chem.) See Soluble glass, under Glass.
Wa"ter god` (?). (Myth.) A fabulous deity supposed to dwell in, and
preside over, some body of water.
Wa"ter gru"el (?). A liquid food composed of water and a small portion
of meal, or other farinaceous substance, boiled and seasoned.
Wa"ter ham"mer (?). (Physics) 1. A vessel partly filled with water,
exhausted of air, and hermetically sealed. When reversed or shaken, the
water being unimpeded by air, strikes the sides in solid mass with a
sound like that of a hammer.
2. A concussion, or blow, made by water in striking, as against the
sides of a pipe or vessel containing it.
Wa"ter hare (?). (Zoöl.) A small American hare or rabbit (Lepus
aquaticus) found on or near the southern coasts of the United States; —
called also water rabbit, and swamp hare.
Wa"ter hem"lock (?). (Bot) (a) A poisonous umbelliferous plant (Cicuta
virosa) of Europe; also, any one of several plants of that genus. (b) A
poisonous plant (Œnanthe crocata) resembling the above.
Wa"ter hemp` (?). (Bot.) See under Hemp.
Wa"ter hen` (?). 1. (Zoöl.) Any gallinule.