ABACK, the situation of the sail of a ship, when its forward surface is pressed upon by the wind.

Abaft, the hinder part of a ship, or some point nearer to the stern than any given part; as, abaft the foremast.

Abeam, the point at right angles with the ship's mainmast: hence, abaft the beam, is a situation or position between the direct line abeam and the stern, and before the beam, is between the beam and the head.

Aboard, the inside of a ship : hence, any person who enters a ship is said to go aboard; but, when an enemy enters in time of battle, he is said to board. To fall aboard, is to strike against another ship. To haul aboard the main tack, is to bring the clew of the mainsail down to the chess-tree.

About, is the situation of a ship immediately after she has tacked, or changed her course, by going about, and standing on the other tack.

Abreast, synonymous with Abeam.

Adrift, the state of a ship or vessel broke loose from her moorings, and driven without control, at the mercy of the wind, sea, or current.

Afore, all that part of a ship which lies forward, or near the stem.

Aft, After, behind, or near the stern of a ship. See Abaft.

Aloft, up in the tops, at the mast-head, or any where about the higher yards or rigging.

Alongside, close to the ship.

Amidships, the middle of the ship, either with regard to her length or breadth; as, the enemy boarded us amidships, i.e. in the middle, between the stem and stern. Put the helm amidships; i. e. in the middle, between the two sides.

Anchor, best. bower and small bower, the two stowed furthest forward or near to the bows; the best bower being the anchor on the starboard bow, the small bower the one on the larboard bow; the sheet anchor is of the same size and weight as either of the bowers ; stream anchor a smaller one; and kedge anchor, the smallest of all.

An-end, any spar or mast placed perpendicularly.

Astern, behind the ship.

Athwart hawse, the situation of a ship when she is driven by the wind, tide, or other accident, across the stem of another, whether they bear against, or are at a small distance from each ether, the transverse position of the former with respect to the latter being principally understood.

Athwart the fore-foot, is generally applied to the flight of a cannon-ball, as fired from one ship across the line of another's course, but ahead of her, as a signal for the latter to bring to.

Bar, a shoal running across the mouth of a harbour or river.

Bare poles, having no sail up.