Definition

Verb

  • Running on a course on one of the cardinal points of the compass so only the ship’s longitude or latitude is altered.

Origin

18th century. Anglo-Saxon language.

Comments

In other words, sailing at a right angle to north-south or east-west.

References

King, D., Hattendorf, J.B, & Estes, J.W. (1997). A Sea of Words: A Lexicon and Companion for Patrick O’Brian’s Seafaring Tales (2nd Ed.). Owl Books.

Rogers, J.G. (1985). Origins of Sea Terms. Mystic Seaport.