Definition

Noun

  • A short shore leave.

Origin

About the 15th century.

Comments

Now, more of a naval term for a short leave for sailors. Those with permission to go ashore for the night or day are known as liberty men.

References

Kemp, P. (1994). The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea. Oxford University Press.

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.