Definition Noun A piece of wood or metal (usually with protruding “horns”) to which a line can be tied around (i.e. made fast). Origin From
Tag: terminology
Sailor Speak of the Week – Billet
Definition Noun A person’s berth and/or duty assignment. (Usually on a military ship.) Origin Probably earlier than the 18th century. From the Middle French word,
Sailor Speak of the Week – Aloft
Definition Adjective Up a mast. Origin 12th century. English. Comments One of the few nautical terms that actually originated in English. To go aloft means
Sailor Speak of the Week – Zephyr
Definition Noun A gentle breeze or westerly wind. Origin From Zephyrus, the Greek god of the west wind. Comments An ancient term for a west
Sailor Speak of the Week – Xebec
Definition Noun AKA xebeque, jabeque, sciabecco, and chebeck A small, fast, three-masted (originally two-masted) vessel with a shallow draft and prominent overhanging bow and stern.
Sailor Speak of the Week – Wake
Definition Noun The track of waves left behind by a moving vessel. Origin Probably earlier than the 17th century. From Old Saxon, wakon, and the
Fair Winds & Following Seas 