ery, but now comprehends
every description of ordnance, guns, mortars, fire-arms, and all their
appurtenances. The term is also applied to the noble corps destined to
that service: as also to the theory and practice of the science of
projectiles: it was moreover given to all kinds of missile weapons, and
the translators of the Bible make Jonathan give his "artillery unto his
lad."

ARTILLERY, ROYAL MARINE. Formerly a select branch of the _R. Marines_,
specially instructed in gunnery and the care of artillery stores;
assigned in due proportion to all ships of war. It is now separate from
the other branch (to whose original title the denomination of Light
Infantry has been added), and rests on its own official basis; its
relation to ships of war, however, remaining the same as before,
although while on shore the Royal Marine forces are regulated by an
annual act of parliament. (_See_ ROYAL MARINE ARTILLERY.)

ARTIST. A name formerly applied to those mariners who were also expert
navigators.

ARTIZAN. A mechanic or operative workman. (_See_ ARTIFICER.)

ARX. A fort or castle for the defence of a place.

ASCENDANT. The part of the ecliptic above the horizon.

ASCENDING NODE. _See_ NODES.

ASCENDING SIGNS. Those in which the sun appears to ascend towards the
north pole, or in which his motion in declination is towards the north.

ASCENSION. The act of mounting or rising upwards. (_See_ RIGHT
ASCENSION.)

ASCENSIONAL DIFFERENCE. The equinoctial arc intercepted between the
_right_ and _oblique_ ascensions (which see).

ASCENSION OBLIQUE. _See_ OBLIQUE ASCENSION.

ASCENSION RIGHT. _See_ RIGHT ASCENSION.

ASCII. The inhabitants of the torrid zone, who twice a year, being under
a vertical sun, have no shadow.

AS DEAF AS THE MAIN-MAST. Said of one who does not readily catch an
order given. Thus at sea the main-mast is synonymous with the door-post
on shore.

ASHES. _See_ WINDWARD.

ASHLAR. Blocks of stone masonry fronting docks, piers, and other
erections; this term is applied to common or freestone as they come of
various lengths, breadths, and thicknesses from the quarry.

ASHORE. Aground, on land.--To _go ashore_, to disembark from a boat.
Opposed to _aboard_.

ASH-PIT. A receptacle for ashes before the fire-bars in a steamer, or
under them in most fire-places.

ASIENTO [Sp.] A sitting, contract, or convention; such as that between
Spain and other powers in relation to the supply of stores for South
Am