an unknown height,
yet by gravitation partakes of all its motions.

ATMOSPHERIC OR SINGLE-ACTION STEAM-ENGINE. A condensing machine, in
which the downward stroke of the piston is performed by the pressure of
the atmosphere acting against a vacuum.

ATMOSPHERICAL TIDES. The motions generated by the joint influence of the
sun and moon; and by the rotatory and orbital course of the earth,--as
developed in trade-winds, equinoctial gales, &c.

ATOLLS. An Indian name for those singular coral formations known as
lagoon-islands, such as the Maldive cluster, those in the Pacific, and
in other parts within the tropics, where the apparently insignificant
reef-building zoophytes reside.

ATRIE. To bring the ship to in a gale.

A-TRIP. The anchor is _a-trip_, or a-weigh, when the purchase has just
made it break ground, or raised it clear. Sails are _a-trip_ when they
are hoisted from the cap, sheeted home, and ready for trimming. Yards
are _a-trip_ when swayed up, ready to have the stops cut for crossing:
so an upper-mast is said to be _a-trip_, when the fid is loosened
preparatory to lowering it.

ATTACHED. Belongs to; in military parlance an officer or soldier is
attached to any regiment or company with which he is ordered to do duty.

ATTACK. A general assault or onset upon an enemy. Also the arrangement
for investment or battle. (_See_ FALSE ATTACK.)

ATTEMPT, TO. To endeavour to carry a vessel or place by surprise; to
venture at some risk, as in trying a new channel, &c.

ATTENDANT MASTER. A dockyard official. (_See_ MASTER-ATTENDANT.)

ATTENTION. A military word of command, calling the soldier from the
quiescent position of "at ease" into readiness for any exercise or
evolution. Also the erect posture due to that word of command, and which
is assumed by a private soldier in the presence of an officer. The
attending to signals.

ATTERRAGE. The land-fall, or making the land. Usually marked on French
charts and plans to show the landing-place.

ATTESTATION. In Admiralty courts the attestation of a deed signifies the
testifying to the signing or execution of it.

ATTESTED. Legally certified; proved by evidence.

ATTILE. An old law term for the rigging or furniture of a ship.

ATTORNEY. _See_ SEA-ATTORNEY.

ATTRACTION. The power of drawing, or the principle by which all bodies
mutually tend towards each other; the great agent in nature's wonderful
operations.--_Attraction of mountains_, the deviating influence