y the owners in general, apportioned to
their respective investments, to repair any particular loss or expense
sustained; and a small duty paid to the master for his care of the
whole. Goods thrown overboard for the purpose of lightening the ship,
are so thrown for the good of all, and the loss thus sustained must be
made up by a general average or contribution from all the parties
interested. (_See_ GENERAL AVERAGE.)

AVERAGE-ADJUSTER. A qualified person engaged in making statements to
show the proper application of loss, damage, or expenses in consequence
of the accidents of a sea adventure.

AVERAGE-AGREEMENT. A written document signed by the consignees of a
cargo, binding themselves to pay a certain proportion of general average
that may from accident arise against them.

AVERAGE-STATER. _See_ AVERAGE-ADJUSTER.

AVIST. A west-country term for "a fishing."

AVVISO. An Italian advice-boat. [_Aviso_, Sp.] Despatch-boat or tender.

AWAFT, OR AWHEFT. The displaying of a stopped flag. (_See_ WHEFT.)

AWAIT. Ambush; cutting off vessels by means of boats hidden in coves
which they must pass in their course.

AWARD. A judgment, in maritime cases, by arbitration; and the decision
or sentence of a court-martial.

A-WASH. Reefs even with the surface. The anchor just rising to the
water's edge, in heaving up.

AWAY ALOFT. The order to the men in the rigging to start up.

AWAY OFF. At a distance, but in sight.

AWAY SHE GOES. The order to step out with the tackle fall. The cry when
a vessel starts on the ways launching; also when a ship, having stowed
her anchor, fills and makes sail.

AWAY THERE. The call for a boat's crew; as, "_away there!_ barge-men."

AWAY WITH IT. The order to walk along briskly with a tackle fall, as
catting the anchor, &c.

AWBLAST. The arbalest, or cross-bow.

AWBLASTER. The designation of a cross-bowman.

A-WEATHER. The position of the helm when its tiller is moved to the
windward side of the ship, in the direction from which the wind blows.
The opposite of _a-lee_.

A-WEIGH. The anchor being _a-trip_, or after breaking out of the
ground.

AWK. _See_ AUK.

AWKWARD SQUAD. A division formed of those men who are backward in
gaining dexterity. (_See_ SQUAD.)

AWL. A tool of a carpenter, sail-maker, and cobbler.

AWME. A tierce of 39 gallons. A Dutch liquid measure.

AWNING. A cover or canvas canopy suspended by a crow-foot and spread
over a ship, boat, or other vessel, to prote