N.

SEGMENT-SHELL. For use with rifled guns; an elongated iron shell having
very thin sides, and built up internally with segment-shaped pieces of
iron, which, offering the resistance of an arch against pressure from
without, are easily separated by the very slight bursting charge within;
thereby retaining most of their original direction and velocity after
explosion.

SEIN, OR SEINE. The name of a large fishing-net. Also, a flat seam.

SEIN-FISH. By statute (3 Jac. I. c. 12) includes that sort taken with a
sein.

SEIZING. Fastening any two ropes, or different parts of one rope
together, with turns of small stuff.

SEIZINGS. The cords with which the act of seizing is performed; they
vary in size in proportion to the rope on which they are used.

SEIZLING. A young carp.

SEIZURE. The right of naval officers to seize anywhere afloat, is
legally established: a ship, therefore, although incapable of cruising,
may still make a seizure in port.

SELCHIE. The northern name for the seal, _Phoca vitulina_.

SELENOCENTRIC. Having relation to the centre of the moon.

SELENOGRAPHY. The delineation of the moon's surface.

SELLING OUT. An officer in the army wishing to retire from the service,
may do so by disposing of his commission.

SELLOCK. _See_ SILLOCK.

SELVAGE. The woven edge of canvas formed by web and woof. See _Boke of
Curtasye_ (14th century):--

"The overnape shal doubulle be layde,
To the utter side the selvage brade."

SELVAGEE. A strong and pliant hank, or untwisted skein of rope-yarn
marled together, and used as a strap to fasten round a shroud or stay,
or slings to which to hook a tackle to hoist in any heavy articles.

SEMAPHORE. An expeditious mode of communication by signal; it consists
of upright posts and movable arms, now chiefly used for railway signals,
electric telegraphs being found better for great distances.

SEMEBOLE. An old term for a pipe, or half a tun of wine.

SEMI-AXIS MAJOR. _See_ MEAN DISTANCE.

SEMICIRCLE. A figure comprehended between the diameter of a circle and
half the circumference.

SEMI-DIAMETER. The angle subtended by half the diameter of a heavenly
body; in the cases of the sun and moon it is much used in navigation.

SEMI-DIURNAL ARC. Half the arc described by a heavenly body between its
rising and setting.

SEMI-ISLET. An old term for _bridge-islet_ (which see).

SEND, TO. To rise after pitching heavily and suddenly between two waves,
or out of t