a plank overlapping that of another, so that both
planks shall make a plane surface with their bevelled edges, though not
a flat or square joint.

SYSTEM. The method of disposing the correlative parts of a
fortification, proposed variously by many eminent engineers.

SYSTEM OF THE UNIVERSE. _See_ COPERNICAN SYSTEM.

SYZIGEE. Either conjunction or opposition, in reference to the orbit of
the moon.

T.

TAB. The arming of an archer's gauntlet or glove.

TABERIN. A species of shark greatly dreaded by the pearl-fishers of
Ceylon.

TABERNACLE. A strong trunk on the deck of river barges, forming a kind
of hinge to enable them to lower the mast when going under bridges.
Also, used to elongate the mast of any boat by stepping it in a
tabernacle.

TABLE-CLOTH. A fleecy-looking cloud which sometimes covers the "table"
or flat top of Table Mountain, at the Cape of Good Hope; it is the
forerunner of a south-easter, being the condensation of moisture in the
sea-air as it ascends the mountain side.

TABLE-LAND. Land which is flat-topped, however it may be raised more or
less above the ordinary level of the vicinity.

TABLE-MONEY. An allowance to admirals and senior officers, in addition
to their pay, to meet the expenses of their official guests.

TABLES. _See_ ASTRONOMICAL TABLES, and NAUTICAL TABLES.

TABLE-SHORE. A low level shore.

TABLET. _See_ TRAPEZOID. Also, a flat coping stone placed at the top of
the revetement of the escarp, to protect the masonry from the weather.

TABLING. A broad hem on the edges of a ship's sails, to strengthen them
in that part which is sewed to the bolt-rope. Also, letting one piece of
timber into another, similar to the _hooking_ of planks, so that they
cannot be pulled asunder.

TACES. _See_ TAISHES.

TACK. A rope to confine the weather lower corners of the courses and
staysails when the wind crosses the ship's course obliquely. Also, the
rope employed to haul out the lower outer clue of a studding-sail to the
boom-end. With jibs and fore-and-aft sails, the tack confines them
amidships. A ship is said to be _on the tack_ of the side from which the
wind comes: even if it be on the quarter.--_To tack._ To go about, to
change the course from one board to another from the starboard to the
port tack, or _vice versa_. It is done by turning the ship's head
suddenly to the wind, whereby her head-sails are thrown aback, and cause
her to fall off from the wind to the other tack.