r the Cape of Good Hope.

WEATHER-TIDE. The reverse of _lee-tide_. That which, running contrary to
the direction of the wind, by setting against a ship's lee-side while
under sail, forces her up to windward.

WEATHER-WARNING. The telegraphic cautionary warning given by hoisting
the storm-drum on receiving the forecast.

WEATHER-WHEEL. The position of the man who steers a large ship, from his
standing on the weather-side of the wheel.

WEAVER. One of the popular names of the fish _Trachinus vipera_.

WEDGE [from the Anglo-Saxon _wege_]. A simple but effective mechanical
force; a triangular solid on which a ship rests previous to launching.
Many of the wedges used in the building and repairing of vessels are
called _sett-wedges_.

WEDGE-FIDS. For top and top-gallant masts; in two parts, lifting by
shores and sett-wedges. (_See_ SETTING-UP.)

WEDGE-SHAPED GULF. One which is wide at its entrance, and gradually
narrows towards its termination, as that of California.

WEDGING UP. Gaining security by driving wedges.

WEED, TO. To clear the rigging of stops, rope-yarns, and pieces of
oakum.

WEEKLY ACCOUNT. A correct return of the whole complement made every week
when in harbour to the senior officer. Also, a sobriquet for the white
patch on a midshipman's collar.

WEEL. A kind of trap-basket, or snare, to catch fish, made of twigs and
baited; contrived similarly to a mouse-trap, so that fish have a ready
admittance, but cannot get out again.

WEEPING. The oozing of water in small quantities through the seams of a
ship.

WEEVIL [from the Anglo-Saxon _wefl_]. _Curculio_, a coleopterous insect
which perforates and destroys biscuit, wood, &c.

WEFT. _See_ WAFT.

WEIGH, TO [from the Anglo-Saxon _woeg_]. To move or carry. Applied to
heaving up the anchor of a ship about to sail, but also to the raising
any great weight, as a sunken ship, &c.

WEIGHAGE. The charge made for weighing goods at a dock.

WEIGH-SHAFT. In the marine-engine, the same as _wiper-shaft_.

WEIGHT-NAILS. Somewhat similar to deck-nails, but not so fine, and with
square heads; for fastening cleats and the like.

WEIGHT OF METAL. The weight of iron which the whole of the guns are
capable of projecting at one round from both sides when single-shotted.
(_See_ BROADSIDE WEIGHT.)

WEIR. An old word for sea-weed. Also, a fishing inclosure; and again, a
dam, or strong erection across a river, to divert its course.

WELD, TO. To join pieces of ir