almon.

BARBACAN. In fortification, an outer defence.

BARBADOES-TAR. A mineral fluid bitumen resembling petroleum, of nauseous
taste and offensive smell.

BARBALOT. The barbel. Also, a puffin.

BARB-BOLTS. Those which have their points jagged or barbed to make them
hold securely, where those commonly in use cannot be clinched. The same
as _rag-bolt_. Those of copper used for the false keel.

BARBECUE. A tropical custom of dressing a pig whole.

BARBEL (_Barbus vulgaris_). An English river-fish of the carp family,
distinguished by the four appendant beards, whence its name is derived.
It is between 2 and 3 feet in length, and coarse. Also, _barbel_ is a
small piece of armour which protects part of the bassenet.

BARBER. A rating on the ships' books for one who shaves the people, for
which he receives the pay of an ordinary seaman. In meteorology,
_barber_ is a singular vapour rising in streams from the sea
surface,--owing probably to exhalations being condensed into a visible
form, on entering a cold atmosphere. It is well known on the shores of
Nova Scotia. Also, the condensed breath in frosty weather on beard or
moustaches in Arctic travelling.

BARBETTE. A mode of mounting guns to fire over the parapet, so as to
have free range, instead of through embrasures.

BARCA-LONGA. A large Spanish undecked coasting-vessel, navigated with
pole-masts, _i.e._ single-masts, without any top-mast or upper part; and
high square sails, called lug-sails. Propelled with sweeps as well. The
name is also applied to Spanish gunboats by our seamen.

BARCES. Short guns with a large bore formerly used in ships.

BARCHETTA. A small bark for transporting water, provisions, &c.

BARCONE. A short Mediterranean lighter.

BAREKA. A small barrel: spelled also _barika_ (Sp. _bareca_). Hence the
nautical name _breaker_ for a small cask or keg.

BARE-POLES. The condition of a ship having no sails set when out at sea,
and either scudding or lying-to by stress of weather. (_See_ UNDER BARE
POLES.)

BARE-ROOM. An old phrase for _bore-down_.

BARGE. A boat of a long, slight, and spacious construction, generally
carvel-built, double-banked, for the use of admirals and captains of
ships of war.--_Barge_, in boat attacks, is next in strength to the
launch. It is likewise a vessel or boat of state, furnished and equipped
in the most sumptuous style;--and of this sort we may naturally suppose
to have been the famous barge or galley of Cleopa