he wedges called
reeming irons, so as to open the seams in order to caulk. (_See_
REEMING.)

BEETLE-HEAD. A large beetle, weighing 1000 lbs., swayed up by a
crabwinch to a height, and dropped by a pincer-shaped hook; it is used
in pile-driving.

BEFORE OR ABAFT THE BEAM. The bearing of any object which is before or
abaft a right line to the keel, at the midship section of a ship.

BEFORE THE MAST. The station of the working seamen, as distinguishing
them from the officers.

BEGGAR-BOLTS. A contemptuous term for the missiles which were thrown by
the galley-slaves at an approaching enemy.

BEHAVIOUR. The action and qualities of a ship under different impulses.
Seamen speak of the manner in which she behaves, as if she acted by her
own instinct.

BEIKAT. _See_ BYKAT.

BEILED. A sea-term in the old law-books, apparently for moored.

BEING. _See_ BING.

BELAY, TO. To fasten a rope when it has been sufficiently hauled upon,
by twining it several times round a cleat, belaying pin, or kevel,
without hitching or seizing; this is chiefly applied to the running
rigging, which needs to be so secured that it may be quickly let go in
case of a squall or change of wind; there being several other
expressions used for securing large ropes, as bitting, making fast,
stoppering, &c.--_Belay there_, stop! that is enough!--_Belay that
yarn_, we have had enough of it. Stand fast, secure all, when a hawser
has been sufficiently hauled. When the top-sails, or other sails have
been hoisted taut up, or "belay the main-tack," &c.

BELAYING PINS. Small wooden or iron cylinders, fixed in racks in
different parts of the ship, for belaying running ropes to.

BELEAGUER. To invest or closely surround an enemy's post, in such manner
as to prevent all relief or communication.

BELFRY. An ornamental frame or shelter, under which the ship's bell is
suspended.

BELL. _Strike the bell._ The order to strike the clapper against the
bell as many times as there are half hours of the watch elapsed; hence
we say it is two bells, three bells, &c., meaning there are two or three
half-hours past. The watch of four hours is eight bells.

BELLA STELLA. A name used by old seamen for the cross-staff.

BELLATRIX. {g} Orionis.

BELL-BUOY. A large can-buoy on which is placed, in wicker-work, a bell,
which is sounded by the heaving and setting of the sea.

BELLIGERENT. An epithet applied to any country which is in a state of
warfare.

BELLOWS. An old