_paterero_, to put into the breech of a gun prepared for it. (_See_
MURDERER.) Used by the Chinese, as in _gingals_ (which see).

CHAMBER OF A MINE. The seat or receptacle prepared for the
powder-charge, usually at the end of the gallery, and out of the direct
line of it; and, if possible, tamped or buried with tight packing of
earth, &c., to increase the force of explosion.

CHAMBER OF A PIECE OF ORDNANCE. The end of the bore modified to receive
the charge of powder. In mortars, howitzers, and shell-guns, they are of
smaller diameter than the bore, for the charges being comparatively
small, more effect is thus expected. The gomer chamber (which see) is
generally adopted in our service. In rifled guns the powder-chamber is
not rifled; it and the bullet-chamber differ in other minute respects
from the rest of the bore. Patereroes for festive occasions are
sometimes called chambers; as the small mortars, formerly used for
firing salutes in the parks, termed also pint-pots from their shape and
handles.

CHAMBERS. Clear spaces between the riders, in those vessels which have
floor and futtock riders.

CHAMFER. The cutting or taking off a sharp edge or angle from a plank or
timber. It is also called camfering.

CHAMPION. The great champion of England, who at the coronation of the
sovereign throws down his gauntlet, and defies all comers. Held at the
coronations of George IV., William IV., and Victoria, by a naval
officer, a middy in 1821.

CHANCERY, IN. When a ship gets into irons. (_See_ IRONS.)

CHANCY. Dangerous.

CHANDLER, SHIP. Dealer in general stores for ships.

CHANGE. In warrantry, is the voluntary substitution of a different
voyage for a merchant ship than the one originally specified or agreed
upon, an act which discharges the insurers. (_See_ DEVIATION.)

CHANGEY-FOR-CHANGEY. A rude barter among men-of-war's men, as bread for
vegetables, or any "swap."

CHANNEL. In hydrography, the fair-way, or deepest part of a river,
harbour, or strait, which is most convenient for the track of shipping.
Also, an arm of the sea, or water communication running between an
island or islands and the main or continent, as the British Channel. In
an extended sense it implies any passage which separates lands, and
leads from one ocean into another, without distinction as to shape.

CHANNEL-BOLTS. The long bolts which pass through all the planks, and
connect the channel to the side.

CHANNEL-GROPERS. The home-station s