hips cruising in the Channel; usually
small vessels to watch the coast in former times, and to arrest
smugglers.

CHANNEL-GROPING. The carrying despatches, and cruising from port to port
in soundings.

CHANNEL-PLATES. _See_ CHAIN-PLATES.

CHANNEL-WALES. Strakes worked between the gun-deck and the upper deck
ports of large ships. Also, the outside plank which receives the bolts
of the chain-plates. The wale-plank extends fore and aft to support the
channels.

CHANTICLEER. A name in the Frith of Forth for the dragonet or gowdie
(_Callionymus lyra_). The early or vigilant cock, from which several
English vessels of war have derived their names.

CHAP. A general term for a man of any age after boyhood; but it is not
generally meant as a compliment.

CHAPE. The top locket of a sword scabbard.

CHAPELLING A SHIP. The act of turning her round in a light breeze, when
she is close hauled, without bracing the head-yards, so that she will
lie the same way that she did before. This is commonly occasioned by the
negligence of the steersman, or by a sudden change of the wind.

CHAPLAIN. The priest appointed to perform divine service on board ships
in the royal navy.

CHAPMAN. A small merchant or trader; a ship's super-cargo.

CHAR. A fine species of trout taken in our northern lakes.

CHARACTERS. Certain marks invented for shortening the expression of
mathematical calculations, as +, -, x, /, =, : :: :, [sq], &c.

CHARGE. The proportional quantity of powder and ball wherewith a gun is
loaded for execution. The rules for loading large ordnance are: that the
piece be first cleaned or scoured inside; that the proper quantity of
powder be next driven in and rammed down, care however being taken that
the powder in ramming be not bruised, because that weakens its effect;
that a little quantity of paper, lint, or the like, be rammed over it,
and then the ball be intruded. If the ball be red hot, a tompion, or
trencher of green wood, is to be driven in before it. Also, in martial
law, an indictment or specification of the crime of which a prisoner
stands accused. Also, in evolutions, the brisk advance of a body to
attack an enemy, with bayonets fixed at the charge, or firmly held at
the hip. Also, the command on duty, every man's office.--_A ship of
charge_, is one so deeply immersed as to steer badly.--_To charge a
piece_, is to put in the proper quantity of ammunition.

CHARGER. The horse ridden by an officer in action; a t