fastening formed by twisting
several rope-yarns together by hand and rubbing it with hard tarred
canvas; it is used for a seizing, or to weave a paunch or mat, &c.
(_See_ SPANISH FOX.)

FOXEY. A defect in timber which is over-aged or has been indifferently
seasoned, and gives the defective part a reddish hue. The word is very
old, and meant tainted or incipient rot.

FOY. A local term for the charge made for the use of a boat.

FOYING. An employment of fishermen or seamen, who go off to ships with
provisions, or to help them in distress.

FOYST. An old name for a brigantine. The early voyagers applied the name
to some large barks of India, which were probably _grabs_.

FRACTURES. Defects in spars which run across the fibres, being short
fractures marked by jagged lines. (_See_ SPRUNG.)

FRAISES. Principally in field fortification, palisades placed
horizontally, or nearly so, along the crest of the escarp, or sometimes
of the counterscarp; being generally concealed from direct artillery
fire they very materially increase the difficulty of either of those
slopes to an assailant. They project some 5 feet above the surface, and
are buried for about the same length in the ground.

FRAME. The outer frame timbers of a vessel consist of the keel, stem,
stern-posts, and ribs, which when moulded and bolted form the frame.
(_See_ TIMBERS.)

FRAME OF THE MARINE STEAM-ENGINE, is the strong supporter of the
paddle-shafts and intermediate shaft; it rests on columns, and is firmly
bolted to the engine bottom.

FRAMES. The bends of timbers constituting the shape of the ship's
body--when completed a ship is said to be _in frame_.

FRAME-TIMBERS. These consist of the floor-timbers, futtocks, and
top-timbers; they are placed upon the keel at right angles to it, and
form the bottom and sides of the ship.

FRAMING. The placing, scarphing, and bolting of the frame-timbers of a
ship. (_See_ WARPING.)

FRANC. A French silver coin of the value of 9-1/2_d._, and consisting of
100 centimes. The 20-franc piece in gold, formerly called _Louis_, now
_Napoleon_, is current for 15_s._ 10-1/2_d._ English.

FRANCESCONI. The dollars of Tuscany, in value 4_s._ 5-1/4_d._ sterling.
They each consist of 10 paoli.

FRANK. The large fish-eating heron of our lakes and pools.

FRAP. A boat for shipping salt, used at Mayo, one of the Cape de Verde
Islands.

FRAP, TO. To bind tightly together. To pass lines round a sail to keep
it from blowing