loose. To secure the falls of a tackle together by means
of spun yarn, rope yarn, or any lashing wound round them. To snap the
finger and thumb; to beat.

FRAPPING. The act of crossing and drawing together the several parts of
a tackle, or other complication of ropes, which had already been
strained to a great extent; in this sense it exactly resembles the
operation of bracing up a drum. The frapping increases tension, and
consequently adds to the security acquired by the purchase; hence the
cat-harpings were no other than frappings to the shrouds.

FRAPPING A SHIP. The act of passing four or five turns of a large
cable-laid rope round a ship's hull when it is apprehended that she is
not strong enough to resist the violence of the sea. This expedient is
only made use of for very old ships, which their owners venture to send
to sea as long as possible, insuring them deeply. Such are termed, not
unaptly, floating coffins, as were also the old, 10-gun brigs, or any
vessel deemed doubtful as to sea-worthiness. St. Paul's ship was
"undergirded" or frapped.

FRAPPING TURNS. In securing the booms at sea the several turns of the
lashings are frapped in preparation for the succeeding turns; in
emergency, nailed.

FRAUDS, ACT OF. A statute of Charles II., the object of which was to
meet and prevent certain practices by which the navigation laws were
eluded.

FREDERIC. A Prussian gold coin, value 16_s._ 6_d._ sterling.

FREE, TO.--_To free a prisoner._ To restore him to liberty.--_To free a
pump._ To disengage or clear it.--_To free a boat or ship._ To clear it
of water.

FREE. A vessel is said to be _going free_ when the bowlines are slacked
and the sheets eased; beyond this is termed large. (_See_ SAILING
LARGE.)

FREE-BOARD. _See_ PLANK-SHEER.

FREEING. The act of pumping, or otherwise throwing out the water which
has leaked into a ship's bottom. When all the water is pumped or baled
out, the vessel is said to be free. Said of the wind when it exceeds 67
deg. 30' from right-ahead.

FREE PORT. Ports open to all comers free of entry-dues, as places of
call, not delivery.

FREE SHIP. A piratical term for one where it is agreed that every man
shall have an equal share in all prizes.

FREE TRADER. Ships trading formerly under license to India independent
of the old East India Company's charter. Also, a common woman.

FREEZE, TO. To congeal water or any fluid. Thus sea-water freezes at 28
deg. 5' Fah.; fresh water