Browse dictionary
Showing 1-20 of 6310 results in 6310 entries
1. A, n. View full entry OE
...The letter, and the sound it represents....
2. A1, adj. View full entry 1776
...Esp. of a wooden ship: first-class in respect of both hull and fittings (originally and esp. as classified in Lloyd's Register: see note in etymology). Also A1 at Lloyd's. Now...
3. aback, adv. View full entry OE
...In a backward direction; to or towards the rear; back. Also fig. and in extended use: from the scene of action, away, to a distance; to a former place or...
4. † abackstays, adv. View full entry 1630
...In line with the direction of the wind; with sails positioned in this way, thus presenting no surface to the wind....
5. abaft, adv. and prep. View full entry a1400
...Chiefly Naut. To or towards the rear; backward....
6. abandon, n.2 View full entry 1614
...The action of abandoning; abandonment, relinquishment; an instance of this....
7. abandon, v. View full entry a1393
...trans. To let go, give up, renounce (a pursuit, practice, possession, etc.); to cease to use, have, or practise....
8. abandonee, n. View full entry 1804
...A person to whom anything is formally or legally abandoned; spec. (in marine insurance) the underwriters to whom all interest in property insured is relinquished after a loss (cf. ...
9. abandonment, n. View full entry 1593
...The surrender or devotion of oneself to an influence, passion, emotion, etc.; self-abandonment; an instance of this....
10. abdication, n. View full entry 1552
...The action or practice of formally disowning or casting off a person, esp. one's child. Chiefly hist., with reference to ancient Greek and Roman law....
11. abeam, adv. View full entry 1789
...On a line at right angles to a ship's course; opposite the middle of a vessel. Later also of an aircraft. Cf. beam17....
12. able, adj., adv., and n. View full entry a1382
...In predicative use, with for (in early use also with to). Capable of, having sufficient strength or power for; ready for, fit to cope with. Now chiefly ...
13. able whackets, n. View full entry 1785
...Blows given on the palm of the hand with a twisted handkerchief. Hence: a sailors' card game in which the loser of the game (or of a point) receives such blows....
14. aboard, adv. and prep. View full entry a1393
...Alongside, on one side (of a ship or a shore). Freq. modified by hard, close. See also board on boardboard12d....
15. † abordage, n. View full entry c1550
...An attack on a ship, in which it is boarded....
16. † about, v.1 View full entry 1694
...trans. (only with ship as object). To change the course of (a sailing vessel) to the opposite tack; = to put aboutput1. Also fig....
17. about, adv., prep.1, adj., and int. View full entry eOE
...In rotation or revolution; round in a circular course. Now rare except in fig. use with verbs....
18. abox, adv. View full entry 1801
...Of the head-yards of a sailing vessel: in a position with only the headsails laid aback....
19. Abraham, n. View full entry c1300
...heaven; the place of rest for the souls of the righteous dead. Chiefly in Abraham's bosom....
20. abreast, adv. and prep. View full entry a1450
...Side by side and facing or moving in the same direction. Cf. breast7....
