A vessel of war appointed to superintend the marine affairs in a harbour, and to visit the ships which are not commissioned every night; she is also to receive seamen who are impressed in time of war. In the great ports she carries the flag of the commander-in-chief. Each ship takes the guard in turn at 9 A.M.; the vessel thus on duty hoists the union-jack at the mizen, and performs the duties afloat for twenty-four hours. The officer of the guard is accountable to the admiral for all transactions on the water during his guard.
Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris
To ship again; to ship what has been conveyed by water or imported.--Webster. Much used in all our ...
Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.