hand

The Sailor's Word-Book

A phrase often used for the word man, as, "a hand to the lead," "clap more hands on," &c.


♦ To hand a sail, is to furl it.

♦ To lend a hand, to assist.

♦ Bear a hand, make haste.

♦ Hand in the leech, a call in furling sails. To comprehend this it must be understood that the leech, or outer border of the sail, if left to belly or fill with wind, would set at naught all the powers of the men. It is therefore necessary, as Falconer has it, "the tempest to disarm;" so by handing in this leech-rope before the yard, the canvas is easily folded in, and the gasket passed round.

Related Words