nice steerage

That which is required in tide-ways and intricate channels, chasing or chased.

Nice
·superl Delicate; refined; dainty; pure. II. Nice ·superl Of trifling moment; nimportant; trivial. ...

Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
nice
1) clever, agreeable, fine, applied to any thing. C. 2) in Derbyshire, implies the same as BONNY in...

A glossary of provincial and local words used in England by Francis Grose
Steerage
·noun That by which a course is directed. II. Steerage ·noun The hinder part of a vessel; the stern...

Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
steerage
The act of steering. (See nice steerage.) Also, that part of the ship next below the quarter-deck, i...

The Sailor's Word-Book
steerage-way
When a vessel has sufficient motion in the water to admit of the helm being effective. ...

The Sailor's Word-Book