rat

The Sailor's Word-Book

A term for one who changes his party for interest: from rats deserting vessels about to sink. These mischievous vermin are said to have increased after the economical expulsion of cats from our dockyards. Thus, in the petition from the ships-in-ordinary, to be allowed to go to sea, even to carry passengers, we read:


"Tho' it was hemigrants or sodgers

***

Anything afore them rats,

Which now they is our only lodgers;

For well they knows, the artful dodgers,

The Board won't stand th' expense of cats."

Injury done by rats is not included in a policy of insurance. Also, a rapid stream or race, derived from sharp rocks beneath, which injure the cable.

The Sailor's Word-Book

← rasing-iron   ×   ratcher →

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