The gaining of a rat-line or two in height while waiting on the lower part of the rigging for the order to go aloft. Also, a vessel is said to steal ahead when she moves with the lightest breath of air.
·p.pr. & ·vb.n. of <<Steal>>. II. Stealing ·noun That which is stolen; stolen property; — chiefly ...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
See Theft. ...
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Cutting out the backs of coaches, and robbing the seats. ...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose