s higher than the other
if necessary, but particularly to support the weight when a number of
men are employed on it, furling or reefing the sail. The yards are said
to be squared by the lifts when they hang at right angles with the
masts.--_Topping-lifts._ (_See_ TOPPING-LIFTS.)

LIG. A fish-hook, with lead cast round its upper part in order to sink
it.

LIGAN. _See_ LAGAN.

LIGGER. A line with a float and bait, used for catching pike. A
night-hook laid for a pike or eel.

LIGHT, TO. To move or lift anything along; as "light over to windward,"
the cry for helping the man at the weather-earing when taking in a reef.
Each man holding by a reef-point helps it over, as the lee-earing cannot
be passed until the man to windward calls out, "Haul out to leeward."

LIGHT AIRS. Unsteady and faint flaws of wind.

LIGHT ALONG! Lend assistance in hauling cables, hawsers, or large ropes
along, and lifting some parts in a required direction.

LIGHT-BALLS. Are thrown from mortars at night to discover the enemy's
working parties, &c. They are composed of saltpetre, sulphur, resin, and
linseed-oil, and burn with great brilliancy. The _parachute light-ball_,
which suspends itself in the air by the action of the heated gas from
the light against the parachute, is most convenient.

LIGHT BOBS. The old soubriquet for _light infantry_ (which see).

LIGHT BREEZES. When light airs have become steady.

LIGHTEN, TO. To throw ballast, stores, cargo, or other things, overboard
in stress of weather, to render the vessel more buoyant.

LIGHTER. A large, open, flat-bottomed boat, with heavy bearings,
employed to carry goods to or from ships.--_Ballast lighter._ A vessel
fitted up to raise ballast from the bottom of a harbour.--_Covered or
close lighter._ One furnished with a deck throughout her whole length,
in order to secure such merchandise as might be damaged by wet, and to
prevent pillage.

LIGHTERAGE. The charge made for the hire of a lighter.

LIGHTERMAN. A man employed in a lighter.

LIGHT-HANDED. Short of the complement of men.

LIGHT-HORSE. A name formerly given to all mounted men who were not
encumbered with armour.

LIGHT-HORSEMAN. An old name for the light boat, since called a gig.
(_See_ WALLMIA.)

LIGHTHOUSE. A sort of tower, erected upon a headland, islet, or rock,
whose lights may be seen at a great distance from the land to warn
shipping of their approach to these dangers.--A _floating light_, or
_light vessel_