ng, the lizard confines the yard rope until the order is given,
"Sway across," when, letting the lizard run, all cross simultaneously.

LIZIERE. In fortification, a word sometimes used for _berm_ (which see).
A narrow bank of earth supporting the parapet when deformed by fire.

LLANOS [Sp. _plains_]. Immense plains in S. America, with alternate arid
patches and verdure.

LLOYD'S. An establishment which, from a subscription coffee-house, has
grown to a society which has transacted the bulk of the British
insurance business regularly since 1601; and even before that period
assurers had met there "time out of mind." A register is kept of every
ship, whether foreign or English, with the place where it was built, the
materials used in its construction, its age, state of repair, and
general character.

LLOYD'S AGENTS. Persons appointed in all parts of the commercial world,
to forward accounts of the arrivals and departures of vessels, or any
information interesting to the underwriters.

LLOYD'S LIST. A gazette, published formerly twice a week, but latterly
daily, under the superintendence of a committee chosen by the
subscribers, and transmitted over the whole world.

LLOYD'S REGISTER. An annual list of British and foreign shipping, ranked
by letter and number in different classes.

LLOYD'S SURVEYORS. Practical persons specially appointed in London, and
most of the out-ports of the United Kingdom, to investigate the state
and condition of merchant-ships for the underwriters.

LOADED-SHELL. A shell filled with lead, to be thrown from a mortar. The
term is also used for _live-shells_.

LOADING-CHAMBER. The paterero, or inserting piece in breech-loading.

LOADING OF A SHIP. _See_ CARGO and LADING.

LOADSMAN. A pilot, or person who conducts into or out of harbours.

LOADSTONE. _See_ MAGNET and DIPPING-NEEDLE.

LOAD WATER-LINE. The draught of water exhibited when the ship is
properly loaded; in a word, her proper displacement, not always
sufficiently considered.

LOAD WATER-SECTION. A horizontal section at the load water-line in the
ship-builder's draught.

LOAFER. One who hangs about a dock, ready for every job except a hard
one.

LOATH TO DEPART. Probably the first line of some favourite song;
formerly the air was sounded in men-of-war, when going foreign, for the
women and children to quit the ship.

LOB. A sluggish booby; whence _lubber_. Also, that part of a tree where
it first divides into branches.

L