nearly head to wind in tacking.

MAIN-SHAFT. The principal shaft in machinery.

MAINSHEET-HORSE. A kind of iron dog fixed at the middle of a wooden
beam, stretching across a craft's stern, from one quarter stanchion to
the other; on it the mainsheet-block travels.

MAIN-SPRING. The source of continuous motion in a time-keeper. Also,
that part of a musket-lock which is sunk into the stock.

MAIN-STAYSAIL. A storm-sail set between the fore and main masts.

MAIN-TACK BLOCK. A block forming part of the purchase used for hauling
the main-tack down to.

MAIN-TACKLE. A large and strong tackle, hooked occasionally upon the
main pendant, and used for various purposes, particularly in securing
the mast, by setting up the rigging, stays, &c.

MAIN-TACKLE PENDANT. A stout piece of rope with a hook in one end, and a
thimble in the other, sometimes used for hauling the main-tackle down.

MAIN-TOP BOWLINE. The bowline of the main-topsail. It is used to haul
the weather-leech forward when on a wind, which makes the sail stand
better.

MAIN-TOPSAIL HAUL! The order used instead of _main-sail haul_, when the
main-sail is not set.

MAIN-TRANSOM. A term often applied to the _wing-transom_ (which see).

MAIN-WALES. The lower wales, which are generally placed on the lower
breadth, and so that the main-deck knee-bolts may come into them.

MAIN-YARD MEN. Those in the doctor's list.

MAISTER. _See_ MASTER.

MAIZE. Indian corn, an article of extensive commerce in many countries.
In Italy it is called _Turkey grain_ and _grano d'India_; in America
simply _corn_, all other grains retaining their distinctive names.

MAJOR. The next rank below that of lieutenant-colonel; the junior
field-officer.

MAJOR AXIS. In the orbit of a planet, means the line joining its
aphelion and perihelion.

MAJOR-GENERAL. The next in rank below the lieutenant-general.

MAJOR OF BRIGADE. _See_ BRIGADE-MAJOR.

MAKE, TO. Is variously applied in sea-language.

MAKE A GOOD BOARD. _See_ BOARD.

MAKE A LANE THERE! The order of the boatswain for the crew to separate
at muster, to facilitate the approach of any one whose name is called.
(_See_ LANE.)

MAKE BAD WEATHER, TO. A ship rolling, pitching, or leaking violently in
a gale.

MAKE FAST. A word generally used for tying or securing ropes. To
fasten.

MAKE FREE WITH THE LAND, TO. To approach the shore closely.

MAKE HEAD-WAY. A ship makes head-way when she advances through the
water.

MAKE IT