direction, and then alter their course, and blow
(after the tempestuous tumult of their shifting has subsided) during an
equal space of time from an opposite point of the compass, with the same
uniformity. They are caused by the unequal heating of land and water,
and occur in the tropics, where the "trade" would constantly blow if it
were not for the presence of land. (_See_ WINDS.) The south-west monsoon
is called by the Arabs _khumseen_, denoting fifty, as they suppose it to
precede the overflowing of the Nile by fifty days. (_See_ KAMSIN.)

MONTE PAGNOTE. In former days an eminence out of cannon shot of
operations, where spectators were not exposed to danger.

MONTERO. A military cap and hood formerly worn in camp.

MONTHLY ALLOWANCE. A sum paid monthly to warrant and petty officers not
allowed to draw bills; and to seamen, marines, and boys serving on
board. Wages are now paid regularly.

MONTHLY NOTES. _See_ ALLOTMENT.

MOON. Our satellite; she performs her revolution in 27 days, 7 hours, 43
minutes. (_See_ FULL MOON and NEW MOON.) A hazy or pale colour of the
moon, revealing the state of our atmosphere, is supposed to forebode
rain, and a red or copper colour to forebode wind.

MOON-BLINK. A temporary evening blindness occasioned by sleeping in the
moonshine in tropical climates; it is technically designated
_nyctalopia_.

MOON-CULMINATORS. Certain stars near the same parallel of declination as
the moon, and not differing greatly from her in right ascension, given
in the Ephemeris as proper objects for comparison with her, to determine
the longitudes of places.

MOONEY. Not quite intoxicated, but unfitted for duty.

MOON IN DISTANCE. When the angle between her and the sun, or a star,
admits of measurement for lunar observation.

MOONISH. Variable, as with Shakspeare's Rosalind.

MOON-RAKERS. Sails above the skysails. They are usually designated
moon-sails.

MOON-SHEERED. A ship the upper works of which rise very high, fore and
aft.

MOONSHINE. Illicit hollands, schiedam, and indeed smuggling in general;
excused as a _matter of moonshine_. A mere nothing.

MOON-STRUCK. An influence imputed to the moon in the tropics, by which
fish, particularly of the _Scomber_ class, though recently taken, become
intenerated, and even spoiled; while some attribute poisonous qualities
to them in this state. Human beings are also said to be injured by
sleeping in the moon's rays.

MOOR. An upland swamp, boggy, wit