nveying notices in
1815.

MUSKETEERS. An early name for those soldiers who were armed with
muskets.

MUSKETOON. A short kind of blunderbuss with a large bore, to carry
several musket or pistol bullets; it was much used on boat service. They
were mounted on swivel crutches, and termed top-pieces; quarter pieces
in barges and pinnaces, where timbers were especially fitted for them.

MUSKET-PROOF. Any bulk-head, parapet, or substance which effectually
resists the force of a musket-ball.

MUSKET-SHOT. Was the computed distance of 400 yards, now undergoing
change.

MUSLIN, OR DIMITY. The flying kites of a ship. "Give her the muslin," or
"Spare not the dimity," frequently used in tropical chase of slavers.

MUSTER, TO. To assemble in order that the state and condition of the men
may be seen, and also at times to inspect their arms and clothing.

MUSTER-BOOK. A copy of a ship of war's open list, drawn up for the use
of the clerk of the check, in calling over the crew. A copy of the
muster-book is to be transmitted every two months to the admiralty.

MUSTER-PAPER. A description of paper supplied from the dockyards, ruled
and headed, for making ships' books.

MUSTER-ROLL. A document kept by the master of every British vessel,
specifying the name, age, quality, and country of every person of the
ship's company; even neutrals are compelled to produce such a paper in
time of war.

MUSTER THE WATCH. A duty performed nightly at 8 P.M., and repeated when
the watch is relieved up to 4 A.M.

MUTCHKIN. A pint measure.

MUTILATION. The crime of self-maiming to avoid serving.

MUTINOUS. Showing symptoms of sedition.

MUTINY. Revolt or determined disobedience of regular authority by
soldiers or sailors, and punishable with death. Shakspeare makes Hamlet
sleep

"Worse than the _mutines_ in the bilboes."

MUTINY-ACT. On this document the Articles of War are founded.

MUTTON-SNAPPER. A large fish of the _Mesoprion_ genus, frequenting
tropical seas, and prized in the Jamaica markets. (_See_ SNAPPER.)

MUZZLE OF A PIECE OF ORDNANCE. The forward extremity of the cylinder,
and the metal which surrounds it, extending back to the neck, where it
meets the chase, marked by a moulded ring in old guns.

MUZZLE-LASHINGS. The ropes which confine the muzzles of lower-deck guns
to the housing bolts.

MUZZLE-RING. That which encompassed and strengthened the muzzle or mouth
of a cannon; now disused.

MUZZLE TO THE RIGHT, OR MUZ