t of a planet or comet where it
intersects the ecliptic. The ascending node is the point where it
passes from the south to the north side of the ecliptic; the descending
node is the opposite point, where the latitude changes from north to
south. (_See_ LINE OF NODES.)

NOG. A tree-nail driven through the heels of the shores, to secure them.

NOGGIN. A small cup or spirit-measure, holding about 1/4 of a pint.

NOGGING. The act of securing the shores by tree-nails. Also, warming
beer at the galley-fire.

NO HIGHER! _See_ NEAR.

NO-HOWISH. Qualmy; feeling an approaching ailment without being able to
describe the symptoms.

NO-MAN'S LAND. A space in midships between the after-part of the belfry
and the fore-part of a boat when it is stowed upon the booms, as is
often done in a deep-waisted vessel; this space is used to contain any
blocks, ropes, tackles, &c., which may be necessary on the forecastle,
and probably derives its name from being neither on the starboard nor
port side, neither in the waist, nor on the forecastle.

NONAGESIMAL DEGREE. The point of the ecliptic which is at the greatest
altitude above the horizon.

NON-COMBATANTS. A term applied erroneously to the purser, master
surgeon, &c., of a man-of-war, for all men on board may be called on,
more or less, to fight.

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. In familiar parlance, _non-coms._ are the
sergeants, corporals, and others, appointed under special regulations,
by the orders of the commanding officer.

NON-CONDENSING ENGINE. A high-pressure steam-engine.

NONIUS SCALE, OR VERNIER. That fixed to the oblong opening near the
lower end of the index-bar of a sextant or quadrant; it divides degrees
into minutes, and these again into parts of seconds.

NO! NO! The answer to the night-hail by which it is known that a
midshipman or warrant officer is in the boat hailed.

NON-RECOIL. This was effected by securing the breeching while the gun
was run out: often practised in small vessels.

NOOK. A small indentation of the land; a little cove in the inner parts
of bays and harbours.

NOOK-SHOTTEN. A Shakspearian expression for a coast indented with bays;
as in _Henry V._ Bourbon speaks contemptuously of "that nook-shotten
isle of Albion."

NOON. Mid-day.

NOOSE. A slip or running knot.

NORE. The old word for north. Also, a canal or channel.

NORIE'S EPITOME. A treatise on navigation not to be easily cast aside.

NORLAND. Of, or belonging to, the north la