often
mistaken for a berg.

PILL. (_See_ PIL.) A term on the western coast for a draining rivulet,
as well as the creek into which it falls.

PILLAGE. Wanton and mostly iniquitous plunder. But an allowed ancient
practice, both in this and other countries, as shown by the sea
ordinances of France, and our black book of the admiralty.

PILLAN. A northern coast name for the shear-crab.

PILLAR OF THE HOLD. A main stanchion with notches for descent.

PILLAW. A dish composed at sea of junk, rice, onions, and fowls; it
figured at the marriage feast of Commodore Trunnion. It is derived from
the Levantine _pillaf_.

PILLOW. A block of timber whereon the inner end of the bowsprit is
supported.

PILMER. The fine small rain so frequent on our western coasts.

PILOT. An experienced person charged with the ship's course near the
coasts, into roads, rivers, &c., and through all intricate channels, in
his own particular district.--_Branch pilot._ One who is duly authorized
by the Trinity board to pilot ships of the largest draft.

PILOTAGE. The money paid to a pilot for taking a ship in or out of port,
&c.

PILOT CUTTER. A very handy sharp-built sea-boat used by pilots.

PILOT-FISH. _Naucrates ductor_, a member of the _Scomber_ family, the
attendant on the shark.

PILOT'S-ANCHOR. A kedge used for dropping a vessel in a stream or
tide-way.

PILOT'S FAIR-WAY, OR PILOT'S WATER. A channel wherein, according to
usage, a pilot must be employed.

PINCH-GUT. A miserly purser.

PINCH-GUT PAY. The short allowance money.

PINE. A genus of lofty coniferous trees, abounding in temperate
climates, and valuable for its timber and resin. The masts and yards of
ships are generally of pine. (_See_ PITCH-PINE.)--_Pine_ is also a
northern term for drying fish by exposure to the weather.

PING. The whistle of a shot, especially the rifle-bullets in their
flight.

PINGLE. A small north-country coaster.

PINK. A ship with a very narrow stern, having a small square part above.
The shape is of old date, but continued, especially by the Danes, for
the advantage of the quarter-guns, by the ship's being contracted abaft.
Also, one of the many names for the minnow.--_To pink_, to stab, as,
between casks, to detect men stowed away.

PINKSTERN. A very narrow boat on the Severn.

PIN-MAUL. _See_ MAUL.

PINNACE. A small vessel propelled with oars and sails, of two, and even
three masts, schooner-rigged. In size, as a ship's boat, smalle