r than
the barge, and, like it, carvel-built. The armed pinnace of the French
coasts was of 60 or 80 tons burden, carrying one long 24-pounder and 100
men. In _Henry VI._ Shakspeare makes the pinnace an independent vessel,
though Falstaff uses it as a small vessel attending on a larger. Also,
metaphorically, an indifferent character.

PINNOLD. A term on our southern shores for a small bridge.

PINS.--_Belaying pins._ Short cylindrical pieces of wood or iron fixed
into the fife-rail and other parts of a vessel, for making fast the
running-rigging.

PINTADOS. Coloured or printed chintzes, formerly in great demand from
India, and among the fine goods of a cargo.

PIN-TAIL. The _Anas acuta_, a species of duck with a long pointed tail.
Also, in artillery, the iron pin on the axle-tree of the limber, to
which the trail-eye of the gun-carriage is attached for travel.

PINTLES. The rudder is hung on to a ship by pintles and braces. The
braces are secured firmly to the stern-post by jaws, which spread and
are bolted on each side. The pintles are hooks which enter the braces,
and the rudder is then wood-locked; a dumb pintle on the heel finally
takes the strain off the hinging portions.

PIONEERS. A proportion of troops specially assigned to the clearing
(from natural impediments) the way for the main body; hence, used
generally in the works of an army, its scavenging, &c. Labourers of the
country also are sometimes so used.

PIPE. A measure of wine containing two hogsheads, or 125 gallons, equal
to half a tun. Also, a peculiar whistle for summoning the men to duty,
and directing their attention by its varied sounds. (_See_ CALL.)

PIPE-CLAY. Known to the ancients under the name of _paretonium_;
formerly indispensable to soldiers as well as the jolly marines.

PIPE DOWN! The order to dismiss the men from the deck when a duty has
been performed on board ship.

PIPE-FISH. A fish of the genus _Syngnathus_, with an elongated slender
body and long tubular mouth.

PIPER. A half-dried haddock. Also, the shell _Echinus cidaris_. Also,
the fish _Trigla lyra_.

PIQUET. A proportion of a force set apart and kept on the alert for the
security of the whole.--The _outlying piquet_, some distance from the
main body, watches all hostile approach.--The _inlying piquet_ is ready
to act in case of internal disorder, or of alarm.

PIRACY. Depredation without authority, or transgression of authority
given, by despoiling beyond its war