s or intervals between her planks. Also, in steam navigation, the
distance between two contiguous threads of the screw-propeller, is
termed the _pitch_. Also, in gunnery, the throw of the shot.--_To
pitch_, to plant or set, as tents, pavements, pitched battles, &c.

PITCH-BOAT. A vessel fitted for boiling pitch in, which should be veered
astern of the one being caulked.

PITCHED. A word formerly used for _stepped_, as of a mast, and also for
_thrown_.

PITCH-HOUSE. A place set apart for the boiling of pitch for the seams
and bottoms of vessels.

PITCH IN, TO. To set to work earnestly; to beat a person violently. (A
colloquialism.)

PITCHING. The plunging of a ship's head in a sea-way; the vertical
vibration which her length makes about her centre of gravity; a very
straining motion.

PITCH-KETTLE. That in which the pitch is heated, or in which it is
carried from the _pitch-pot_.

PITCH-LADLE. Is used for paying decks and horizontal work.

PITCH-MOP. The implement with which the hot pitch is laid on to ships'
sides and perpendicular work.

PITCH-PINE. _Pinus resinosa_, commonly called Norway or red pine. (_See_
PINE.)

PITH. Well known as the medullary part of the stem of a plant; but
figuratively, it is used to express strength and courage.

PIT-PAN. A flat-bottomed, trough-like canoe, used in the Spanish Main
and in the West Indies.

PIT-POWDER. That made with charcoal which has been burned in pits, not
in cylinders.

PIVOT. A cylinder of iron or other metal, that may turn easily in a
socket. Also, in a column of troops, that flank by which the dressing
and distance are regulated; in a line, that on which it wheels.

PIVOT-GUN. Mounted on a frame carriage which can be turned radially, so
as to point the piece in any direction.

PIVOT-SHIP. In certain fleet evolutions, the sternmost ship remains
stationary, as a pivot upon which the other vessels are to form the line
anew.

PLACE. A fortress, especially its main body.

PLACE FOR EVERYTHING, AND EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE. One of the golden
maxims of propriety on board ship.

PLACE OF ARMS. In fortification, a space contrived for the convenient
assembling of troops for ulterior purposes; the most usual are those at
the salient and re-entering angles of the covered-way.

PLACER. A Spanish nautical term for shoal or deposit. Also, for deposits
of precious minerals.

PLACES OF CALL. Merchantmen must here attend to two general rules:--If
these places