tween this and the line
of flotation has latterly been termed the free-board.

PLAN OF THE TRANSOMS. The horizontal appearance of them, to which the
moulds are made, and the bevellings taken.

PLANT. A stock of tools, &c. Also, the fixtures, machinery, &c.,
required to carry on a business.

PLANTER. In Newfoundland it means a person engaged in the fishery; and
in the United States the naked trunk of a tree, which, imbedded in a
river, becomes one of the very dangerous snag tribe.

PLASH, TO. To wattle or interweave branches.

PLASTRON. A pad used by fencers. Also, the shield on the under surface
of a turtle.

PLATE. In marine law, refers to jewels, plate, or treasure, for which
freight is due. Thus, _plate-ship_ is a galleon so laden.

PLATE. _Backstay-plate._ A piece of iron used instead of a chain to
confine the dead-eye of the backstay to the after-channel.--_Foot-hook
or futtock plates._ Iron bands fitted to the lower dead-eyes of the
topmast-shrouds, which, passing through holes in the rim of the top, are
attached to the upper ends of the futtock-shrouds.

PLATE-ARMOUR. Thick coverings or coatings for ships on the new
principle, to render them impervious to shot and shell, if kept just
outside of _breaking-plate_ distance.

PLATEAU. An upland flat-topped elevation.

PLATFORM. A kind of deck for any temporary or particular purpose: the
orlop-deck, having store-rooms and cabins forward and aft, and the
middle part allotted to the stowage of cables. Also, the flooring
elevation of stone or timber on which the carriage of a gun is placed
for action. Hence, in early voyages, a fort or battery, with
well-mounted ordnance, is called "the platform."

PLATOON. Originally a small square body or subdivision of musketeers;
hence, _platoon exercise_, that which relates to the loading and firing
of muskets in the ranks; and _platoon firing_, _i.e._ by subdivisions.

PLAY. Motion in the frame, masts, &c. Also said of the marine
steam-engine when it is in action or in play. Also, in long voyages or
tedious blockades, play-acting may be encouraged with benefit; for the
excitement and employment thus afforded are not only good
anti-scorbutics, but also promoters of content and good fellowship: in
such--

"Jack is not bound by critics' crabbed laws,
But gives to all his unreserved applause:
He laughs aloud when jokes his fancy please--
Such are the honest manners of the seas.
And never--never may