, after Captain
Shaddock, who introduced it there.

POMFRET. A delicate sea-fish, taken in great quantities in Bombay and
Madras.

POMMELION. A name given by seamen to the cascable or hindmost knob on
the breech of a cannon.

PONCHES. Small bulk-heads made in the hold to stow corn, goods, &c.

PONCHO. A blanket with a hole in the centre, large enough for the head
to pass through, worn by natives of South and Western America.

POND. A word often used for a small lagoon, but improperly, for ponds
are formed exclusively from springs and surface-drainage, and have no
affluent. Also, a cant name for the Mediterranean. Also, the
summit-level of a canal.

PONENT. Western.

PONIARD. A short dagger with a sharp edge.

PONTAGE. A duty or toll collected for the repair and keeping of bridges.

PONTONES. Ancient square-built ferry-boats for passing rivers, as
described by Caesar and Aulus Gellius.

PONTOON. A large low flat vessel resembling a barge of burden, and
furnished with cranes, capstans, tackles, and other machinery necessary
for careening ships; they are principally used in the Mediterranean.
Also, a kind of portable boat specially adapted for the formation of the
floating bridges required by armies: they are constructed of various
figures, and of wood, metal, or prepared canvas (the latter being most
in favour at present), and have the necessary superstructure and gear
packed with them for transport.

POO. A small crab on the Scottish coast.

POOD. A Russian commercial weight, equal to 36 lbs. English.

POODLE. An old Cornish name for the English Channel. Also, a slang term
for the aide-de-camp of a garrison general.

POOL. Is distinguished from a _pond_, in being filled by springs or
running water. Also, a _pwll_ or port.

POOP. [From the Latin _puppis_.] The aftermost and highest part of a
large ship's hull. Also, a deck raised over the after-part of a
spar-deck, sometimes called the _round-house_. A frigate has no poop,
but is said to be pooped when a wave strikes the stern and washes on
board.

POOPING, OR BEING POOPED. The breaking of a heavy sea over the stern or
quarter of a boat or vessel when she scuds before the wind in a gale,
which is extremely dangerous, especially if deeply laden.

POOP-LANTERN. A light carried by admirals to denote the flag-ship by
night.

POOP-NETTING. _See_ HAMMOCK-NETTINGS.

POOP-RAILS. The stanchions and rail-work in front of the poop. (_See_
BREAST-WORK and FI