ess of the body.

PROPELLER. This term generally alludes to the Archimedean screw, or
screw-propeller.

PROPER MOTION OF THE STARS. A movement which some stars are found to
possess, independent of the apparent change of place due to the
precession of the equinoxes, the accounting for which is as yet only
ingenious conjecture.

PROPORTION. In naval architecture, the length, breadth, and height of a
vessel, having a due consideration to her rate, and the object she is
intended for.

PROPPETS. Those shores that stand nearly vertical.

PROSPECTIVE, OR PROSPECT GLASS. An old term for a deck or hand
telescope, with a terrestrial eye-piece. (_See_ SPY-GLASS.)

PROTECTIONS, ON PAPER, against impressment, were but little regarded.
Yet seafaring men above 55, and under 18, were by statute exempted, as
were all for the first two years of their going to sea, foreigners
serving in merchant ships or privateers, and all apprentices for three
years.

PROTEST. A formal declaration drawn up in writing, and attested before a
notary-public, a justice of the peace, or a consul in foreign parts, by
the master of a merchant-ship, his mate, and a part of the ship's crew,
after the expiration of a voyage in which the ship has suffered in her
hull, rigging, or cargo, to show that such damage did not happen through
neglect or misconduct on their part.

PROTRACTOR. An instrument for laying off angles on paper, having an open
mark at the centre of the circle, with a radial leg, and vernier, which
is divided into degrees (generally 90).

PROVE, TO. To test the soundness of fire-arms, by trying them with
greater charges than those used on service.

PROVEDORE [Sp.] One who provided victuals for ships.

PROVENDER. Though strictly forage, is often applied to provisions in
general.

PROVISIONS. All sorts of food necessary for the subsistence of the army
and navy. Those shipped on board for the officers and crew of any
vessel, including merchant-ships, are held in a policy of insurance, as
part of her outfit.

PROVISO. A stern-fast or hawser carried to the shore to steady by. A
ship with one anchor down and a shore-fast is moored _a proviso_. Also,
a saving clause in a contract.

PROVOST-MARSHAL. The head of the military police. An officer appointed
to take charge of prisoners at a court-martial, and to carry the
sentences into execution. The executive and summary police in war.

PROW. Generally means the foremost end of a vessel. Also