xes.

PUNCH. An iron implement for starting bolts in a little, or for driving
them out, called a _starting_ or _teeming punch_. Also, a well-known
sea-drink, now adopted in all countries. It was introduced from the East
Indies, and is said to derive its name from _panch_, the Hindostanee
word for _five_, in allusion to the number of its ingredients. (_See_
BOULEPONGES.)

PUNISHMENT. The execution of the sentence against an offender, as
awarded by a court-martial, or adjudged by a superior officer.

PUNISHMENT DRILL. Fatiguing exercise or extra drill for petty
delinquencies.

PUNK. The interior of an excrescence on the oak-tree; used as tinder,
and better known as touch-wood. (_See_ SPUNK.)

PUNT. An Anglo-Saxon term still in use for a flat-bottomed boat, used by
fishermen, or for ballast lumps, &c.

PUOYS. Spiked poles used in propelling barges or keels.

PURCHASE. Any mechanical power which increases the force applied. It is
of large importance to nautical men in the combinations of pulleys, as
whip, gun-tackle, luff-tackle, jeer, viol, luff upon luff, runner,
double-runner, capstan, windlass, &c.

PURCHASE A COMMISSION, TO. A practice in our army, which has been aptly
termed the "buying of fetters;" it is the obtaining preferment at
regulated prices. At present the total value of a commission in a
regiment of infantry of the line ranges from L450 for an ensigncy, up to
L4540 for a lieutenant-colonelcy, and higher in the other branches of
the service.

PURCHASE-BLOCKS. All blocks virtually deserve this name, but it is
distinctively given to those used in moving heavy weights.

PURCHASE-FALLS. The rope rove through purchase-blocks.

PURRE. A name for the dunlin, _Tringa alpina_, a species of sand-piper
frequenting our shores and the banks of rivers in winter.

PURSE-NET. A peculiar landing-net in fishing. It is used in the seine
and trawl to bewilder the fish, and prevent their swimming out when
fairly inside; like a wire mouse-trap.

PURSER. An officer appointed by the lords of the admiralty to take
charge of the provisions and slops of a ship of war, and to see that
they were carefully distributed to the officers and crew, according to
the printed naval instruction. He had very little to do with money
matters beyond paying for short allowance. He was allowed one-eighth for
waste on all provisions embarked, and additional on all provisions
saved; for which he paid the crew. The designation is now discar