tus subtilissimus_ of Newton--in virtue of
which periodical comets seem to have their velocity diminished, and
their orbits contracted at every revolution.

RESOLVE, TO. To reduce a traverse, or day's work, to its exact limits.

RESOURCE. Expedient. A good seaman is ever a man of resources.

RESPONDENTIA. A loan made upon goods laden in a ship, for which the
borrower is personally responsible; differing therein from bottomry,
where the ship and tackle are liable. In bottomry the lender runs no
risk, though the goods should be lost; and upon respondentia the lender
must be paid his principal and interest, though the ship perish,
provided the goods be safe.

RESPONSIBILITY. Often a wholesome restraint; but the bugbear of an
inefficient officer.

REST. A pole with an iron fork at the top for the support of the old
heavy musket.

RET, TO. To soak in water, as in seasoning timber, hemp, &c.

RETINUE. Applied strictly to the admiral's suite or followers, though it
means an accompanying train in general.

RETIRE. The old war-term for retreat. Thus Shakspeare makes Richard
Plantagenet exclaim--

"Ne'er may he live to see a sunshine day,
That cries Retire, if Warwick bid him stay."

RETIRED LIST. A roll whereon deserving officers are placed whose health,
age, or want of interest justifies their retirement from active service.

RETIRED PAY. A graduated pension for retired officers; but the term is
nearly synonymous with _half pay_.

RETRACTUS AQUAE. An old law-term for the ebb or return of tide.

RETREAT. The order in which a fleet or squadron declines engagement. Or
the retrograde movement of any body of men who retire from a hostile
force. Also, that beat of drum about sunset which orders the guards and
piquets to take up their night duties.

RETRENCHMENT. A defence with a ditch and breast-work behind another post
or defence, whereby the besieger, on forcing the original work, is
confronted by a fresh one.

RETROGRADATION. An apparent motion of the planets contrary to the order
of the signs, and to their orbital march. The arc of retrogradation is
the angular distance thus apparently traversed. Mars may be watched as
an instance.

RETROGRADE MOTION. _See_ MOTION.

RETURN. A ship on a return voyage is not generally liable; but if she
sailed on the outward voyage under false papers, the liability to
confiscation continues.

RETURN A SALUTE, TO. Admirals are saluted, but return two guns less for
eac