Certain scuttles or square holes, formerly cut through the
sides of the smaller vessels of war, near the surface of the water, for
the purpose of rowing them along in a calm or light wind, by heavy
sweeps, each worked by several men. (_See_ SWEEPS.)

ROYAL. The name of a light sail spread immediately next above the
top-gallant sail, to whose yard-arms the lower corners of it are
attached; it used to be termed top-gallant royal, and is never used but
in fine weather. Also, the name of a small mortar.

ROYAL FISH. Whales, porpoises, sturgeons, &c., which, when driven on
shore, become droits of admiralty.

ROYAL MARINE ARTILLERY. Originally selected from the royal marines, now
specially enlisted. (_See_ ARTILLERY, ROYAL MARINE.)

ROYAL MARINES. _See_ MARINES.

ROYAL MERCHANT. A title of the Mediterranean, traders of the thirteenth
century, when the Venetians were masters of the sea.

ROYAL MORTAR. A brass one of 5-1/2 inches diameter of bore, and 150 lbs.
weight, throwing a 24-pounder shell up to 600 yards; most convenient for
advanced trenches and boat work.

ROYAL NAVAL RESERVE. _See_ NAVAL RESERVE.

ROYALS. A familiar appellation for the marines since the mutiny of 1797,
when they were so distinguished for the loyalty and steadiness they
displayed. Also called _royal jollys_. (_See_ JOLLY.)

ROYAL STANDARD. _See_ STANDARD.

ROYAL YACHT. A vessel built and equipped expressly for the use of the
sovereign.

ROYAL YACHT CLUB. A very useful and honourable association. (_See_ YACHT
CLUB.)

ROYAL YARD. The fourth yard from the deck, on which the royal is set.

ROYNES. An archaic term for streams, currents, or other usual passages
of rivers and running waters.

RUBBER. A small instrument used to rub or flatten down the seams of a
sail, in sail-making.

RUBBLE-WORK. A mass of masonry, formed of irregular stones and pebbles
imbedded in mortar. It is used in the interior of docks, piers, and
other erections, and is opposed to ashlar-work.

RUBLE. A Russian silver coin of 100 kopeks, in value about 3_s._ 2_d._
sterling, so called from _rubli_, a notch; derived from the time when
bars of silver, marked with notches at different distances to represent
different values, were used in Russia instead of coin, portions of the
bar being cut off as required.

RUDDER. The appendage attached by pintles and braces to the stern-post
of a vessel, by which its course through the water is governed. It is
formed of several pi