eces of timber, of which the main one is generally
of oak, extending the whole length. Tiphys is said to have been its
inventor. The Anglo-Saxon name was _steor-roper_.

RUDDER BANDS OR BRACES. The iron or composition hinges on which a rudder
turns.

RUDDER-CASE. The same as _rudder-trunk_ (which see).

RUDDER-CHAINS. Strong copper chains connected with the aft side of the
rudder by a span clamp and shackles. They are about 6 feet in length; a
hempen pendant is then spliced into the outer link, and allowing for
slack to permit the rudder free motion, they are stopped to eye-bolts
along the stern-moulding, terminating on the fore-side of the stools of
the quarter galleries. They are, when the rudder or tiller is damaged,
worked by tackles hooked to the after-channel bolts. But their principal
use in later times is to save the rudder if unshipped by striking on a
reef or shoal.

RUDDER-CHALDER. The same as _gudgeon_ (which see) and _chalder_.

RUDDER-CHOCKS. _See_ CHOCK.

RUDDER-COAT. A canvas coat affixed to the rudder, encasing the opening
in the counter, to prevent the sea from rushing in through the
tiller-hole.

RUDDER-GUDGEON. Those secured to a ship are termed braces; gudgeon is
more applicable to boats or small vessels.

RUDDER-HEAD. The upper end of the rudder-stock. Also, the flat surface
of the trunk, which in cabins and ward-rooms forms a very convenient
table.

RUDDER-HORN. A kind of iron crutch bolted to the back of the rudder, for
attaching the rudder chains to in case of necessity.

RUDDER-HOUSE. Synonymous with _wheel-house_.

RUDDER-IRONS. The pintles, gudgeons, and braces of the rudder are
frequently so called, though they were usually of copper.

RUDDER-PENDANTS. (_See_ RUDDER-CHAINS.) Hempen pendants fastened to the
rudder-chains, for steering in cases of accident, and towing the rudder
to prevent its being lost if it gets unshipped.

RUDDER-PINTLES. The hooks attached to the rudder, which enter the
braces, and hang it.

RUDDER-RAKE. The aftermost part of the rudder.

RUDDER-STOCK. The main piece of a rudder.

RUDDER-TACKLES. Attached to the rudder-pendants.

RUDDER-TRUNK. A casing of wood fitted or boxed firmly into a cavity in
the vessel's counter, called the helm port, through which the
rudder-stock is introduced.

RUFFLE. A low vibrating sound of the drum, continuous like the roll, but
not so loud: it is used in complimenting officers of rank.

RUFFLERS. Certain fellows wh