he bowsprit in the same way that other shrouds support the
masts.--_Bumkin or boomkin shrouds._ Strong chains fixed as stays to the
bumkin ends, to support the strain exerted by the fore-tacks upon
them.--_Futtock or foot-hook shrouds._ Portions of rigging (now
sometimes chain) communicating with the futtock-plates above the top,
and the cat-harpings below, and forming ladders, whereby the sailors
climb over the top-brim. _Top-gallant shrouds_ extend to the
cross-trees, where, passing through holes in the ends, they continue
over the futtock-staves of the top-mast rigging, and descending almost
to the top, are set up by laniards passing through thimbles instead of
dead-eyes.--_Topmast-shrouds_ extend from the top-mast head to the edges
of the tops, and are set up to the futtock dead-eyes.

SHROUD-STOPPER. A stout rope-stopper made fast above and below a part of
the shroud which has been damaged by an enemy's shot, or otherwise.

SHROUD-TRUCKS. Small pieces of wood with holes in them, but no sheaves;
they are seized on the standing-rigging as fair leaders for the
running-rigging. (_See_ BULL'S-EYE.)

SHUNT. A term recently introduced among engineers and gunners; but
traceable back to the year 931, a "zunte-stone" being placed on a spot
where the road deviated.

SHURGEE. A prevailing S.E. wind in the Gulf of Persia; it is usually
preceded by a heavy dew, which is quite the reverse with the _shimal_.

SHUT IN, TO. Said of landmarks or points of land, when one is brought to
transit and overlap the other, or intercept the view of it.

SHUTTING ON. Joining the arms of an anchor to its shank. Also, welding
one piece of iron to another to lengthen it.

SICK-BAY. A portion of the fore-part of the main-deck, reserved for the
accommodation of the sick and wounded; any other place set apart for
invalids is called the _sick-berth_.

SICK-BERTH ATTENDANT. _See_ LOBLOLLY-BOY.

SICK-BOOK. An account of such officers and men as are on the sick list
on board, or are sent to an hospital, hospital-ship, or sick-quarters.

SICK-FLAG. The yellow quarantine flag, hoisted to prevent communication;
whence the term of the yellow flag, and yellow admirals. There are two
others--one with a black ball, the other with a square in the
centre--denoting plague, or actual diseases.

SICK-MESS. A table for those on the doctor's list. When seamen are thus
placed, their provisions are turned over to the surgeon, who accounts
for their re-purcha