.--_Buoy-slings_ are special fittings adopted in order that a buoy
may securely ride on the wave, and mark the position of the anchor, the
buoy-rope being attached to an eye in the slings.--_Butt-slings_ are
those used in slinging casks; they may be described as a running eye
over one end, and a similar one made with two half hitches over the
standing part on the other; all of which jam close home when the strain
is brought on the bight.--_Yard-slings._ The rope or chain used to
support a yard which does not travel up and down a mast. The slings of a
yard also imply that part on which the slings are placed.--_Slings_ is
also a term on the American coast for drams, or a drink of spirits and
water; the custom of _slinging_ prevails there extensively, even where
intoxication is despised.

SLIP. An inclined plane by the water side, on which a ship may be built.
There are also slips up which vessels may be drawn for receiving
repairs. Also, a short memorandum of the proposed insurance of a ship,
which is sometimes offered to the underwriters for subscription,
previous to the effecting of a policy. Also, in steam navigation, the
difference between the pitch of the propelling screw, and the space
through which the screw actually progresses in the water, during one
revolution.--_To slip_, is to let go the cable with a buoy on the end,
and quit the position, from any sudden requirement, instead of weighing
the anchor.--_To slip by the board._ To slip down by the ship's side.

SLIP-BEND. When a man makes a false step, and slips down a hatchway, or
overboard.

SLIP-KNOT, OR SLIPPERY-HITCH. One which will not bear any strain, but
will either become untied, or will traverse along the other part of the
rope.

SLIP-ROPE. A rope passed through anything in such a manner that it will
render or may be slipped instantaneously, as in canting to make sail,
&c.

SLIP-SHACKLE. A shackle with a lever-bolt, for letting go suddenly; yet,
when ringed, is sufficient to secure the ship.

SLIVE, OR SLIVER. An old term for a sluice. Also, any thin piece of
split wood used as a filling. Also, a short slop wrapper, formerly
called a _sliving_.

SLOOP. In general parlance is a vessel similar to a cutter; the
bowsprit, however, is not running, and the jib is set on a standing stay
with hanks. In North America the sloop proper sets only a main-sail and
fore-sail, the latter jib-shaped, on a short standing bowsprit, and has
no top-mast. The rig is