greatly used for yachts there, and is most
effective in moderate weather. Sloop in the royal navy is a term
depending on the rank of the officer in command. Thus, the donkey
frigate _Blossom_ was one cruise rated a _ship_, when commanded by a
captain--the next, a _sloop_, because only commanded by a commander.

SLOP-BOOK. A register of the slop clothing, soap, and tobacco, issued to
the men; also of the religious books supplied.

SLOPE OF WIND. A breeze favouring a long tack near to the required
course, and which may be expected to veer to fair.

SLOP-ROOM. The place appointed to keep the slops in, for the ship's
company; generally well aft and dry.

SLOPS. A name given to ready-made clothes, and other furnishings, for
seamen, by Maydman, in 1691. In Chaucer's time, _sloppe_ meant a sort of
breeches. In a MS. account of the wardrobe of Queen Elizabeth, is an
order to John Fortescue for the delivery of some Naples fustian for
"Sloppe for Jack Greene, our Foole."

SLOP-SHOP. A place where ready-made clothing for seamen is sold, not at
all advantageously to Jack.

SLOT. An archaic term for a castle or fort. Also, a groove or hole where
a pin traverses.

SLOT-HOOP. The same as _truss-hoops_.

SLOW HER! In steam navigation, the same as "Ease her!"

SLOW MATCH. _See_ MATCH.

SLOW TIME. In marching, means 75 paces to a minute.

SLUDGE. A wet deposit formed by streams. Also, a stratum of young ice in
rough seas. Also, in polar parlance, comminuted fragments of brash ice.

SLUDGE-HOLES. Adaptations at the ends of the water-passages between the
flues of a steamer's boilers, by which the deposits can be raked out.

SLUE, TO. To turn anything round or over _in situ_: especially
expressing the movement of a gun, cask, or ship; or when a mast, boom,
or spar is turned about in its cap or boom iron.

SLUED. When a man staggers under drink; unable to walk steadily.

SLUE-ROPE. A rope peculiarly applied for turning a spar or other object
in a required direction.

SLUR-BOW. A species of cross-bow formerly used for discharging fire
arrows.

SLUSH. The fat of the boiled meat in the coppers, formerly the
perquisite of the ship's cook. Also applied to anything like plashy
ground, but most commonly to snow in a thaw. Any wet dirt.

SLUSH-BUCKET. A bucket kept in the tops, to grease the masts, sheets,
&c., to make all run smoothly.

SLUSH-ICE. The first layer which forms when the surface is freezing.

SLY-GOOSE. A north