.

STRATUS. A low cloud which forms a horizontal line. The higher cloud of
the same shape is called _cirro-stratus_.

STRAW! A word of command, now obsolete, formerly given to dismiss
soldiers who were to remain in readiness to fall in again at a moment's
notice.

STRAY LINE OF THE LOG. About 10 or 12 fathoms of line left unmarked next
the log-ship, in order that it may get out of the eddy of the ship's
wake before the measuring begins, or the glass is turned.

STRAY-MARK. The mark at the junction of the stray and log lines.

STREAM. Anglo-Saxon for _flowing water_, meaning especially the middle
or most rapid part of a tide or current.

STREAM-ANCHOR. A smaller one by two-thirds than the bowers, and larger
than the kedges, used to ride steady, or moor with occasionally. In
certain cases it is used for warping.

STREAM-CABLE. A hawser smaller than the lower cables, and used with the
stream-anchor to moor the ship in a sheltered river or haven; it is now
more generally a small chain.

STREAMER. Formerly described thus:--"A streamer shall stand in the toppe
of a shippe, or in the forecastle, and therein be putt no armes, but a
man's conceit or device, and may be of the length of 20, 30, 40, or 60
yardes."

STREAM-ICE. A collection of pieces of drift or bay ice, joining each
other in a ridge following in the line of current. (_See_ SEA-STREAM.)

STREAM-LAKE. One which communicates with, the sea by means of a river.

STREAM THE BUOY, TO. To let the buoy fall from the after-part of the
ship's side into the water, preparatory to letting go the anchor, that
it may not foul the buoy-rope as it sinks to the bottom.

STREMES. An old English word for "the rays of the sun."

STRENGTH. In naval architecture, means giving the various pieces of a
ship their proper figures, so that by their combination and disposition
they may be united into a firm and compact frame. In regimental affairs
it implies merely the number of men actually serving.

STRENGTH OF THE TIDE. Where it runs strongest, which in serpentine
courses will be found in the hollow curves.

STRESS. Hard pressure by weather or other causes. Stress of weather
often compels a ship to put back to the port whence she sailed.

STRETCH. A word frequently used instead of tack; as, "We shall make a
good stretch."--_To stretch._ To sail by the wind under a crowd of
canvas.

STRETCH ALONG A BRACE, TO. To lay it along the decks in readiness for
the men to lay hold o