ars, &c.,
when preparing for action, so that if the rope is shot away below, the
toggle may stop the yard from coming down. The toggle is used in masting
operations, in securing the standing part of fore and main sheets, but
especially in whaling operations, cutting in, flensing, &c., a hole is
cut in the blubber, the eye of the purchase strop passed through and
toggled. In cold weather especially it is preferred to the hook, which
at low temperatures is apt to snap suddenly, and is, moreover, heavier
to handle. The term is also used for putting the bights of the sheets in
the beckets. (_See_ BECKET.)

TOGGLE-BOLT. This bolt is used to confine the ensign-staff, and the
like, into its place by means of a strap; it has a flat head, and a
mortice through it, that receives a toggle or pin.

TOGS. A very old term for clothes.--_Togged to the nines_, in full
dress.--_Sunday togs_, the best clothes.

TOISE. The French fathom, nearly approaching to ours: the proportion of
the English yard to the French demi-toise being as 36 to 38.35. The
toise is equal to 6.3946 English feet.

TOKE. A drink made from honey in Madagascar; very dangerous to
Europeans.

TOKO FOR YAM. An expression peculiar to negroes for crying out before
being hurt.

TOLEDO. An esteemed Spanish sword, so called from the place of
manufacture.

TOLL. A demand, &c., at the Sound; hence the epithet of _Sound dues_.

TOM. A pet bow-chaser, a 9 or 12-pounder. (_See_ LONG TOM.)

TOMAHAWK. A weapon somewhat resembling a hand poleaxe, much used in
boarding an enemy, as it is not only effective in combat, but useful in
holding on, and in cutting away fasts and rigging when required. The
name is derived from the hatchet of the North American Indians.

TOM ASTONERS. Dashing fellows; from astound or "astony," to terrify.

TOM COX'S TRAVERSE. Up one hatchway and down another: others say three
turns round the long boat, and a pull at the scuttle. It means the work
of an artful dodger, all jaw, and no good in him.

TOMMY COD. A very small variety of the _Gadus morrhua_, which mostly
appears in the winter months; whence it is also called frost-fish at
Halifax and in Newfoundland.

TOM NORIE. A name of the puffin, _Fratercula arctica_.

TOM PEPPER. A term for a liar; he having, according to nautic tradition,
been kicked out of the nether regions for indulging in falsehood.

TOMPION. A circular plug of wood, used to stop the muzzle of a gun, and
thereby keep out