for containing the materials for setting the small
sails, fixing and repairing the rigging, &c. The tops are named after
their respective masts. This top was formerly fenced on the after-side
by a rail about three feet high, between the stanchions of which a
netting was usually constructed, and stowed in action with hammocks.
This was covered with red baize, or canvas painted red, and called the
top-armour. Top-armours were in use with the Spaniards in 1810.

TOP-ARMINGS. Hammocks stowed inside the rigging for the protection of
riflemen.

TOP A YARD OR BOOM, TO. To raise up one end of it by hoisting on the
lift, as the spanker-boom is lifted before setting the sail.

TOP-BLOCK. A large single block with an iron strop and hook, by which it
is hooked into an eye-bolt under the lower cap, and is used for the
top-pendant to reeve through in swaying up or lowering down the
top-masts.

TOP BURTON-TACKLE. _See_ BURTON.

TOP-CASTLES. Castellated ledgings surrounding the mast-heads of our
early ships, in which the pages to the officers were stationed to annoy
the enemy with darts, &c.

TOP-CHAIN. A chain to sling the yards in time of battle, in case of the
ropes by which they are hung being shot away.

TOPE. A small-sized Chinese junk. Also, the _Galeus vulgaris_, a kind of
shark. Also, a small grove of trees in India.

TOP-GALLANT. In the Cotton MSS. this word appears as "top-garland."

TOPGALLANT-FORECASTLE. A short deck forward above the upper deck, mostly
used as a galley, but in some merchantmen a berthing place for their
crews, though generally very wet and uncomfortable for want of a few
necessary fittings. Also, it facilitates working the head-sails.--In
several of the iron-clad frigates, chase-guns are fitted there.

TOPGALLANT-MAST. The third mast above the deck; the uppermost before the
days of royals and flying kites.

TOP-GALLANT QUARTER-BOARDS, OR TOP-GALLANT BULWARKS. _See_
QUARTER-BOARDS.

TOPGALLANT-SAILS. The third sails above the decks: they are set above
the topsail-yards, in the same manner as the top-sails above the lower
yards.

TOP-HAMPER. Any unnecessary weight either on a ship's decks or about her
tops and rigging. Also, applied to flying-kites and their gear. Also, to
an officer overclothing himself.

TOP-LANTERN, OR TOP-LIGHT. A large signal-lantern placed in the
after-part of a top, in ships where an admiral's flag or commodore's
pendant flies.

TOP-LINING. A lining on the after-p