he ways into her absurdly termed "native
element." Also, a small catch under the lock of fire-arms, by drawing
which back, when the piece is cocked, it is discharged.

TRIGGER-FINGER. _See_ FORE-FINGER.

TRIGGER-LINE. A line by which the gun is fired.

TRIG-MEAT. A western term for any kind of shell-fish picked up at low
water.

TRIGON. _See_ TRIANGLE.

TRIGONOMETRY. The science which deals with measuring triangles, or
determining their unknown sides and angles, plane or spherical.

TRIM. The set of a ship on the water, whether by the head or the stern,
or on an even keel. It is by the disposition of the ballast, cargo,
masts, and other weight which she carries, that a vessel is best adapted
for navigation. Also, the working or finishing of any piece of timber or
plank to its proper shape or form.--_In trim_, is neat and regular.--_To
trim_, is to arrange the sails so that they may receive the full
advantage of the wind.

TRIM OF THE HOLD. The arrangement of the cargo, &c., by which a vessel
carries sail well, and becomes under control as well as sea-worthy.

TRIMMED. Sails properly set, and yards well braced after tacking.

TRIMMED SHARP. The arrangement of a ship's sails in a slant wind, so
that she may keep as close as possible to the breeze.

TRIMMING A JACKET. Rope's-ending the wearer.

TRIMONIER. A corruption of _timoneer_, but formerly a rating on ships'
books.

TRIM THE BOAT! The order to sit in the boat in such a manner as that she
shall float upright. Also, to edge aft, so that her steerage becomes
easier, and she does not ship heavy seas.

TRINK. An old contrivance for catching fish. (Statute 2 Hen. VI. c. 15.)

TRIP. An outward-bound passage or short voyage, particularly in the
coasting trade. It also denotes a single board in plying to windward.
Also, the movement by which an anchor is loosened from its bed and
raised clear of the bottom, either by its cable or buoy-rope.--_The
anchor's a-trip_, _i.e._ no longer holds.

TRIPLE STAR. Three stars situated in close proximity, but apparently
only optically connected. (_See_ TERNARY SYSTEM.)

TRIPPING. Giving a yard the necessary cant by a tripping-line. Also, the
lifting an upper mast to withdraw its fid, in order that it may be
lowered by means of the mast-rope.

TRIPPING-LINE. A small rope serving to unrig the lower top-gallant
yard-arm of its lift and brace, when in the act of sending it down on
deck. Also, the line used for tripping an