f revolving graduated circles, for making
calculations, in old scientific works.

VORTEX. A whirlwind, or sudden, rapid, or violent motion of air or water
in gyres or circles.

VOUCHER. A written document or proof, upon which any account or public
charge is established.

VOYAGE. A journey by sea. It usually includes the outward and homeward
trips, which are called passages.

VOYOL. _See_ VIOL.

VRACH. Sea-weed used as a manure in the Channel Islands. Also, a Manx
term for the mackerel.

VULFE. A rapid whirlpool or race on the coast of Norway.

W.

WABBLE, TO [from the Teutonic _wabelen_]. To reel confusedly, as waves
on a windy day in a tide-way. It is a well-known term among mechanics to
express the irregular motion of engines or turning-lathes when loose in
their bearings, or otherwise out of order. A badly stitched seam in a
sail is wabbled. It is also applied to the undulation of the
compass-card when the motion of the vessel is considerable and
irregular.

WAD. A kind of plug, closely fitting the bore of a gun, which is rammed
home over the shot to confine it to its place, and sometimes also
between the shot and the cartridge: generally made of coiled junk,
otherwise a rope grommet, &c.

WADE, TO. An Anglo-Saxon word, meaning to pass through water without
swimming. In the north, the sun was said to wade when covered by a dense
atmosphere.

WAD-HOOK. An iron tool shaped like a double cork-screw on the end of a
long staff, for withdrawing wads or charges from guns; called also a
_worm_.

WADMAREL. A hairy, coarse, dark-coloured stuff of the north, once in
great demand for making pea-jackets, pilot-coats, and the like.

WAFT [said to be from the Anglo-Saxon _weft_], more correctly written
_wheft_. It is any flag or ensign, stopped together at the head and
middle portions, slightly rolled up lengthwise, and hoisted at different
positions at the after-part of a ship. Thus, at the ensign-staff, it
signifies that a man has fallen overboard; if no ensign-staff exists,
then half-way up the peak. At the peak, it signifies a wish to speak; at
the mast-head, recalls boats; or as the commander-in-chief or particular
captain may direct.

WAFTORS. Certain officers formerly appointed to guard our coast
fisheries. Also, swords blunted to exercise with.

WAGER POLICY. An engagement upon interest or no interest; the
performance of the voyage in a reasonable time and manner, and not the
bare existence of