_Arctic beef_. The skin is of the utmost importance to the Esquimaux, as
well as to the Russians of Siberia, &c.

WALT. An old word, synonymous with _crank_; or tottering, like a sprung
spar.

WANE. In timber, an imperfection implying a want of squareness at one or
more of its corners; under this deficiency it is termed _wane-wood_.

WANE-CLOUD. _See_ CIRRO-STRATUS.

WANGAN. A boat, in Maine, for carrying provisions.

WANY. Said of timber when spoiled by wet.

WAPP, OR WHAP. A name formerly given to any short pendant and thimble,
through which running-rigging was led. Also, a rope wherewith rigging
was set taut with wall-knots, one end being fast to the shroud, and the
other brought to the laniard. But any shroud-stopper is a _wapp_.

WAR. A contest between princes or states, which, not being determinable
otherwise, is referred to the decision of the sword. It may exist
without a declaration on either side, and is either _civil_,
_defensive_, or _offensive_.

WAR-CAPERER. A privateer.

WARDEN. _See_ LORD WARDEN.

WARD-ROOM. The commissioned officers' mess-cabin, on the main-deck in
ships of the line.

WARD-ROOM OFFICERS. Those who mess in the ward-room, namely: the
commander, lieutenants, master, chaplain, surgeon, paymaster,
marine-officers, and assistant-surgeons.

WARE, TO. _See_ VEER.

WAREHOUSING SYSTEM. The use of bonding places under charge of officers
of the customs, in which goods may be deposited, without any duty upon
them being exacted, until they be cleared for home use, or for
exportation.

WAR ESTABLISHMENT. Increased force of men and means.

WARM-SIDED. Mounting heavy metal, whether a ship or a fort.

WARNER. A sentinel formerly posted on the heights near sea-ports to give
notice of the approach of vessels. Also, beacons, posts, buoys, lights,
&c., warning vessels of danger by day as well as by night.

WARNING-SIGNAL. Hoisted to warn vessels not to pass a bar. Also, to
warrant higher pay to watermen plying between Portsmouth and Spithead,
&c., according to severity of weather.

WARP. A rope or light hawser, employed occasionally to transport a ship
from one place to another in a port, road, or river. Also, an east-coast
term for four herrings. Also, land between the sea-banks and the
sea.--_Warp of lower rigging._ A term used in the rigging-loft, as,
before cutting out a gang of rigging, it is warped. Also, to form the
warp of spun-yarn in making sword-mats for the rigging-gripes