t or gulf: the east-country term for the
sea-shore. Also, the blade of an oar. Also, a wooden measure of
two-thirds of a bushel, by which small shell-fish are sold at
Billingsgate, equal to ten strikes of oysters.--_Wash_, or _a-wash_.
Even with the water's edge.

WASH-BOARD, OR WASH-STRAKE. A movable upper strake which is attached by
stud-pins on the gunwales of boats to keep out the spray. Wash-boards
are also fitted on the sills of the lower-deck ports for the same
purpose.

WASH-BOARDS. A term for the white facings of the old naval uniform.

WASHERMAN. A station formerly for an old or otherwise not very useful
person on board a man-of-war.

WASHERS. Leather, copper, lead, or iron rings interposed at the end of
spindles, before a forelock or linch-pin, to prevent friction, or
galling the wood, as of a gun-truck. Also used in pump-gear.

WASHING-PLACE. In 1865, baths and suitable washing-places were fitted
for personal use in the ships of the royal navy. Both hot and cold water
are supplied. Shades of Drake, Frobisher, and Raleigh, think of that!

WASHING THE HAND. A common hint on leaving a ship disliked.

WASH-WATER. A ford.

WATCH. The division of the ship's company into two parties, one called
the starboard, and the other the larboard or port watch, alluding to the
situation of their hammocks when hung up; these two watches are,
however, separated into two others, a first and second part of each,
making four in all. The crew can also be divided into three watches. The
officers are divided into three watches, in order to lighten their duty;
but it is to be borne in mind that the watch may sleep when their
services are not demanded, whereas it is a crime, liable to death, for
an officer to sleep on his watch. In a ship of war the watch is
generally commanded by a lieutenant, and in merchant ships by one of the
mates. The word is also applied to the _time_ during which the watch
remains on deck, usually four hours, with the exception of the
dog-watches.--_Anchor-watch._ A quarter watch kept on deck while
the ship rides at single anchor, or remains temporarily in
port.--_Dog-watches._ The two reliefs which take place between 4 and 8
o'clock P.M., each of which continues only two hours, the intention
being to change the turn of the night-watch every twenty-four
hours.--_First watch._ From 8 P.M. till midnight.--_Middle-watch._ From
midnight till 4 A.M.--_Morning-watch._ From 4 to 8 A.M.--_Watch_ is also
a wor