WONDER-CHONE. An old term, mentioned by Blount as a contrivance for
catching fish.

WONGS. A term on our east coast, synonymous with low lands or _wishes_
(which see).

WOOD, TO. A gun is said to wood when it takes the port-sills or
port-sides, or the trucks the water-ways.--_To wood._ When
wooding-parties are sent out to cut or procure wood for a ship.

WOOD AND WOOD. When two pieces of timber are so let into each other as
to join close. Also, when a tree-nail is driven through, its point being
even with the inside surface.

WOODEN BUOYS. Buoyant constructions of wood of various shapes, with a
ring-bolt at each end, to which vessels can make fast for a time. (_See_
DOLPHIN.)

WOOD-ENDS. _See_ HOOD-ENDS.

WOODEN WALLS. A term signifying the fleet, and though thought to be
peculiarly English, was used by the Delphic oracle, when applied to by
the Athenians on the Persian invasion: "Defend yourselves by wooden
walls."

WOODEN-WINGS. The lee-boards, for keeping barges to windward.

WOOD-LOCKS OF THE RUDDER. Pieces of timber sheathed with copper, in
coppered ships, placed in the throating or scores of the stern-post, to
prevent the rudder from rising or unshipping.

WOOD-MULLS. Large thick hose worn by the men in coasters and
fishing-boats.

WOOD-SHEATHING. All plank applied to strengthen a vessel. (_See_
DOUBLE.)

WOOF. A northern name of the gray gurnard.

WOOLDERS. Bandages. The bolt of a Spanish windlass is called a woolder.

WOOLDING. The act of winding a piece of rope about a mast or yard, to
support it where it is fished, or when it is composed of several pieces.
Also, the rope employed in this service.

WOOL-PACKS. In meteorology, light clouds in a blue sky.

WORD. The watch-word; the parole and countersign, which, being issued to
the authorized persons at guard-mounting, become a test whereby spies or
strangers are detected.

WORK, TO. Said of a ship when she strains in a tempestuous sea, so as to
loosen her joints.

WORK ABACK. This is said of a steam-engine if reversed, to propel the
vessel astern.

WORK A SHIP, TO. To adapt the sails to the force and direction of the
wind.

WORK DOUBLE-TIDES, TO. Implying that the work of three days is done in
two, or at least two tides' work in twenty-four hours.

WORKING A DAY'S WORK. Reducing the dead-reckoning and meridian altitudes
to noon of each day.

WORKING A LUNAR. Reducing the observations of the sun and moon, or moon
and stars, in ord