otes the heavens; the direction of the
wind--and the pressure due to that direction--not forgetting sudden
changes of temperature. Attention is due to the surface, whether convex
or concave.

BARQUE. The same as _bark_ (which see).

BARR. A peremptory exception to a proposition.

BARRA-BOATS. Vessels of the Western Isles of Scotland, carrying ten or
twelve men. They are extremely sharp fore and aft, having no floor, but
with sides rising straight from the keel, so that a transverse section
resembles the letter V. They are swift and safe, for in proportion as
they heel to a breeze their bearings are increased, while from their
lightness they are as buoyant as Norway skiffs.

BARRACAN. A strong undiapered camblet, used for garments in the Levant
and in Barbary; anciently it formed the Roman toga.

BARRACK-MASTER. The officer placed in charge of a barrack.

BARRACKS. Originally mere log-huts, but of late extensive houses built
for the accommodation and quartering of troops. Also, the portion of the
lower deck where the marines mess. Also, little cabins made by Spanish
fishermen on the sea-shore, called _barracas_, whence our name.

BARRACK SMACK. A corruption of _Berwick smack_; a word applied to small
Scotch traders. The masters were nicknamed _barrack-masters_.

BARRATRY. Any fraudulent act of the master or mariners committed to the
prejudice of the ship's owners or underwriters, whether by fraudulently
losing the vessel, deserting her, selling her, or committing any other
embezzlement. The diverting a ship from her right course, with evil
intent, is barratry.

BARRED KILLIFISH. A small fish from two to four inches in length, which
frequents salt-water creeks, floats, and the vicinity of wharves.

BARREL. A cylindrical vessel for holding both liquid and dry goods.
Also, a commercial measure of 31-1/2 gallons.

BARREL OF A CAPSTAN. The cylinder between the whelps and the paul rim,
constituting the main-piece.

BARREL OF A PUMP. The wooden tube which forms the body of the engine.

BARREL OF SMALL ARMS. The tube through which the bullets are discharged.
In artillery the term belongs to the construction of certain guns, and
signifies the inner tube, as distinguished from the breech piece,
trunnion-piece, and hoops or outer coils, the other essential parts of
"built-up guns" (which see).

BARREL OF THE WHEEL. The cylinder round which the tiller-ropes are
wound.

BARREL-BUILDER. The old rating for a cooper.