hey are fayed
and bolted, abreast of and somewhat behind the masts. They are formed to
project the chain-plate, and give the lower rigging greater out-rig or
spread, free from the top-sides of the ship, thus affording greater
security and support to the masts, as well as to prevent the shrouds
from damaging the gunwale, or being hurt by rubbing against it. Of
course they are respectively designated fore, main, and mizen. They are
now discontinued in many ships, the eyes being secured to the
timber-heads, and frequently within the gunwale to the stringers or
lower shelf-pieces above the water-way.--_In the chains_, applies to the
leadsman who stands on the channels between two shrouds to heave the
hand-lead.

CHAIN-SHOT. Two balls connected either by a bar or chain, for cutting
and destroying the spars and rigging of an enemy's ship.

CHAIN-SLINGS. Chains attached to the sling-hoop and mast-head, by which
a lower yard is hung. Used for boat or any other slings demanded.

CHAIN-STOPPER. There are various kinds of stoppers for chain-cables,
mostly acting by clamping or compression.

CHAIN, TOP. A chain to sling the lower yards in time of battle, to
prevent them from falling down when the ropes by which they are hung are
shot away.

CHAIN-WELL, OR LOCKER. A receptacle below deck for containing the
chain-cable, which is passed thither through the deck-pipe.

CHALAND. A large flat-bottomed boat of the Loire.

CHALDERS. Synonymous with _gudgeons_ of the rudder.

CHALDRICK. An Orkney name for the sea-pie (_Haematopus ostralegus_).

CHALDRON. A measure of coals, consisting of 36 bushels; a cubic yard =
19 cwts. 19 lbs.

CHALINK. A kind of Massoolah boat.

CHALK, TO. To cut.--_To walk one's chalks_, to run off; also, an ordeal
for drunkenness, to see whether the suspected person can move along the
line. "Walking a deck-seam" is to the same purpose, as the man is to
proceed without overstepping it on either side.

CHALKS. Marks. "Better by chalks:" wagers were sometimes determined by
he who could reach furthest or highest, and there make a
chalk-mark.--_Long chalks_, great odds.

CHALLENGE. The demand of a sentinel to any one who approaches his post.
Also, the defiance to fight.

CHAMADE. To challenge attention. A signal made by beat of drum when a
conference is desired by the enemy on having matter to propose. It is
also termed beating a parley.

CHAMBER, OR CHAMBER-PIECE. A charge piece in old ordnance, like a