the fire of heavy and elongated shells to long-range bombardment and
cannonade. It is intermediate between horizontal and vertical fire,
possessing much of the accuracy and direct force of the former, as well
as of the searching properties of the latter.

CURVE OF THE COAST. When the shore alternately recedes and projects
gradually, so as to trend towards a curve shape.

CUSEFORNE. A long open whale-boat of Japan.

CUSHIES. Armour for the thighs. The same as _cuisses_.

CUSK. A fine table-fish taken in cod-schools. _See_ TUSK or TORSK.

CUSPS. The extremities of a crescent moon, or inferior planet.

CUSSELS. The green-bone, or viviparous blenny.

CUSTOM. The toll paid by merchants to the crown for goods exported or
imported; otherwise called duty.--_Custom of the country_, a small
present to certain authorities in the less frequented ports, being
equally gift and bribe.

CUSTOM-HOUSE. An office established on the frontiers of a state, or in
some chief city or port, for the receipt of customs and duties imposed
by authority of the sovereign, and regulated by writs or books of rates.

CUSTOM-HOUSE AGENT. He who transacts the relative business of passing
goods, as to the entries required for the ship's clearance.

CUSTOM-HOUSE OFFICERS. A term comprehending all the officials employed
in enforcing the customs.

CUT. A narrow boat channel; a canal.--_To cut_, to renounce acquaintance
with any one.

CUT AND RUN, TO. To cut the cable for an escape. Also, to move off
quickly; to quit occupation; to be gone.

CUT AND THRUST. To give point with a sword after striking a slash.

CUT A STICK, TO. To make off clandestinely.--_Cut your stick_, be off,
or go away.

CUTE. Sharp, crafty, apparently from _acute_; but some insist that it is
the Anglo-Saxon word _cuth_, rather meaning certain, known, or familiar.

CUTH. A name given in Orkney and Shetland to the coal-fish, before it is
fully grown; perhaps the same as _piltock_ (which see).

CUTLAS, OR COUTELAS. A sabre which was slightly curved, but recently
applied to the small-handled swords supplied to the navy--the _cutlash_
of Jack. By Shakspeare called a curtle-axe; thus Rosalind, preparing to
disguise herself as a man, is made to say,

"A gallant curtle-ax upon my thigh."

CUT-LINE. The space between the bilges of two casks stowed end to end.

CUT OFF. A term used to denote a vessel's being seized by stratagem by
the natives, and the crew being murdered.