, by which it is steadied until set; it is also useful in taking it
in, should the down-haul be carried away.

DECK STANDARD-KNEES. Iron knees having two tails, the one going on the
bottom of a deck-beam, the other on the top of a hold-beam, while the
middle part is bolted to the ship's side.

DECK-STOPPER. (_See_ STOPPER OF THE CABLE.) A strong stopper used for
securing the cable forward of the capstan or windlass while it is
overhauled. Also abaft the windlass or bitts to prevent more cable from
running out.

DECK-TACKLE. A purchase led along the decks.

DECLARATION OF WAR. A ceremonial frequently omitted, and esteemed by the
greatest authorities rather a proof of magnanimity than a duty. The
Romans proclaimed it; but except Achaia, none of the Grecian states did.
It would be to the interests of humanity and courtesy were it made
indispensable. It has been held (especially in the case of the _Leopard_
and _Chesapeake_) that without a declaration of war, no hostile act at
the order of an admiral is legal.

DECLINATION, of a celestial object, is the arc between its centre and
the equinoctial: with the sun, it is its angular distance from the
equator, either north or south, and is named accordingly.

DECLINATION, TO CORRECT. A cant phrase for taking a glass of grog at
noon, when the day's works are being reduced.

DECOY. So to change the aspect of a ship-of-war by striking a
topgallant-mast, setting ragged sails, disfiguring the sides by
whitewash or gunpowder, yellow, &c., as to induce a vessel of inferior
force to chase; when, getting within gun-shot range, she becomes an easy
capture. Similar man[oe]uvres are sometimes used by a single ship to
induce an enemy's squadron to follow her into the view of her own fleet.

DEEP. A word figuratively applied to the ocean. On the coast of Germany,
to the northward of Friesland, it is of the same import as gulf on the
coasts of France, Spain, Italy, &c. Also, any depth over 20
fathoms.--_Deep-sea fishing._ In contradistinction to coast, or when the
hand-lead reaches bottom at 20 fathoms.--_Hand deeps._ Out of ordinary
leadsman's sounding.--A vessel is deep as regards her lading, and is
also said to sail deep when her expenses run high.

DEEPENING. Running from shoal water by the lead.

DEEP-SEA LINE. Usually a strong and water-laid line. It is used with
a lead of 28 lbs., and adapted to find bottom in 200 fathoms or more.
It is marked by knots every ten fathoms, and b