-war to a privateer by irregularity.

DISPART, OR THROW OF THE SHOT. The difference between the semi-diameter
of the base-ring at the breech of a gun, and that of the ring at the
swell of the muzzle. On account of the dispart, the line of aim makes a
small angle with the axis; so that the elevation of the latter above the
horizon is greater than that of the line of aim: an allowance for the
dispart is consequently necessary in determining the commencement of the
graduations on the tangent scale, by which the required elevation is
given to the gun.

DISPARTING A GUN. To bring the line of sight and line of metal to be
parallel by setting up a mark on the muzzle-ring of a cannon, so that a
sight-line, taken from the top of the base-ring behind the touch-hole,
to the mark set near the muzzle, may be parallel to the axis of the
bore. (_See_ GUN.)

DISPART-SIGHT. A gun-sight fixed on the top of the second
reinforce-ring--about the middle of the piece--for point-blank or
horizontal firing, to eliminate the difference of the diameters between
the breech and the mouth of the cannon.

DISPATCH. All duty is required to be performed with diligence.

DISPATCHES. Not simply letters, but such documents as demand every
effort for their immediate delivery. "Charged with dispatches" overrides
all signals of hindrance on a voyage.

DISPLACEMENT. The centre of gravity of the displacement relates to the
part of the ship under water, considered as homogeneous. The weight of
water which a vessel displaces when floating is the same as the weight
of the ship. (_See_ CENTRE OF CAVITY.)

DISPOSED QUARTERS. The distribution when the camp is marked about a
place besieged.

DISPOSITION. A draught representing the several timbers that compose a
ship's frame properly disposed with respect to ports and other parts.
Also, the arrangement of a ship's company for watches, quarters,
reefing, furling, and other duties. In a military sense it means the
placing of a body of troops upon the most advantageous ground.

DISRANK, OR DISRATE. To degrade in rank or station.

DISREPAIR. A bar to any claim on account of sea-unworthiness in a
warrantry.

DISTANCE. The run which a ship has made upon the log-board. In speaking
of double stars, it is the space separating the centres of the two
stars, expressed in seconds of arc. (_See_ LUNAR DISTANCES.)

DISTILLING SEA-WATER. Apparatus for the conversion of sea-water into
potable fresh water have long been