(which see).

EAR-SHOT. The distance or range of hearing.

EARS OF A BOAT. The knee-pieces at the fore-part on the outside at the
height of the gunwale.

EARS OF A PUMP. The support of the bolt for the handle or break.

EARTH. One of the primary planets, and the third in order from the sun.

EARTH-BAGS. _See_ SAND-BAGS.

EAR-WIGGING. Feeding an officer's ear with scandal against an absent
individual.

EASE, TO STAND AT. To remain at rest.

EASE AWAY! To slacken out a rope or tackle-fall.

EASE HER! In a steamer, is the command to reduce the speed of the
engine, preparatory to "stop her," or before reversing for "turn
astern."

EASE OFF! EASE OFF HANDSOMELY, OR EASE AWAY THERE! To slacken out a rope
or tackle-fall carefully.

EASE THE HELM! An order often given in a vessel close-hauled, to put the
helm down a few spokes in a head sea, with the idea that if the ship's
way be deadened by her coming close to the wind she will not strike the
opposing sea with so much force. It is thought by some that extreme
rolling as well as pitching are checked by shifting the helm quickly,
thereby changing the direction of the ship's head, and what is
technically called "giving her something else to do."

EASE UP, TO. To come up handsomely with a tackle-fall.

EAST. From the Anglo-Saxon, _y'st_. One of the cardinal points of the
compass. Where the sun rises due east, it makes equal days and nights,
as on the equator.

EAST-COUNTRY. A term applied to the regions bordering on the Baltic.

EAST-COUNTRY SHIPS. The same as _easterlings_.

EASTERLINGS. Traders of the Baltic Sea. Also, natives of the Hanse
Towns, or of the east country.

EASTERN AMPLITUDE. An arc of the horizon, intercepted between the point
of the sun's rising and the east point of the magnetic compass.

EAST INDIA HOY. A sloop formerly expressly licensed for carrying stores
to the E. I. Company's ships.

EASTING. The course made good, or gained, to the eastward.

EASTINTUS. From the Saxon, _east-tyn_, an easterly coast or country.
_Leg. Edward I._

EAST WIND. This, in the British seas, is generally attended with a hazy
atmosphere, and is so ungenial as to countenance the couplet--

"When the wind is in the east,
'Tis good for neither man nor beast."

EASY. Lower gently. A ship not labouring in a sea.--_Taking it easy._
Neglecting the duty. "Not so violent."

EASY DRAUGHT. The same as _light draught of water_ (which see).

EASY ROLL. A