n instrument of large radius for finding the
difference in the right ascension and declination of two heavenly
bodies.

EQUATORIAL TELESCOPE. A glass so mounted that it enables the observer to
follow the stars as they move equatorially.

EQUES AURATUS. An heraldic term for a knight.

EQUILATERAL TRIANGLE. A figure of three equal straight sides, and
therefore of three equal angles.

EQUINOCTIAL. Synonymous with _equator_ (which see).

EQUINOCTIAL GALES. Storms which are observed to prevail about the time
of the sun's crossing the equator, at which time there is equal day and
night throughout the world.

EQUINOCTIAL POINTS. _See_ ECLIPTIC.

EQUINOXES. The two points of intersection of the ecliptic and the
equator; so called, because on the sun's arrival at either of them, the
night is everywhere equal in length to the day.

EQUIP, TO. A term frequently applied to the business of fitting a ship
for a trading voyage, or arming her for war. (_See_ FITTING.)

EQUIPAGE. An admiral's retinue. Camp equipage consists of tents,
furniture, cooking utensils, &c.

EQUIPMENT. The complete outfit of an officer.

EQUITABLE TITLE. Either this, or a legal claim, are absolutely necessary
to establish an insurable interest in a ship or cargo. (_See_ QUALIFIED
PROPERTY.)

ERIGONE. A name sometimes applied to the constellation Virgo.

ERNE. From the Anglo-Saxon _earne_, a vulture, a bird of the eagle kind.
Now used to denote the sea-eagle.

ERRATIC WINDS. _See_ VARIABLES.

ESCALADE. The forcing a way over a rampart or other defence, properly by
means of ladders or other contrivances for climbing.

ESCAPE-VALVES. In marine engines. (_See_ CYLINDER ESCAPE-VALVES.)

ESCARP. In fortification, that steep bank or wall immediately in front
of and below the rampart, which is thus secured against being directly
stormed by a superior force; it is generally the inner side of the
ditch.

ESCHEATOR, THE KING'S. An officer at the exchequer of very ancient
establishment, under the lord-treasurer, whose business it is to inform
of escheats and casual profits of the crown, and to seize them into the
king's hands.

ESCORT. A guard of troops attending an individual by way of distinction.
Also, a guard placed over prisoners on a march.

ESCUTCHEON. The compartment in the middle of the ship's stern, where her
name is written. [Derived from _ex-scutum_.]

ESKIPPAMENTUM. An archaism for tackle or ship-furniture.

ESKIPPER. Anglo-Norman