water of a general thickness, and of
an extent too large for its boundaries to be seen over from a ship's
mast-head. Field-ice may be all adrift, but yet pressed together, and
when any masses detach, as they suddenly do, they are termed floes. They
as suddenly become pressed home again and cause nips. (_See_ NIP.)

FIELD-MARSHAL. The highest rank in the British army.

FIELD-OFFICERS. The colonel, lieutenant-colonels, and majors of a
regiment; so called because, not having the common duties in quarters,
they are mostly seen when the troops are in the field.

FIELD OF VIEW. That space which is visible in a telescope at one view,
and which diminishes under augmenting eye-pieces.

FIELD-PIECES. Light guns proper to be taken into field operations; one
or more of them is now carried by all ships of war for land service.

FIELD-WORKS. The constructions of _field-fortification_ (which see).

FIERY-FLAW, OR FIRE-FLAIRE. A northern designation of the sting-ray
(_Raia pastinaca_).

FIFE-RAILS. Those forming the upper fence of the bulwarks on each side
of the quarter-deck and poop in men-of-war. Also, the rail round the
main-mast, and encircling both it and the pumps, furnished with belaying
pins for the running rigging, though now obsolete under the iron rule.

FIFER AND FIDLER. Two very important aids in eliciting exact discipline;
for hoisting, warping, and heaving at the capstan in proper time; rated
a second-class petty officer styled "musician," pay L30, 8_s._ per
annum.

FIG, OR FULL FIG. In best clothes. Full dress.

FIGALA. An East Indian craft with one mast, generally rowed with
paddles.

FIGGER. The soubriquet of a Smyrna trader.

FIGGIE-DOWDIE. A west-country pudding, made with raisins, and much in
vogue at sea among the Cornish and Devon men. Cant west-country term for
plum-pudding--figs and dough.

FIGHT, SEA. _See_ BATTLE, ENGAGEMENT, EXERCISE, &c.

FIGHTING-LANTERNS. Kept in their respective fire-buckets at quarters, in
readiness for night action only. There is usually one attached to each
gun; the bucket is fragile, but intended to screen the light, and
furnished with a fire-lanyard.

FIGHTING-SAILS. Those to which a ship is reduced when going into action;
formerly implying the courses and top-sails only.

FIGHTING-WATER. Casks filled and placed on the decks, expressly for use
in action. When the head was broken in, vinegar was added to prevent too
much being taken by one man.

FIGHTS. Waste-cl