ficers are
very strict in its admission. It is held sacred by civilized nations.

FLAG-SHARE. The admiral's share (one-eighth) in all captures made by any
vessels within the limits of his command, even if under the orders of
another admiral; but in cases of pirates, he has no claim unless he
participates in the action.

FLAG-SHIP. A ship bearing an admiral's flag.

FLAG-SIDE OF A SPLIT FISH. The side without the bone.

FLAG-STAFF. In contradistinction to mast-head, is the staff on a
battery, or on a ship's stern, where the colours are displayed. (_See_
FLARE.)

FLAKE. A small shifting stage, hung over a ship's side to caulk or
repair a breach. (_See_ FISH-FLAKE.)

FLAM. Wedge-shaped. Also, a sudden puff of wind. Also, a shallow.

FLAM-FEW. The brilliant reflection of the moon on the water.

FLAN. An old word, equivalent to a flaw, or sudden gust of wind from the
land.

FLANCHING. The bellying out; synonymous with _flaring_.

FLANGE. In steamers, is the projecting rim at the end of two iron pipes
for uniting them. (_See_ PORT-FLANGE.)

FLANK, TO. To defend that part; incorrectly used sometimes for firing
upon a flank.

FLANK OF AN ARMY. The right or left side or end, as distinguished from
the front and rear--a vulnerable point. Also, the force composing or
covering that side. In fortification, a work constructed to afford flank
defence.

FLANK-COMPANIES. The extreme right and left companies of a battalion,
formerly called the grenadiers and light infantry, and wearing
distinctive marks in their dress; now the title, dress, and duties of
all the companies of a battalion are the same.

FLANK-DEFENCE. A line of fire parallel, or nearly so, to the front of
another work or position.

FLANKED ANGLE. In fortification, a salient angle formed by two lines of
flank defence.

FLAP. The cover of a cartridge-box or scupper.

FLAPPING. The agitation of a sail with sheet or tack carried away, or
the sudden jerk of the sails in light winds and a heavy swell on.

FLARE. In ship-building, is flanching outwards, as at the bows of
American ships, to throw off the bow-seas; it is in opposition to
tumbling home and wall-sided.

FLARE. A name for the skate, _Raia batis_.

FLARE, TO. To rake back, as of a fashion-piece or knuckle-timber.

FLASH. The laminae and grain-marks in timber, when cut into planks. Also,
a pool. Also, in the west, a river with a large bay, which is again
separated from the outer sea by a reef