it may advantageously oppose a superior force.
The same word also signifies the works that cover and defend a place.
Fortification is _defensive_ when surrounding a place so as to render it
capable of defence against besiegers; and _offensive_ when comprehending
the various works for conducting a siege. It is _natural_ when it
opposes rocks, woods, marshes, ravines, &c., to impede the progress of
an enemy; and _artificial_, when raised by human ingenuity to aid the
advantages of the ground. The latter is again subdivided into
_permanent_ and _field_ fortification: the one being constructed at
leisure and of permanent materials, the other raised only for temporary
purposes.

FORTIFYING. The strengthening a ship for especial emergency, by doubling
planks, chocks, and additional timbers and knees, strongly secured.

FORT-MAJOR. An officer on the staff of a garrison or fortress, who has,
under the commanding officer, general charge of the routine duties and
of the works.

FORTUNE OF WAR. The usual consolation in reverses--"Fortune de la
guerre," or the chances of war.

FORTY-THIEVES. A name given to forty line-of-battle ships ordered by the
Admiralty at one fell swoop, to be built by contract, towards the end of
the Napoleon war, and which turned out badly. The writer served in one,
the _Rodney 74_, which fully exposed her weakness in the first gale she
experienced, and was sent home, thereby weakening the blockading fleet.
Many never went to sea as ships of the line, but were converted into
good frigates.

FORWARD. In the fore-part of the ship; the same as _afore_. Also, the
word of command when troops are to resume their march after a temporary
interruption.

FORWARD THERE! The hail to the forecastle.

FOSSE [Ital.] Synonymous with _moat_ or _ditch_.

FOTHER [Anglo-Saxon _foder_]. A burden; a weight of lead equal to 19-1/2
cwts. Leaden pigs for ballast.

FOTHERING. Is usually practised to stop a leak at sea. A heavy sail, as
the sprit-sail, is closely thrummed with yarn and oakum, and drawn under
the bottom: the pressure of the water drives the thrumming into the
apertures. If one does not succeed others are added, using all the sails
rather than lose the ship.

FOUGADE, OR FOUGASS. A small charged mine, from 6 to 8 feet under a post
in danger of falling into the enemy's hands.

FOUL. Generally used in opposition to _clear_, and implies entangled,
embarrassed, or contrary to: as "a ship ran foul of us," tha