Nautical, Military, and Archaic Terminology Glossary

Essential Vocabulary and Definitions

Victuals

Food or provisions.

Boughs

The main branch of a tree.

Whim

A sudden desire or change of mind, especially one that is unusual or unexplained.

Plunder

To steal goods from a place or person, typically using force and in a time of war or civil disorder.

Gorge

A narrow valley between hills or mountains, typically with steep rocky walls and a stream running through it.

Gloom

Partial or total darkness.

Petrels

A seabird related to the shearwaters, typically flying far from land.

Insidious

Proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects.

Cast Off

To set a boat or ship free from its moorings.

Mooring lines

A line that holds an object (especially a boat) in place.

Rowlocks

A holder attached to the gunwale of a boat that holds the oar in place and acts as a fulcrum for rowing.

Oars

An implement used to propel or steer a boat.

Oarsmen

Someone who rows a boat.

Launched

Propelled with force.

Mast

A vertical spar for supporting sails.

Spar

A thick, strong pole such as is used for a mast or yard on a ship.

Swifter

A rope.

Passerby

A person who happens to be going past something, especially on foot.

Furl

To roll or fold up and secure neatly (a flag, sail, umbrella, or other piece of fabric).

Rudders

A flat piece hinged vertically near the stern of a boat or ship for steering.

Bellowing

Emitting a deep, loud roar (typically in pain or anger).

Strait

A narrow passage of water connecting two seas or two other large areas of water.

Bows

A knot tied with two loops and two loose ends, used especially for tying shoelaces and decorative ribbons.

Seafarer

A person who regularly travels by sea; a sailor.

Soldiery

Soldiers collectively.

Starboard

The side of a ship or aircraft that is on the right when one is facing forward.

Cauldron

A large metal pot with a lid and handle, used for cooking over an open fire.

Immortals

An immortal being, especially a god of ancient Greece or Rome.

Cairn

A mound of rough stones built as a memorial or landmark, typically on a hilltop or skyline.

Billow

A large undulating mass of something, typically cloud, smoke, or steam.

Travail

Painful or laborious effort.

Cuirass

A piece of armor consisting of a breastplate and backplate fastened together.

Fugitives

People who have escaped from a place or are in hiding, especially to avoid arrest or persecution.

Mutinous

Refusing to obey the orders of a person in authority.

Prodigious

Remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree.

Guile

Sly or cunning intelligence.

Withy

A tough, flexible branch of an osier or other willows, used for tying, binding, or basketry.

Bole

The trunk of a tree.