BOOM-IRONS. Are metal rings fitted on the yard-arms, through which the studding-sail booms traverse; there is one on each top-sail yard-arm, but on the lower yards a second, which opens to allow the boom to be triced up; it is one-fourth from the yard-arms, and holds down the heel of the boom when it is rigged out. BOOM-JIGGER. A tackle used in large ships, for rigging out or running in the top-mast studding-sail booms. BOOMKIN. _See_ BUMKIN. BOOM-MAINSAIL. _See_ MAIN-SAIL. BOOMS. A space where the spare spars are stowed; the launch being generally stowed between them. BOOPAH. A Tongatabou canoe with a single out-rigger. BOOTHYR. An old term, denoting a small river vessel. BOOT-TOPPING. The old operation of scraping off the grass, slime, shells, &c., which adhere to the bottom, near the surface of the water, and daubing it over with a mixture of tallow, sulphur, and resin, as a temporary protection against worms. This is chiefly performed where there is no dock or other commodious situation for breaming or careening, or when the hurry of a voyage renders it inconvenient to have the whole bottom properly trimmed and cleansed. The term is now applied to sheathing a vessel with planking over felt. BOOTY. That sort of prize which may be distributed at the capstan-head, or at once. BOOZE. A carouse; hence, _boozy_, elevated by liquor. BORA. A very violent wind experienced in the upper part of the Adriatic Sea, but which fortunately is of no great duration. BORACCHIO [Sp. _borracho_, drunk]. A skin for holding wine or water, usually a goat's. Used in the Levant. A skin-full; literally, gorged with wine. BORASCA. A storm, with thunder and lightning. BORD. The sea-coast, an old term. Formerly meant the side, edge, or brim; hence, as applied to a ship, to throw overboard, is to cast anything over the side of the vessel. BORDELS. An old word for houses built along a strand. In the old play called the "Ladies' Privilege," it is said:--"These gentlemen know better to cut a caper than a cable, or board a pink in the bordels than a pinnace." BORDER. A term referring to the nature of the vegetation on the margin of a stream or lake, or to artificial works constructed along the banks. BORD YOU. A saying of a man waiting, to one who is drinking, meaning that he claims the next turn.