CHOCK-A-BLOCK, OR CHOCK AND BLOCK. Is the same with _block-a-block_ and _two-blocks_ (which see). When the lower block of a tackle is run close up to the upper one, so that you can hoist no higher, the blocks being together. CHOCK-AFT, CHOCK-FULL, CHOCK-HOME, CHOCK-UP, &c. Denote as far aft, full, home, up, &c., as possible, or that which fits closely to one another. CHOCK-CHANNELS. Those filled in with wood between the chain-plates, according to a plan introduced by Captain Couch, R.N. CHOCOLATE-GALE. A brisk N.W. wind of the West Indies and Spanish main. CHOGSET. _See_ BURGALL. CHOKE. The nip of a rocket. CHOKED. When a running rope sticks in a block, either by slipping between the cheeks and the shiver, or any other accident, so that it cannot run. CHOKE-FULL. Entirely full; top full. CHOKE THE LUFF. To place suddenly the fall of a tackle close to the block across the jaw of the next turn of the rope in the block, so as to prevent the leading part from rendering. Familiarly said of having a meal to assuage hunger; to be silenced. CHOKEY. An East Indian guard-house and prison. CHOMMERY. _See_ CHASSE MAREES, for which this is the men's term. CHOP. A permit or license of departure for merchant ships in the China trade. A Chinese word signifying quality. Also, an imperial chop or mandate; a proclamation. CHOP, OR CHAPP. The entrance of a channel, as the Chops of the English Channel. CHOP-ABOUT, TO. Is applied to the wind when it varies and changes suddenly, and at short intervals of time. CHOPPING-SEA. A synonym of _cockling sea_ (which see). CHOPT. Done suddenly in exigence; as, _chopt_ to an anchor. CHORD. In geometry, is a line which joins the extremities of any arc of a circle. CHOW-CHOW. Eatables; a word borrowed from the Chinese. It is supposed to be derived from _chou-chou_, the tender parts of cabbage-tree, bamboo, &c., preserved. CHOWDER. The principal food in the Newfoundland bankers, or stationary fishing vessels; it consists of a stew of fresh cod-fish, rashers of salt pork or bacon, biscuit, and lots of pepper. Also, a buccaneer's savoury dish, and a favourite dish in North America. (_See_ COD-FISHER'S CREW.) Chowder is a fish-seller in the western counties. CHOWDER-HEADED. Stupid, or batter-brained. CHRISTIAN. A gold Danish coin, value in England from 16_s._ to 16_s._ 4_d._ CHRISTIAN'S GALES. The tremendous storms in 1795-6, which desolated the fleet proceeding to attack the French West India Islands, under Admiral Christian. CHROCKLE. A tangle or _thoro'put_ (which see). CHRODANE. The Manx and Gaelic term for gurnet. CHRONOMETER. A valuable time-piece fitted with a compensation-balance, adjusted for the accurate measurement of time in all climates, and used by navigators for the determination of the longitude. CHRONOMETER RATE. The number of seconds or parts of seconds which it loses or gains per diem. (_See_ RATING.) CHRUIN. A Gaelic term for masts.--_Chruin-spreie_, the bowsprit.