CLASS. Order or rank; specially relating to dockyard men. CLASSIFICATION OF SHIPS. A register made of vessels according to the report rendered in by special surveyors. (_See_ NAVY and LLOYD'S REGISTER.) CLAW, OR CLAW OFF, TO. To beat, or turn to windward from a lee-shore, so as to be at sufficient distance from it to avoid shipwreck. It is generally used when getting to windward is difficult. CLAYMORE. Anciently a two-handed sword of the Highlanders, but latterly applied to their basket-hilted sword. CLEACHING NET. A hand-net with a hoop and bar, used by fishermen on the banks of the Severn. CLEAN. Free from danger, as clean coast, clean harbour; in general parlance means quite, entirely. So Shakspeare represents Ægeon "Roaming clean through the bounds of Asia." Also, applied to a ship's hull with a fine run fore and aft.--_Clean entrance_, clean run.--_To clean a ship's bottom._ (_See_ BREAMING and HOG.) CLEAN BILL. (_See_ BILL OF HEALTH.) When all are in health. CLEAN DONE. Quite. In a seamanlike manner; purpose well effected; adroitly tricked. (_See_ WEATHERED.) CLEAN-FISH. On the northern coasts, a salmon perfectly in season. CLEAN-FULL. Keeping the sail full, bellying, off the wind. CLEAN OFF THE REEL. When the ship by her rapidity pulls the line off the log-reel, without its being assisted. Also, upright conduct. Also, any performance without stop or hindrance, off-hand. CLEAN SHIP. A whale-ship unfortunate in her trip, having no fish or oil. CLEAR. Is variously applied, to weather, sea-coasts, cordage, navigation, &c., as opposed to foggy, to dangerous, to entangled. It is usually opposed to _foul_ in all these senses. CLEAR, TO. Has several significations, particularly to escape from, to unload, to empty, to prepare, &c., as:--_To clear for action._ To prepare for action.--_To clear away_ for this or that, is to get obstructions out of the way.--_To clear the decks._ To remove lumber, put things in their places, and coil down the ropes. Also, to take the things off a table after a meal.--_To clear goods._ To pay the custom-house dues and duties.--_To clear the land._ To escape from the land.--_To clear a lighter, or the hold._ To empty either. CLEARANCE. The document from the customs, by which a vessel and her cargo, by entering all particulars at the custom-house, and paying the dues, is permitted to clear out or sail. CLEAR FOR GOING ABOUT. Every man to his station, and every rope an-end. CLEARING LIGHTERS. All vessels pertaining to public departments should be cleared with the utmost despatch. CLEAR THE PENDANT. _See_ UP AND CLEAR THE PENDANT. CLEAR WATER. A term in Polar seas implying no ice to obstruct navigation, well off the land, having sea-room. CLEAT A GUN, TO. To nail large cleats under the trucks of the lower-deckers in bad weather, to insure their not fetching way.