CROW-FOOT. A number of small lines spreading out from an uvrou or long block, used to suspend the awnings by, or to keep the top-sails from striking violently, and fretting against the top-rims. (_See_ EUPHROE.) Also, a kind of stand, attached to the end of mess-tables, and hooked to a beam above.--_Crow-foot_ or _beam-arm_ is also a crooked timber, extended from the side of a beam to the ship's side, in the wake of the hatchway, supplying the place of a beam.--_Crow's-foot_ is the name of the four-pointed irons thrown in front of a position, to hamper the advance of cavalry, and other assailants, for in whatsoever way they fall one point is upwards. The phrase of _crow's-feet_ is also jocularly applied to the wrinkles spreading from the outer corner of the eyes--a joke used both by Chaucer and Spenser. CROWN. A common denomination in most parts of Europe for a silver coin, varying in local value from 2_s._ 6_d._ sterling to 8_s._ (_See also_ PREROGATIVE.)--_Crown of an anchor._ The place where the arms are joined to the shank, and unite at the throat.--_Crown of a gale._ Its extreme violence.--In fortification, to crown is to effect a lodgment on the top of; thus, the besieger _crowns_ the covered way when he occupies with his trenches the crest of the glacis. CROWN, OR DOUBLE CROWN. A knot; is to pass the strands of a rope over and under each other above the knot by way of finish. (_See_ KNOT.) CROWNING. The finishing part of some knots on the end of a rope, to prevent the ends of the strands becoming loose. They are more particularly useful in all kinds of stoppers. (_See_ WALL-KNOT and CROWN.) CROWN-WORK. In fortification, the largest definite form of outwork, having for its head two contiguous bastioned fronts, and for its sides two long strait faces, flanked by the artillery fire of the place. Or a detached work, according to the circumstances of the ground, requiring such advanced occupation. CROW-PURSE. The egg-capsule of a skate. CROW-SHELL. A fresh-water mussel. CROW'S NEST. A small shelter for the look-out man: sometimes made with a cask, at the top-gallant mast-head of whalers, whence fish are espied. Also, for the ice-master to note the lanes or open spaces in the ice. CROY. An inclosure on the sea-beach in the north for catching fish. When the tide flows the fishes swim over the wattles, but are left by the ebbing of the water. CRUE. _See_ KREEL. CRUE-HERRING. The shad (_Clupea alosa_). CRUER. _See_ CRARE. CRUISE, OR CRUIZE. A voyage in quest of an enemy expected to sail through any particular tract of the sea at a certain season,--the seeker traversing the cruising latitude under easy sail, backward and forward. The parts of seas frequented by whales are called the cruising grounds of whalers. CRUISERS. Small men-of-war, made use of in the Channel and elsewhere to secure our merchant ships from the enemy's small frigates and privateers. They were generally such as sailed well, and were well manned.