DALLOP. A heap or lump in a clumsy state. A large quantity of anything. DAM. A barrier of stones, stakes, or rubble, constructed to stop or impede the course of a stream. (_See_ INUNDATIONS and FLOATING DAM.) DAMASCENED. The mixing of various metals in the Damascus blades, the kris, or other weapons; sometimes by adding silver, to produce a watered effect. DAMASCUS BLADE. Swords famed for the quality and temper of the metal, as well as the beauty of the _jowhir_, or watering of the blades. DAMASK. Steel worked in the Damascus style, showing the wavy lines of the different metals; usually termed watered or twisted. DAMBER. An old word for lubberly rogue. DAMELOPRE. An ancient flat-floored vessel belonging to Holland, and intended to carry heavy cargoes over their shallow waters. DAMMAH. A kind of turpentine or resin from a species of pine, which is used in the East Indies for the same purposes to which turpentine and pitch are applied. It is exported in large quantities from Sumatra to Bengal and other places, where it is much used for paying seams and the bottoms of vessels, for which latter purpose it is often mixed with sulphur, and answers admirably in warm climates. DAMPER. The means by which the furnace of each boiler in a steamer can be regulated independently, by increasing or diminishing the draught to the fire. DAMSEL. A coast name for the skate-fish. DANCERS. The coruscations of the aurora. (_See_ MERRY DANCERS.) DANDIES. Rowers of the budgerow boats on the Ganges. DANDY. A sloop or cutter with a jigger-mast abaft, on which a mizen-lug-sail is set. DANGER. Perils and hazard of the sea. Any rock or shoal which interferes with navigation. DANK. Moist, mouldy: a sense in which Shakspeare uses it; also Tusser-- "_Dank_ ling forgot will quickly rot." DANKER. A north-country term for a dark cloud. DANSKERS. Natives of Denmark. DARBIES. An old cant word for irons or handcuffs; it is still retained. DARE. An old word for to challenge, or incite to emulation; still in full use. DARE-DEVIL. One who fears nothing, and will attempt anything. DARKENING. Closing of the evening twilight. DARK GLASSES. Shades fitted to instruments of reflection for preventing the bright rays of the sun from hurting the eye of the observer. DARKS. Nights on which the moon does not shine,--much looked to by smugglers. DARKY. A common term for a negro. DARNING THE WATER. A term applied to the action of a fleet cruising to and fro before a blockaded port. DARRAG. A Manx or Erse term for a strong fishing-line made of black hair snoods. DARSENA. An inner harbour or wet dock in the Mediterranean. DARTS. Weapons used in our early fleets from the round-tops. DASH. The present with which bargains are sealed on the coast of Africa. DASHING. The rolling and breaking of the sea. DATOO. West wind in the Straits of Gibraltar: very healthy. Also, a Malay term of rank, and four of whom form the council of the sultan of the Malayu Islands.