ADZE, OR ADDICE. A cutting tool of the axe kind, for dubbing flat and circular work, much used by shipwrights, especially by the Parsee builders in India, with whom it serves for axe, plane, and chisel. It is a curious fact that from the polar regions to the equator, and southerly throughout Polynesia, this instrument and its peculiar adaptations, whether made of iron, basalt, nephrite, &c., all preserve the same idea or identity of conception. ÆINAUTÆ. Senators of Miletus, who held their deliberations on board ship. ÆRATÆ. Ancient ships fitted with brazen prows. AEROLITES. One of the many names given to those solid masses or stones which occasionally fall from the atmosphere to the surface of the earth. The assumption of their periodicity cannot, as yet, be considered as confirmed. AEROLOGY. The rational doctrine or science of the air and its phenomena. AEROMANCY. Formerly the art of divining by the air, but now used for foretelling the changes in the weather, either by experience or by instruments. AEROMETRY. The science of measuring the air, its powers, pressure, and properties. ÆSTIVAL. Belonging to summer; the solstitial point whereby the sun's ascent above the equator is determined. ÆSTUARY. _See_ ESTUARY. ÆWUL. An Anglo-Saxon term for a twig basket for catching fish. AFEARD. This is a very common expression for _afraid_, and though thought low, is a true archaism of our language, as seen in Chaucer, Shakspeare, and Ben Jonson. Major Moor terms it an old and good word. AFER. The south-west wind of the Latins, and used by some of the early voyagers. AFFAIR. An indecisive engagement; a duel. AFFECTED. An algebraic term for an equation in which the unknown quantity rises to two or more several powers. AFFECTIONATE FRIENDS. An official inconsistent subscription, even to letters of reproof and imprest, used by the former Board of Commissioners of the Navy to such officers as were not of noble families or bore titles; the only British board that ever made so mean a distinction, equally kind with the regrets of the clergy on burning a heretic, or those of Walton in cutting a live fish _tenderly_. It was probably adopted from James, Duke of York, who, when lord high-admiral, always so subscribed his official letters. It is said that this practice was discontinued in consequence of a distinguished naval captain--a knight--adding, "your affectionate friend." He was thereupon desired to "discontinue such an expression," when he replied, "I am, gentlemen, no longer your affectionate friend, J. Phillimore." AFFIDAVIT. A declaration upon oath, weakened in importance by its too frequent administration at custom-houses, lazarettos, &c. Declarations are now substituted in the case of naval officers. AFFIRMATIVE. The positive sign or quantity in algebra; also signal flag or pendant by which a request or order is answered. AFFLUENT. A stream flowing directly into another stream; a more specific term than tributary.