ELITE. The élite of naval or military forces is the choicest selection from them. ELLECK. The trivial name of the _Trigla cuculus_. ELLIOT-EYE. The Elliot-eye, introduced by the Hon. Admiral Elliot, secretary of the Admiralty, is an eye worked over an iron thimble in the end of a hempen bower-cable, to facilitate its being shackled to the chain for riding in very deep water. ELLIPSE. In geometry, an oval figure, formed of the section of a cone by a plane cutting through both its sides obliquely. ELMO'S FIRE, ST. _See_ COMPASANT. ELONGATION. The angular distance of a heavenly body from the sun eastward or westward. ELVERS. The name of eels on the western coasts of England. EMBARGO. A temporary injunction or arrest laid on ships or merchandise by public authority, sometimes general, to prevent all ships departing, and sometimes partial, as upon foreign ships only, or to prevent their coming in. A breach of embargo, under the knowledge of the insured, discharges the underwriters from liability. EMBARK, TO. To go on board, or to put on board a vessel. EMBARKATION. Applies to the shipping of goods, troops, and stores. Also, the peculiar boats of a country. [Sp. _embarcation_.] EMBARMENT. An old term, meaning an embargo. EMBARRAS. An American term for places where the navigation of rivers or creeks is rendered difficult by the accumulation of driftwood, trees, &c. EMBATTLE. To arrange forces for conflict. EMBATTLED. In buildings, crenellated or pierced with loop-holes. EMBEDDED. Firmly fixed in the mud or sand. EMBER-GOOSE (OR IMBER?). A name for the great northern diver or loon (_Colymbus glacialis_). EMBEZZLEMENT, or simple theft, by persons belonging to a merchant ship, is not deemed a peril of the sea. But robbery violently committed by persons not belonging to the ship, is a peril for which the insurer is answerable.--_To embezzle_ is to misappropriate by a breach of trust. EMBOUCHURE. A French word adopted as signifying the mouth of a river, by which its waters are discharged, or by which it is entered. The term is now in general use. EMBRASURES. The cut or opening made through the parapet of a battery for the muzzle of the gun and the passage of the shot. EMERALDERS. A term for the natives of Ireland, from its evergreen verdure. EMERGENCY. Imminent want in difficult circumstances. EMERSION. The prismatic space or solid raised out on the weather side by the inclination of the ship. In astronomy it signifies the re-appearance of a celestial object after undergoing occultation or eclipse. EMINENCE. A high or rising ground overlooking the country around. EMISSARY. A culvert or drain. EMPRISE. A hazardous attempt upon the enemy. EMPTIONS. Stores purchased. EMPTY. Cargo discharged. EMPTY BASTION. In fortification is a bastion whereof the terreplein, or terrace in rear of the parapet, not having been carried farther to the rear than its regular distance, leaves a large space within it of a lower level.