FEEL THE HELM, TO. To have good steerage way, carrying taut weather-helm, which gives command of steerage. Also said of a ship when she has gained head-way after standing still, and begins to obey the helm. FEINT. A mock assault, generally made to conceal a true one. FELL, TO. To cut down timber. To knock down by a heavy blow. _Fell_ is the Anglo-Saxon for a skin or hide. FELL-HEAD. The top of a mountain not distinguished by a peak. FELL IN WITH. Met by chance. FELLOES [from _felly_]. The arch-pieces which form the rim or circumference of the wheel, into which the spokes and handles are fitted. FELLOW. A sailor's soubriquet for himself; he will ask if you "have anything for a fellow to do?" FELLS. Upland levels and mountainous tracts. FELT. Stuff made of wool and hair. Patent felt is saturated with tar, and used to place inside the doubling or sheathing of a vessel's bottom. Employed also in covering the boilers and cylinders of steam-engines. FELUCCA. (_See_ LUNTRA.) A little vessel with six or eight oars, frequent in the Mediterranean; its helm may be applied in the head or stern, as occasion requires. Also, a narrow decked galley-built vessel in great use there, of one or two masts, and some have a small mizen; they carry lateen sails. FEN. Low tracts inundated by the tides, capable, when in a dry state, of bearing the weight of cattle grazing upon them; differing therein from bog or quagmire. When well drained, they form some of the best land in the country. FENCE. A palisade. Also, the arm of the hammer-spring of a gun-lock. FENCIBLES. Bodies of men raised for limited service, and for a definite period. In rank they are junior to the line and royal marines, but senior to yeomanry or volunteers. FENCING. The art of using the small-sword with skill and address. FEND. An aphæresis from defend; to ward off. FEND OR FENDER BOLTS. Made with long and thick heads, struck into the outermost bends or wales of a ship, to save her sides from hurts and bruises. FENDER-PILES. In a dock, &c. FENDERS. Two pieces of oak-plank fayed edgeways against the top-sides, abreast the main hatchway, to prevent the sides being chafed by the hoisting of things on board. They are not wanted where the yard-tackles are constantly used. Also, pieces of old cable, or other materials, hung over the side to prevent it from chafing against a wharf; as also to preserve a small vessel from being damaged by a large one. The fenders of a boat are usually made of canvas, stuffed, and neatly painted. FEND OFF, TO. In order to avoid violent contact, is, by the application of a spar, junk, rattans, &c., to prevent one vessel running against another, or against a wharf, &c. Fend off, with the boat-hook or stretchers in a boat.--_Fend the boat_, keep her from beating against the ship's side.