ALEXIACUS. The appellation under which Neptune was implored to protect the nets of the tunny fisheries from the sword-fish. ALFERE, OR ALFEREZ [_alfier_, Fr.; _alferez_, Span.] Standard-bearer; ensign; cornet. The old English term for ensign; it was in use in our forces till the civil wars of Charles I. ALFONDIZA. The custom-house at Lisbon. ALGA. A species of millepora. ALGÆ. Sea-weeds, and the floating scum-like substances on fresh water; they deserve to be more studied, for some, as dulse, laver, badderlocks, &c., are eatable, and others are useful for manure. ALGEBRA. A general method of resolving mathematical problems, by means of equations, or rather computing abstract quantities by symbols or signs; a literal arithmetic. ALGENIB. A principal star (γ) in Pegasus. ALGERE. A spear used by fishermen in olden times. ALGIER DUTY. An imposition laid on merchants' goods by the Long Parliament, for the redemption of captives in the Mediterranean. ALGOL. A wonderful variable star in Perseus, which goes through its changes in about two days and twenty-one hours. ALGOLOGY. Scientific researches into the nature of sea-plants. ALGORAB. A star taking rank as the α of Corvus, but its brightness of late is rivalled by β Corvi. ALHIDADE. An Arabic name for the index or fiducial of an astronomical or geometrical instrument, carrying sight or telescope; used by early navigators. A rule on the back of a common astrolabe, to measure heights, &c. ALIEN. Generally speaking, one born in a foreign country, out of the king's allegiance; but if the parents be of the king's obedience, the child is no alien. An alien enemy, or person under the allegiance of the state at war with us, is not _generally_ disabled from being a witness in admiralty courts; nor are debts due to him forfeited, but only suspended.--_Alien's duty_, the impost laid on all goods imported into England in foreign bottoms, over and above the regular customs. ALIGNMENT. An imaginary line, drawn to regulate the order of a squadron. ALIQUOT PART. That which will exactly divide a number, leaving no remainder.