
audiobook
by W. H. (William Henry) Smyth
THE SAILOR'S WORD-BOOK:
ADMIRAL W. H. SMYTH, K.S.F., D.C.L., &c.
VICE-ADMIRAL SIR E. BELCHER, K.C.B., &c. &c.
THE EDITOR'S PREFACE.
INTRODUCTION.
A DIGEST OF SEA TERMS AND PHRASES. - A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
A compact yet surprisingly rich reference, this alphabetic digest gathers the sea‑faring language that has guided sailors for centuries. From the everyday rope‑work and navigation jargon to the more obscure military and scientific terms, each entry offers clear, concise definitions, often accompanied by historical notes that illuminate how the word evolved. Readers will find not only the familiar commands of the deck but also curious antiquated phrases and natural‑history vocabulary that once peppered a mariner’s log.
Compiled by a distinguished 19th‑century admiral who spent a lifetime amassing practical and scholarly knowledge, the work reflects his meticulous habit of collecting anything that could aid a seaman. The careful revisions by his fellow officers preserve his exacting standards, making the book a trustworthy companion for both seasoned officers and curious land‑lubbers eager to decode the language of the deep. It’s a window into the world of old‑school navigation, offering insight and utility long after the sails have been furled.
Full title
The Sailor's Word-Book An Alphabetical Digest of Nautical Terms, including Some More Especially Military and Scientific, but Useful to Seamen; as well as Archaisms of Early Voyagers, etc. An Alphabetical Digest of Nautical Terms, including Some More Especially Military and Scientific, but Useful to Seamen; as well as Archaisms of Early Voyagers, etc.
Language
en
Duration
~33 hours (1937K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Ted Garvin, Stephen Blundell and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2008-07-07
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1788–1865
A Royal Navy officer who turned careful observation into a second career, he became known for charting coastlines, mapping the night sky, and writing widely on science and history. His life joined naval adventure with a lasting curiosity about the world above and below the horizon.
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