Back

The wind is said to back when it shifts around the compass contrary to the manner in which the hands of a watch revolve.

To back an anchor. To allow another anchor to slip down and along the cable on a large shackle, which will run until it fetches up against the ring of the anchor that is holding the ship, when it will also bury its fluke in the bottom and assist to hold the vessel.

Another way to back an anchor is to shackle an extra anchor to the cable a few fathoms from the other before letting go the bower.

To back a sail. To throw its after-surface against the mast.

To back and fill. To work to windward with a weather tide in a narrow channel by alternately backing and filling the sails.

To back a ship at anchor. To keep the cable taut by setting some after-sail so as to back the ship down from her anchorage.

To back water. To reverse the order of rowing so as to give the boat sternway.