BEAR. A large block of stone, matted, loaded with shot, and fitted with ropes, by which it is roused or pulled to and fro to grind the decks withal. Also, a coir-mat filled with sand similarly used.
BEAR, THE CONSTELLATIONS OF THE. Ursa Major and Minor, most important to seamen, as instantly indicating by the pointers and pole-star the true north at night, much more correctly than any compass bearing.
BEAR, TO. The direction of an object from the viewer; it is used in the following different phrases: The land's end bore E.N.E.; _i.e._ it was seen from the ship in a line with the E.N.E. point of the compass. We bore down upon the enemy; _i.e._ having the advantage of the wind, or being to windward, we approached the enemy by sailing large, or from the wind. When a ship that was to windward comes under another ship's stern, and so gives her the wind, she is said to bear under the lee; often as a mark of respect. She bears in with the land, is said of a ship when she runs towards the shore. We bore off the land; _i.e._ we increased our distance from the land.--_To bear down_ upon a ship, is to approach her from the windward.--_To bear ordnance_, to carry her guns well.--_To bear sail_, stiff under canvas.--_To bear up_, to put the helm up, and keep a vessel off her course, letting her recede from the wind and move to leeward; this is synonymous with _to bear away_, but is applied to the ship instead of the helm.--_Bear up_, one who has duly served for a commission, but from want of interest bears up broken-hearted and accepts an inferior warrant, or quits the profession, seeking some less important vocation; some middies have borne up and yet become bishops, lord-chancellors, judges, surgeons, &c.--_To bear up round_, is to put a ship right before the wind.--_To bring a cannon to bear_, signifies that it now lies right with the mark.--_To bear off from_, and _in with_ the land, signifies standing off or going towards the coast.
BEAR A BOB, OR A FIST. Jocular for "lend a hand."
BEARD. The silky filaments or byssus by which some testacea adhere to rocks. Of an oyster, the gills.
BEARDIE. A northern name of the three-spined stickleback.
BEARDING. The angular fore-part of the rudder, in juxtaposition with the stern-post. Also, the corresponding bevel of the stern-post. Also, the bevelling of any piece of timber or plank to any required angle: as the bearding of dead wood, clamps, &c.