ARTIST. A name formerly applied to those mariners who were also expert navigators.
ARTIZAN. A mechanic or operative workman. (_See_ ARTIFICER.)
ARX. A fort or castle for the defence of a place.
ASCENDANT. The part of the ecliptic above the horizon.
ASCENDING SIGNS. Those in which the sun appears to ascend towards the north pole, or in which his motion in declination is towards the north.
ASCENSION. The act of mounting or rising upwards. (_See_ RIGHT ASCENSION.)
ASCENSIONAL DIFFERENCE. The equinoctial arc intercepted between the _right_ and _oblique_ ascensions (which see).
ASCENSION OBLIQUE. _See_ OBLIQUE ASCENSION.
ASCII. The inhabitants of the torrid zone, who twice a year, being under a vertical sun, have no shadow.
AS DEAF AS THE MAIN-MAST. Said of one who does not readily catch an order given. Thus at sea the main-mast is synonymous with the door-post on shore.
ASHLAR. Blocks of stone masonry fronting docks, piers, and other erections; this term is applied to common or freestone as they come of various lengths, breadths, and thicknesses from the quarry.
ASHORE. Aground, on land.--To _go ashore_, to disembark from a boat. Opposed to _aboard_.
ASH-PIT. A receptacle for ashes before the fire-bars in a steamer, or under them in most fire-places.
ASIENTO [Sp.] A sitting, contract, or convention; such as that between Spain and other powers in relation to the supply of stores for South America.
ASLANT. Formed or placed in an oblique line, as with dagger-knees, &c.--_To sail aslant_, turning to windward.
ASLEEP. The sail filled with wind just enough for swelling or bellying out,--as contrasted with its flapping.
ASPECT. The looming of the land from sea-ward.
ASPER. A minute Turkish coin in accounts, of which three go to a para.
ASPIC. An ancient 12-pounder piece of ordnance, about 11 feet long.
ASPIRANT DE MARINE. Midshipman in the French navy.
ASPORTATION. The carrying of a vessel or goods illegally.
ASSAIL, TO. To attack, leap upon, board, &c.
ASSAULT. A hostile attack. The effort to storm a place, and gain possession of a post by main force.
ASSEGAI. The spear used by the Kaffirs in South Africa; it is frequently feather-bent to revolve in its flight.
ASSEGUAY. The knife-dagger used in the Levant.