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19th cent USN terminology

Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2021 4:30 pm
by studentforever
Jamestown introduced me to 'hoisting the coach whip' - a somewhat confusing term. Apparently it's the informal term for a log thin pennant used to indicated a USN ship in commission.

file:///C:/Users/User/AppData/Local/Temp/FINAL_PDF_26x34_highres_ship_commissioning.pdf

Re: 19th cent USN terminology

Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2021 4:53 pm
by Randi
Unfortunately, that link only works for you.
However, with your information I was able to find another link (https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by- ... nnant.html).
I added it to the OWpedia.

Re: 19th cent USN terminology

Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2021 9:40 pm
by studentforever
Ah, I did wonder. I'll change the link on the file. It does highlight the use of the term 'broad pennant/pendant' for ships carrying a senior officer though.

Re: 19th cent USN terminology

Posted: Fri Aug 09, 2024 9:31 pm
by studentforever
Jamestown also introduced me to 'Slushing down the masts'. Despite my initial sceptism the following reference indicated that this was a legitimate term of the time.
https://www.oxfordreference.com/display ... 3100511761

Re: 19th cent USN terminology

Posted: Sat Aug 10, 2024 3:45 am
by Randi
Thanks. I added your link to Hurlock's 'Slushing' information in the OWpedia.

The term was also used in the Royal Navy:
SLUSH-BUCKET. A bucket kept in the tops, to grease the masts, sheets, &c., to make all run smoothly.
The Sailor's Word-Book, by Admiral W. H. Smyth, 1867
I have found this book very useful for US logs :D