Pirate Dictionary M-O

MARINER

This is another term for a seaman.

MARLINESPIKE

A tool with a sharp tipped iron blade and a round wooden handle, similar to an ice pick. Pirates used it to separate the strands of marlines (two-lined twisted tarred rope) so they could splice two ropes into one by interweaving their ends together. The marlinespike was also used for securing lines, and was a popular weapon used by mutineers.

MAROON

The meaning of maroon is to isolate. Pirates would leave mutinous shipmates on deserted islands, without any means of survival.

MERCATOR'S PROJECTION

A type of map used in navigation in which the true compass directions are marked in straight lines so that the lines of latitude and longitude intersect at right angles. Because of this, the land masses are distorted with the pole areas looking larger than they really are.

MERCHANTMAN

A ship involved in trade, carrying cargo.

MOIDORE

A type of Portuguese gold coin.

MUTINY

When the crew rises against the those in charge of the ship, taking over command.

NAUTICAL MILE

A nautical mile is a unit of 1.15 miles. The Earth is divided into 360 degrees, and each degree is divided into 60 minutes. Therefore, the nautical mile is equal to 1/60 of a degree or one minute of longitude.

NAVIGATION

Navigation is process of plotting or directing the course of a vessel using charts and instruments to measure distance, speed and direction. The navigator, seaman, wheelman, steersman, pilot or helmsman is the sailor in charge of directing the ship.

NEW WORLD

The New World is another name for the Americas (or the Western Hemisphere).

NOCTURNAL

Midnight was determined by using a nocturnal, a navigation tool which tells the time of night by the rotation of stars around the celestial pole.

NORTHEAST PASSAGE

A water route connecting the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean across northern Europe and Asia.

NORTHERN HEMISPHERE

The Northern Hemisphere is the half of the Earth that is north of the equator.

NORTH POLE

The North Pole is the northernmost place on Earth, covered by a layer of ice on top of the Arctic Ocean around the pole. This is referred to as the polar ice cap.

NORTH STAR

The star that is located almost due north and is useful in navigation. (See Pole Star)

NORTHWEST PASSAGE

The water route connecting the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean across northern North America is referred to as the Northwest Passage.

OLD WORLD

The Old World is another name for the Eastern Hemisphere (Europe, Asia, and Africa).