the main arm across the mast which holds up the sail. The yardarm was another vulnerable target in combat, and it was also a favorite place from which to hang prisoners or enemies.

The Flag!
Skull & Crossbones

another term made famous by pyrates. This is the act of throwing a man overboard, tied to a rope that goes beneath the ship, and then dragging him from one side to the other and hauling him out. Besides the torment of being dragged under water, this would drag the victim across the barnacle studded ship's hull and cause great pain and injury. This was a serious punishment and not administered lightly

a general term for the vantage on another ship of absolute perpendicular to the direction it is going. To get along broadside a ship was to take it at a very vulnerable angle. This is of course, the largest dimention of a ship and is easyiest to attack with larger arms. A "Broadside" has come to indicate a hit with a cannon or similar attack right in the main part of the ship.

Full speed ahead.

Full speed ahead, usually with the intent to ram an opposing ship.

To understand. Or when asked, "Do you understand?"

Oars of a vessel used to augment with speed with manpower.

the deck at the furthest back of a ship. Usually above the captain's quarters, the poop deck was usually the highest deck of the ship.

Attention, or Alert.

Derogatory term referring to rodents which lived in the lower decks.

A boat hook.

a hole in a barrel or cask; used to fill or empty it

a method of disposing of prisoners at sea; contrary to popular belief, it was not a usual practice among pirates