wear, to

The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea | 2006 | 612 words | Copyright

wear, to.
1. The operation of bringing a sailing vessel onto the other tack by bringing the wind around the stern, as opposed to tacking, when the wind is brought round the bow. It has been suggested that the word originated from veer, which has a similar meaning, but the term to wear a ship is the earlier of the two. In the past tense, a ship is wore, not worn.

2. A term used afloat in connection with the flying of flags. In nautical parlance a ship flies its national flag or ensign, but wears a personal flag, such as an admiral's flag. In the past tense a flag is worn, not wore.

See also flag etiquette.

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

MLA
Chicago
APA

"wear, to." The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. 28 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"wear, to." The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. (May 28, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O225-wearto.html

"wear, to." The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea. 2006. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O225-wearto.html

Learn more about citation styles