"Mind your p's and q's" came from taverns keeping tabs on sailors' drinks (pints and quarts) until pay day. "Bootlegger"derived from smugglers hiding valuable packages in their huge sea-boots. "Keep your shirt on" dates back to the Vikings, who furiously tore off their shirts and fought half-naked. "Big wigs," slang for those in high positions, originated from the fact that British naval officers wore huge wigs. Discover the true meaning of the pirates' skull and crossbones flag, why a ship's lookout station is called the "crow's nest," and the origins of such terms as "logbook," "quarantine," and "shove off." Hundreds of bite-size, illustrated facts from around the world and throughout history offer fascinating insights into nautical traditions of the ancient Greeks and Norsemen as well as latter-day sailors from the United States, Great Britain, and Europe. Illustrator and author Cedric W. Windas (1888–1966) was a columnist for the World War II-era magazine Our Navy. His tidbits of sea lore and language, accompanied by striking images, explore all aspects of sailing and shipping terms and customs. Active members of the Navy and veterans, as well as anyone with an interest in sailing or maritime history, will delight in these fascinating facts, which are equally appealing for in-depth perusal or casual browsing.

The Navy Companion: An Illustrated Compendium of Maritime Terms and Traditions

History

Windas, Cedric W.

Military

Dover Publications

The inheritance that the officers and men of the Fleet have received from the past is expressed in many forms. Particularly is it expressed in the ceremony, tradition, nautical, customs, distinctive dress, insignia, and peculiarities of speech that set the Navy man apart from his fellow warriors. A better knowledge of the origin of these traditions and customs is of real value not only to the Navy man but to anyone interested in the naval service. This book is a repository of such knowledge. Both the informative text and the excellent illustrations of Mr. Windas' book provide a wealth of authoritative information in a highly palatable form.

Traditions of the Navy

Algrove Publishing Limited

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Books by Windas, Cedric W.

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Windas, Cedric W.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

The Navy Companion: An Illustrated Compendium of Maritime Terms and Traditions

Traditions of the Navy