{To lower the yards a-portoise}, to lower them to the
gunwale.
{To ride a portoise}, to ride an anchor with the lower yards and topmasts struck or lowered, as in a gale of wind. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
Portoise — Por toise, n. [Perhaps fr. OF. porteis portative, portable.] (Naut.) The gunwale of a ship. [1913 Webster] {To lower the yards a portoise}, to lower them to the gunwale. {To ride a portoise}, to ride an anchor with the lower yards and topmasts… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
To ride a portoise — Portoise Por toise, n. [Perhaps fr. OF. porteis portative, portable.] (Naut.) The gunwale of a ship. [1913 Webster] {To lower the yards a portoise}, to lower them to the gunwale. {To ride a portoise}, to ride an anchor with the lower yards and… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
