To man the yards

Man Man (m[a^]n), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Manned} (m[a^]nd); p. pr. & vb. n. {Manning}.] 1. To supply with men; to furnish with a sufficient force or complement of men, as for management, service, defense, or the like; to guard; as, to man a ship, boat, or fort. [1913 Webster]

See how the surly Warwick mans the wall ! --Shak. [1913 Webster]

They man their boats, and all their young men arm. --Waller. [1913 Webster]

2. To furnish with strength for action; to prepare for efficiency; to fortify. ``Theodosius having manned his soul with proper reflections.'' --Addison. [1913 Webster]

3. To tame, as a hawk. [R.] --Shak. [1913 Webster]

4. To furnish with a servant or servants. [Obs.] --Shak. [1913 Webster]

5. To wait on as a manservant. [Obs.] --Shak. [1913 Webster]

Note: In ``Othello,'' V. ii. 270, the meaning is uncertain, being, perhaps: To point, to aim, or to manage. [1913 Webster]

{To man a yard} (Naut.), to send men upon a yard, as for furling or reefing a sail.

{To man the yards} (Naut.), to station men on the yards as a salute or mark of respect. [1913 Webster]