midships, n. and adv.
(ˈmɪdʃɪps)
[App. aphetic for amidships, though appearing earlier in our quots.]
A. n. The middle part of a vessel either with regard to her length or breadth.
| 1626 Capt. Smith Accid. Yng. Seamen 7 In a fight the Forecastle is his [the Lieutenant's] place, to make good; as the Captaine doth the halfe decke; and the quarter Maisters the midships. 1705 Lond. Gaz. No. 4116/3 Only her Hull from the Taffrill to the Midships remained above Water. 1762–9 Falconer Shipwr. ii. 901 Both stay-sail sheets to mid-ships were convey'd. |
b. Comb.: † midships man = midshipman.
| 1626 Capt. Smith Accid. Yng. Seamen 2 His Mates are onely his Seconds, allowed sometimes for the two Midships men. 1627 ― Seaman's Gram. xiii. 61 Midships men see the tops and yards well manned. |
B. adv. = amidships.
| 1838 Civ. Eng. & Arch. Jrnl. I. 384/2 Clear beam midships..32 ft. 1852 H. W. Pierson Missionary Memorial 145 On retiring, we stopped midships to sing a hymn of thanksgiving. 1883 Law Times Rep. XLIX. 332/2 The Clan Sinclair with her stem took the port side of the Margaret abaft midships. |