Dictionary-Definition.com :: Sailing definition

Definition of 'sailing'

noun

The work of a sailor [syn: seafaring, navigation, sailing]

noun

Riding in a sailboat

noun

The departure of a vessel from a port

noun

The activity of flying a glider [syn: glide, gliding, sailplaning, soaring, sailing]

From: GCIDE

Sail \Sail\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Sailed; p. pr. & vb. n. Sailing.] [AS. segelian, seglian. See Sail, n.]
1. To be impelled or driven forward by the action of wind upon sails, as a ship on water; to be impelled on a body of water by the action of steam or other power. [1913 Webster]
2. To move through or on the water; to swim, as a fish or a water fowl. [1913 Webster]
3. To be conveyed in a vessel on water; to pass by water; as, they sailed from London to Canton. [1913 Webster]
4. To set sail; to begin a voyage. [1913 Webster]
5. To move smoothly through the air; to glide through the air without apparent exertion, as a bird. [1913 Webster]
As is a winged messenger of heaven, . . . When he bestrides the lazy pacing clouds, And sails upon the bosom of the air. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

Sailing \Sail"ing\, n.
1. The act of one who, or that which, sails; the motion of a vessel on water, impelled by wind or steam; the act of starting on a voyage. [1913 Webster]
2. (Naut.) The art of managing a vessel; seamanship; navigation; as, globular sailing; oblique sailing. [1913 Webster]
Note: For the several methods of sailing, see under Circular, Globular, Oblique, Parallel, etc. [1913 Webster]
Sailing master (U. S. Navy), formerly, a warrant officer, ranking next below a lieutenant, whose duties were to navigate the vessel; and under the direction of the executive officer, to attend to the stowage of the hold, to the cables, rigging, etc. The grade was merged in that of master in 1862. [1913 Webster]