Emily Dickinson Lexicon
Definition for PORT-LAST, or POR-TOISE
PORT-LAST, or POR-TOISE, n.
The gunwale of a ship. To lower the yards a portlast, is to lower them to the gun-wale. To ride a portoise, is to have the lower yards and top-masts struck or lowered down, when at anchor in a gale of wind. – Mar. Dict.
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