PORT, is also a name given on some occasions to the larboard or left side of the ship, as in the following instances. Thus it is said, "the ship heels to port," i.e. stoops or inclines to the larboard side. "Top the yard to port!" the order to make the larboard extremity of a yard higher than the other. "Port the helm!" the order to put the helm over to the larboard side of the vessel. In all these senses this phrase appears intended to prevent any mistakes happening from the similarity of
found in the words starboard and larboard, particularly when they relate to the helm, where a misapprehension might be attended with very dangerous consequences.