in the sea-language, a word of various significations; though it is generally understood to mean the part opposite to the wind. Thus lee shore, is that shore against which the wind blows. Lee-latch, or have a care of the lee-latch, is, take care that the ship do not go to the leeward, or too near the shore. A lee the helm, put it to the leeward side of the ship. To lie by the lee, or to come up to the lee, is to bring the ship so, that all her sails may lie flat against her masts and shrouds, and that the wind may come right upon her broad side.

LEE-way, is the angle that the rhumbline, upon which the ship endeavours to sail, makes with the rhumb upon which she really sails. See Navigation.

LECH, in zoology. See Hirudo.