or Offin, in the sea-language, that part of the sea a good distance from shore, where there is deep water, and no need of a pilot to conduct the ship: thus, if a ship from shore be seen sailing out to seaward, they say, she stands for the offing; and if a ship, having the shore near her, have another a good way without her, or towards the sea, they say, that ship is in the offing.