boat appointed to row the rounds amongst the ships of war which are laid up in any harbour, &c. to observe that their officers keep a good looking-out, calling to the guard-boat as the paffes, and not suffering her crew to come on board, without having previously communicated the watch-word of the night.

Guard-Ship, a vessel of war appointed to superintend the marine affairs in a harbour or river, and to see that the ships which are not commissioned have their proper watchward kept duly, by sending her guard-boats around them every night. She is also to receive seamen who are impressed in the time of war.