long measure containing six feet, used chiefly at sea for measuring the length of cables and cordage.

Fatness. See Corpulency.—It is observed, that for one fat person in France or Spain, there are a hundred in England and Holland. This is supposed to be from the use of new malt liquors, more than from the difference of climates or degrees of perspiration. Indolence may cause fatness in some few constitutions; but, in general, those who are disposed to this habit will be fat in spite of every endeavour to the contrary, but that of destroying health.

Fatuarii, in antiquity, were persons who, appearing inspired, foretold things to come. The word is formed of Fatua, wife of the god Faunus, who was supposed to inspire women with the knowledge of futurity, as Faunus himself did the men.—Fatua had her name from fari, q. d. vaticinari, "to prophesy."