in the sea-language, is a word used in various senses. Thus the anchor is said to be a-peek, when the ship being about to weigh comes over her anchor in such a manner that the cable hangs perpendicularly between the hawsers and the anchor.

To heave a-peek, is to bring the peak so as that the anchor may hang a-peek. A ship is said to ride a-peek, when lying with her main and foreyards hoisted up, one end of her yards is brought down to the shrouds, and the other raised up on end; which is chiefly done when she lies in rivers, lest other ships falling foul of the yards should break them. Riding a-broad peak, denotes much the same, excepting that the yards are only raised to half the height.

Peak is also used for a room in the hold, extending from the bitts forward to the stern: in this room men of war keep their powder, and merchantmen their victuals.