cross sea

American  

noun

Oceanography, Nautical.

1. a sea with a choppy surface produced by the intersection of waves from different storms.

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Etymology

Origin of cross sea

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

cross sea

The day was foggy, and a heavy, cross sea and lumpy waves kept the men miserably wet.

From "Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World" by Jennifer Armstrong

A confused cross sea where the waves assume a jerking rippling action, and set home to the bows or sides; especially tiresome to boats, hampering the oars, and tumbling in-board.

From The Sailor's Word-Book An Alphabetical Digest of Nautical Terms, including Some More Especially Military and Scientific, but Useful to Seamen; as well as Archaisms of Early Voyagers, etc. by Belcher, Edward, Sir

She shrivelled him with a look, the likes of which ain't strayed over the Mason-Dixon line since Lee surrendered, and swept by us, invitin' an' horspitable as an iceberg in a cross sea.

From Pardners by Beach, Rex Ellingwood

It was true; the wind had backed to the north-east, and there was an angry little cross sea beginning to run over the long ocean swell.

From Doctor Claudius, A True Story by Crawford, F. Marion (Francis Marion)

The cross sea was increasing, and the bank to the northwest was larger and blacker, while the mare's tails and mackerel scales had given way to cirrus clouds that raced across the sky.

From The Wreck of the Titan or, Futility by Robertson, Morgan