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

I never did see sitch a craft for heavin’ about like a Dutch lugger in a cross sea.

From Charlie to the Rescue by Ballantyne, R. M. (Robert Michael)

The cross sea also rendered her almost unmanageable, so that, ere long, she was driven to leeward of the outer lightship that marks the north end of the Goodwins.

From The Lifeboat by Ballantyne, R. M. (Robert Michael)

We had light winds and pleasant weather until the 24th, when we had very strong gales from east-south-east, with a high cross sea.

From An Historical Journal of the Transactions at Port Jackson and Norfolk Island by Hunter, John

“Ho! ho!” chuckled Captain Elisha, rolling in his chair, like a ship in a cross sea.

From Cap'n Warren's Wards by Lincoln, Joseph Crosby