drift lead

[led]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Nautical.

a lead indicating, by the angle its line makes with the perpendicular, the movement of a supposedly stationary ship or the movement of water past a stationary ship.

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Inequalities in the thickness of drift lead to a still further modification of the surface.

As soon as the Bronx had lost her headway, the screw was stopped, and a drift lead was dropped into the water.

No variation of the drift lead had been reported, and the Bronx was not even swinging at her anchor.

"Mr. Flint, drop a drift lead, and station a hand to observe it," said Christy, hailing the first lieutenant.