WINDWARD

, in Sea Language, denotes any thing towards that point from whence the wind blows, in respect of a ship.

Sailing to Windward. See Sailing.

Windward Tide, denotes a tide that runs against the wind.

WINDAGE of a Gun, is the difference between the diameter of the bore of the gun and the diameter of the ball.

Heretofore the Windage appointed in the English service, viz, 1-20th of the diameter of the ball, which has been used almost from the beginning, has been far too much, owing perhaps to the first want of roundness in the ball, or to rust, foulness, or irregularities in the bore of the gun. But lately a beginning has been made to diminish the Windage, which cannot fail to be of very great advantage; as the shot will both go much truer, and have less room to bounce about from side to lide, to the great damage of the gun; and besides much less powder will serve for the same effect, as in some cases 1/3 or 1/2 the inflamed powder escapes by the Windage. The French allowance of Windage is 1-25th of the diameter of the ball.