Definition of signals in English

Wiktionary

signals (Noun)
Plural of signal.

Marine DictionaryUniversal Dictionary of the Marine ⚓️

signals
(signal, Fr.) certain alarms or notices used to communicate intelligence to a distant object at sea.
Signals are made by firing artillery, and displaying colours, lanthorns, or fire-works: and these are combined by multiplication and repetition. Thus, like the words of a language, they become arbitrary expressions, to which we have previously annexed particular ideas: and hence they are the general sources of intelligence throughout a naval armament, &c. See ADMIRAL and ENGAGEMENT.
Signals ought to be distinct, with simplicity. They are simple, when every instruction is expressed by a particular token, in order to avoid any mistakes arising from the double purport of one signal. They are distinct, when issued without precipitation; when sufficient time is allowed to observe and obey them; and when they are exposed in a conspicuous place, so as to be readily perceived at a distance.
All signals may be reduced into three different kinds, viz. Those which are made by the sound of particular instruments, as the trumpet, horn, or fife; to which may be added, striking the bell, or beating the drum. Those which are made by displaying pendants, ensigns, and flags of different colours; or by lowering or altering the position of the sails: And, finally, those which are executed by rockets of different kinds; by firing cannon, or small arms; by artificial fire-works; and by lanthorns.
Firing of great guns will serve equally in the day or night, or in a fog; to make or confirm signals; or to raise the attention of the hearers to a future order. This method, however, is attended with some inconveniencies, and should not be used indiscriminately. Too great a repetition of the cannon is apt to introduce mistakes and confusion, as well as to discover the tract of the squadron. The report and flight of the rockets is liable to the same objection, when at a short distance from the enemy.
It is then, by the combination of signals, previously known, that the admiral conveys orders to his fleet; every squadron, every division, and every ship of which has its particular signal. The instruction may therefore occasionally be given to the whole fleet, or to any of its squadrons; to any division of those squadrons, or to any ship of those divisions.
Hence the signal of command may at the same time be displayed for three divisions, and for three ships of each division; or for three ships in each squadron, and for only nine ships in the whole fleet. For, the general signal of the fleet being shewn, if a particular pendant be also thrown out from some remarkable place on the same mast with the general signal, it will communicate intelligence to nine ships that wear the same pendant.
The preparatory signal given by the admiral to the whole, or any part of his fleet, is immediately answered by those to whom it is directed; by shewing the same signal, to testify that they are ready to put his orders in execution. Having observed their answer, he will shew the signal which is to direct their operations: as,
To chace, to form the line, to begin the engagement, to board, to double upon the enemy, to rally or return to action, to discontinue the fight, to retreat and save themselves. The dexterity of working the ships in a fleet depends on the precise moment of executing these orders; and on the general harmony of their movements: a circumstance which evinces the utility of a signal of preparation.
As the extent of the line of battle, and the fire and smoke of the action, or other circumstances in navigation, will frequently prevent the admiral’s signals from being seen throughout the fleet, they are always repeated by the officers next in command; by ships appointed to repeat signals; and, finally, by the ship or ships for which they are intended.
The ships that repeat the signals, besides the chiefs of squadrons or divisions, are usually frigates lying to windward or to leeward of the line. They should be extremely vigilant to observe and repeat the signals, whether they are to transmit the orders of the commander in chief, or his seconds, to any part of the fleet; or to report the fortunate or distressful situation of any part thereof. By this means all the ships from the van to the rear will, unless disabled, be ready at a moment’s warning to put the admiral’s designs in execution.
To preserve order in the repetition of signals, and to favour their communication, without embarassment, from the commander in chief, to the ship for which they are calculated, the commanders of the squadrons repeat after the admiral; the chiefs of the divisions, according to their order in the line, after the commanders of the squadrons; and the particular ships after the chiefs of the divisions; and those, in return, after the particular ships, vice versa, when the object is to convey any intelligence from the latter to the admiral.
Besides the signals above mentioned, there are others for different ranks of officers; as for captains, lieutenants, masters, &c. or for any of those officers of a peculiar ship. See DIVISION and SQUADRON.

Sailor's Word-BookThe Sailor's Word-Book ⛵

signals
Codes of signals have been used for centuries and changed frequently. Their use is too well known to need explanation. They are conveyed by flags, semaphores, balls, guns, lights, rockets, bells, horns, whistles, &c., and half a century since were carried on with incredible ability. It may be also observed that signal officers of those days became subsequently the élite of the navy; signal-officer being then a proud term of distinction.--Fog-signals, certain operations which emit sound.--Night-signals, either lanterns disposed in certain figures, flashes, or false fires, &c.