Know your Nautical terminology
Today's word was prompted by a question from Melian.
Avast
meaning “stop” or “hold still.” The word was originally derived from the Dutch phrase “houd vast,” which literally means “hold fast.” The frequent usage of this phrase eventually got it slurred down to “hou’ vast” and later “avast.” This became a common term among sea-folk around the late 17th century.
The time period of its adoption is significant. Between 1652 and 1674 the English fought 3 nasty naval wars with the Dutch, primarily over trade. The results were a draw, a disaster, and a flaming disaster for the English.
The long term result was the creation of the Royal Navy in its more effective form by Samuel Pepys. Pepys (PEEPS) had no naval background but was an administrator of the highest order.
WWG1WGA
Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République! Maintenant et Toujours!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic! Now and Forever!)
LonePalm, le Républicain du verre cassé (The Broken Glass Republican)