quarterdeadeye

Quarterdeadeye is a term sometimes used in maritime contexts, particularly in historical naval settings. It refers to a deficiency in a ship's cannon armament, specifically when one gun out of a broadside of four is inoperable or missing. A broadside refers to the simultaneous firing of all guns on one side of a warship. Therefore, if a ship had four cannons on a given deck or section, and one was not functioning, it would leave three operational guns. This situation would be described as having a "quarterdeadeye" in the broadside.

The term implies a partial loss of firepower and a tactical disadvantage. In naval battles, the ability to deliver a full and effective broadside was crucial for offense and defense. A quarterdeadeye meant that the ship could not bring its full potential to bear on the enemy. While the exact origin of the term is not definitively documented, it likely arose from the practical experiences of sailors and gun crews dealing with the realities of cannon maintenance and combat damage. The loss of even a single gun could significantly impact a ship's combat effectiveness, making the concept of a "quarterdeadeye" a recognizable and meaningful descriptor for those involved in naval warfare.