Sail·ing n.
 1. The act of one who, or that which, sails; the motion of a vessel on water, impelled by wind or steam; the act of starting on a voyage.
 2. Naut. The art of managing a vessel; seamanship; navigation; as, globular sailing; oblique sailing.
 Note: ☞ For the several methods of sailing, see under Circular, Globular, Oblique, Parallel, etc.
 Sailing master U. S. Navy, formerly, a warrant officer, ranking next below a lieutenant, whose duties were to navigate the vessel; and under the direction of the executive officer, to attend to the stowage of the hold, to the cables, rigging, etc. The grade was merged in that of master in 1862.
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 sailing master
      n : the ship's officer in charge of navigation [syn: navigator]