Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—L

Ligan

Goods thrown overboard, but tied to a cork or buoy in order to be found again. (Latin ligare, to tie or bind.)

Flotsam.
The débris of a wreck which floats on the surface of the sea, and is often washed ashore. (Latin flotare, to float.)

Jetson
or jetsam. Goods thrown overboard in a storm to lighten the vessel. (Latin jacere, to cast forth, through the French jeter.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Light
Lifting
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More on Ligan from Fact Monster:

  • flotsam, jetsam, and ligan - flotsam, jetsam, and ligan flotsam, jetsam, and ligan [O.Fr.], in maritime law, goods lost at sea ...
  • ligan - ligan ligan : see flotsam, jetsam, and ligan.
  • jettison - jettison jettison [O.Fr.,=throwing], in maritime law, casting all or part of a ship's cargo ...
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