“CELEUSMA, or CELEUMA, in antiquity, the fhout or cry of the feamen, whereby they animated each other in their work of rowing. The word is formed from … to call, to give the fignal. CELEUSMA was alfo a kind of fong or formula, rehearfed or played by the mafter, or others, to direct the ftrokes and movements of the mariners, as well as to encourage them to labour. See CELEUSTES. CELEUSTES, in ancient navigation, the boatfwain or officer appointed to give the rowers the fignal, when they were to pull, and when to ftop. He was alfo denominated epopeus, and by the Romans portifculus; fometimes fimply hortator.” [Encyclopædia Britannica; Or, a Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, and Miscellaneous Literature, Vol.4, 1791]
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