It was not 'Pull a leg' that was used on Georgian period ships but 'Show a leg' If the leg was hairy then the possibility was strong that it belonged to a sailor.

Cannon shot was never piled for reasons already given. The brass plates were flat and had circular recesses to hold the iron shot. Brass was used because brass striking iron could not make a spark.

Even in todays modern navy only brass tools are allowed in magazine areas.

Another expression not often used today is 'To have another shot left in the locker'

Refers to the use of what was called ready use lockers placed near guns to hold a small amount of powder. There was just enough in the RUL's to bring a ship to action and fire whilst the powder monkeys started their run to the magazines which were well below the water line of the ship.

'Tightwad' today has the connotation (or did have) of being tight fisted. Again it comes from the use of extra wadding used to hold the ball in place in a muzzle loading gun. Tighter wadding meant a bit less powder could be used as the seal between the powder charge and the ball in front was better and a better explosive force could be developed.

A much older expression 'to pick a quarell' goes back to the days of the crossbow. The quarrell or quareau was an armour peircing bolt used against mounted knights.

The Pope I believe at one time tried to excommunicate Richard The Lionheart because his armies used crossbows which the Pope stated were unchristian. The Lionheart was not excommunicated as he pointed out it was being used against non-christians. I am not sure of the veracity of that story. Maybe someone will know more.