gather way

Definitions

1. 1

   To begin to move

2. 2

   to move with increasing speed

   • The boat beginning to gather way, too, I threw Sennit the end of a lower-studding-sail halyards, that were brought aft for the purpose, ordered his bowman to let go his hold of the tackle, and dropped the boat a safe towing distance astern
   • The ship tacked with the same admirable precision as before, and on gathering way was found to be looking well up for the entrance to the narrow channel.
3. 3

   to get headway by sail or steam so as to answer the helm.

The neighborhood