to man the yards

Man \Man\ (m[a^]n), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Manned} (m[a^]nd); p.
   pr. & vb. n. {Manning}.]
   1. To supply with men; to furnish with a sufficient force or
      complement of men, as for management, service, defense, or
      the like; to guard; as, to man a ship, boat, or fort.
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            See how the surly Warwick mans the wall ! --Shak.
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            They man their boats, and all their young men arm.
                                                  --Waller.
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   2. To furnish with strength for action; to prepare for
      efficiency; to fortify. "Theodosius having manned his soul
      with proper reflections." --Addison.
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   3. To tame, as a hawk. [R.] --Shak.
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   4. To furnish with a servant or servants. [Obs.] --Shak.
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   5. To wait on as a manservant. [Obs.] --Shak.
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   Note: In "Othello," V. ii. 270, the meaning is uncertain,
         being, perhaps: To point, to aim, or to manage.
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   {To man a yard} (Naut.), to send men upon a yard, as for
      furling or reefing a sail.

   {To man the yards} (Naut.), to station men on the yards as a
      salute or mark of respect.
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