Jettison

The throwing overboard of part of the cargo, or any article on board a ship, or the cutting and casting away of masts, spars, rigging, sails, or other furniture, for the purpose of lightening or relieving the ship in case of necessity or emergency.

Gourlie, Gen. Av. 74.

In its largest sense, it signifies any throwing overboard; but, in its ordinary sense, it means throwing overboard for the preservation of the ship and cargo, and most jurists treat of it in this sense under the head of general average.

3 B. & Aid. 400, Termes de la Ley, Jetsam.