phr. (nautical).—See quot.
1838. GLASCOCK, Land Sharks and Sea Gulls, II. 193. It was wicked work with them when it came to be SIX UPON FOUR, in other words, when long cruizes produced short commons.
1885. Household Words, 25 July, 260. In his time ‘there were often SIX UPON FOUR aboard ship, and two banyan days in a week,’ which being translated is, the rations of four men were served out amonest six, in addition to which, on two days in the week no rations were served out at all.
