What is "to cheer ship"

Cheer \Cheer\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Cheered (ch[=e]rd); p. pr. & vb. n. cheering.]

1. To cause to rejoice; to gladden; to make cheerful; -- often with up.
   --Cowpe.

2. To infuse life, courage, animation, or hope, into; to inspirit; to solace or comfort.

   The proud he tamed, the penitent he cheered.
   --Dryden.

3. To salute or applaud with cheers; to urge on by cheers; as, to cheer hounds in a chase.

   To cheer ship, to salute a passing ship by cheers of sailors stationed in the rigging.

   Syn: To gladden; encourage; inspirit; comfort; console; enliven; refresh; exhilarate; animate; applaud.