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bilge keel

American  

noun

Nautical.
  1. either of two keellike projections extending lengthwise along a ship's bilge, one on each side, to retard rolling.


bilge keel British  

noun

  1. one of two keel-like projections along the bilges of some vessels to improve sideways stability

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of bilge keel

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

The plan was to roll the vessel upright, resting on the port bilge keel.

From Time Magazine Archive

On emerging from the trap-door they turned sharp to the left, and made their way toward the bow along the tunnel-like passage between the ship’s bottom and the starboard bilge keel.

From The Log of the Flying Fish A Story of Aerial and Submarine Peril and Adventure by Browne, Gordon

An external bilge keel about 300 feet long and 25 inches deep was fitted along the bilge amidships.

From Loss of the Steamship 'Titanic' by Government, British

It's soft there, and he worked in over his bilge keel.

From H.M.S. —— by Bower, John Graham

She had not altered her position, except for lying well over on her port bilge keel.

From The Wireless Officer by Westerman, Percy F. (Percy Francis)

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