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.

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bilge keel British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of bilge keel

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

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

From Time Magazine Archive

On the starboard hand was a smaller hole close to the bilge keel, while there was a slight fracture on the same side eighteen inches from the stern-post.

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

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)

Some of these here land-sharks had trimmed me from top-gallant mast to bilge keel.

From The Boy Aviators' Treasure Quest by Goldfrap, John Henry

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

From H.M.S. —— by Bower, John Graham