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

See Examples For:

bilge keel

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

From Time Magazine Archive

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

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

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)

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