deadlight

American  

[ded-lahyt] / ˈdɛdˌlaɪt /

noun

Nautical.

1. a strong shutter able to be screwed against the interior of a porthole in heavy weather.

2. a thick pane of glass set in the hull or deck to admit light.

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deadlight British  

/ ˈdɛdˌlaɪt /

noun

1. nautical

   1. a bull's-eye let into the deck or hull of a vessel to admit light to a cabin

   2. a shutter of wood or metal for sealing off a porthole or cabin window

2. a skylight designed not to be opened

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Etymology

Origin of deadlight

First recorded in 1720–30; dead + light ¹

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

deadlight

Feast on the details: white gold cowlings and guards, tiny coils to scale of halyards hung on mast cleats, even deadlight prisms of acrylic in the cockpit deck.

From Time Magazine Archive

"Fully committed," muttered Denman, as he drew back from the deadlight.

From The Wreck of the Titan or, Futility by Morgan Robertson

He drew back to avoid a brick that threatened to enter the deadlight, and the conversation ended.

From The Grain Ship by Morgan Robertson

All four gathered around the deadlight, and soon agreed that the peculiarly elusive skin of the planet was actually within sight.

From The Lord of Death and the Queen of Life by Homer Eon Flint

We'll put up this here deadlight, and take a double turn on the key!'

From Dombey and Son by Charles Dickens

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