drop keel

noun

, Nautical.

1. centerboard.

Word History and Origins

Origin of drop keel¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

While diving to the bottom early that morning she struck an obstacle and knocked off her forward drop-keel.

From Project Gutenberg

I wondered whether I could have swum far with a cracked skull: the Moondaisy's iron drop-keel would have sunk her, of course.

From Project Gutenberg

The drop-keel was for the first time placed in a life-boat in 1885.

From Project Gutenberg