load line

American  

noun

Nautical.

1. Also called Plimsoll line.  any of various lines marked on the sides of a cargo vessel to indicate the depth to which a vessel may be immersed under certain conditions.

2. the line made by the surface of the water on the hull of a loaded ship.

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load line British  

noun

1. nautical a pattern of lines painted on the hull of a ship, approximately midway between the bow and the stern, indicating the various levels that the waterline should reach if the ship is properly loaded under given circumstances

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Etymology

Origin of load line

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

During that period, its load line - which indicates the depth to which it can be safely loaded with cargo - sinks to water-level, indicating it has taken on a heavy load.

From Reuters • Aug. 3, 2022

“My mother worked on the load line during the Vietnam War,” Blewitt said.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 13, 2016

The foreman has filled out a sample ticket with car number, date, load line, initials of sampler and any other notations necessary—such as leakages, etc.

From Deep Furrows by Moorhouse, Hopkins

The agents will hail us to-night and settle matters, for we're on the load line and nigh steved.

From Mr. Trunnell, Mate of the Ship "Pirate" by Hains, T. Jenkins (Thornton Jenkins)

The dimensions of the Columbia are: Length on mean load line, 412 feet; beam, 58 feet.

From Christopher Columbus and His Monument Columbia being a concordance of choice tributes to the great Genoese, his grand discovery, and his greatness of mind and purpose by Dickey, J. M. (John Marcus)