deadlight

[ ded-lahyt ]

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. lights.

deadlight

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of deadlight¹

First recorded in 1720–30; dead + light ¹

Example Sentences

It was hot in the room, and rather dark, as the deadlight to the poop-deck was fogged by sea water.

From Project Gutenberg

Then I flooded the boat rapidly through the deadlight till the water came to the level of the coaming.

From Project Gutenberg

Remembering his embarrassment of the morning, Denman did not seek the deck, but looked through his deadlight.

From Project Gutenberg

Then he entered an opposite room—all were unlocked now—from which, slantingly through the deadlight, he saw lights.

From Project Gutenberg

Foster remained, moodily staring through the deadlight, while the other two went forward.

From Project Gutenberg