ahull

[ uh-huhl ]

adjective

, Nautical.

1. (of a sailing vessel) with all sails furled and the helm lashed to head into the wind, as in heavy weather.
2. abandoned, with decks awash.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ahull¹

First recorded in 1575–85; a- ¹ + hull ²

Example Sentences

There is little to equal ahull terrier’s grin, however charmingly presented, for sheer astonishing ugliness.

From Literature

A ship, in such a case, would have been instantly brought ahull, but no maneuvering could be applied to our raft, which could only drift before the blast.

From Project Gutenberg

To no purpose did Curtis do everything in his power to bring the ship ahull; every effort was in vain; the Chancellor could not bear her trysail, so there was nothing to be done but to let her go with the wind, and drift further and further from the land for which we are longing so eagerly.

From Project Gutenberg

As I have already said, the ship under her large low-reefed top-sail and fore stay-sail has been brought ahull, that is to say, she copes directly with the wind, by presenting her broad bows to the sea; and so we go on still drift, drift, continually to the south.

From Project Gutenberg

A ship, in such a case, would have been instantly brought ahull, but no manoeuvring could be applied to our raft, which could only drift before the blast.

From Project Gutenberg