bilge keel

noun

, Nautical.

1. either of two keellike projections extending lengthwise along a ship's bilge, one on each side, to retard rolling.

bilge keel

noun

1. one of two keel-like projections along the bilges of some vessels to improve sideways stability

Word History and Origins

Origin of bilge keel¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

An external bilge keel about 300 feet long and 25 inches deep was fitted along the bilge amidships.

From Project Gutenberg

On the starboard hand was a smaller hole close to the bilge keel, while there was a slight fracture on the same side eighteen inches from the stern-post.

From Project Gutenberg

His funny little craft with its inner-tube bilge keels, no less than the bobbing of that football life-preserver, lent touches to the picture that could have been blocked in by no other media.

From Project Gutenberg

Those steamers, it seemed to me, had big bilge keels, for as the tide ebbed they did not heel over.

From Project Gutenberg

It's soft there, and he worked in over his bilge keel.

From Project Gutenberg