kentledge

[ kent-lij ]

noun

, Nautical.

1. pig iron used as permanent ballast.

kentledge

/ ˈkɛntlɪdʒ /

noun

1. nautical scrap metal used as ballast in a vessel

Word History and Origins

Origin of kentledge¹

First recorded in 1600–10; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of kentledge¹

C17: perhaps from Old French quintelage ballast, from quintal hundredweight, ultimately from Arabic qintār; see kantar

Example Sentences

I think you had better speak to Captain Kentledge on the subject.

From Project Gutenberg

My breast has felt the last four-and-twenty hours as if a ton of kentledge had been stowed in it.

From Project Gutenberg

Kentledge, kent′lej, n. pig-iron laid in a ship's hold for ballast.

From Project Gutenberg

The ward-room was then scuttled to get at the kentledge, twelve tons of which were thrown overboard.

From Project Gutenberg

Pigs of iron cast for permanent ballast, laid over the kelson-plates, or if in the limbers, then called limber-kentledge.

From Project Gutenberg